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At Ease

One of my biggest worries at the present time is Ashley's transition to middle school. My worry goes beyond my baby girl going on to middle school. My worry is that the teachers and administration at the middle school will not be as accommodating with our concerns regarding Ashley's health. The staff at Ashley's elementary school spoiled me and certainly helped ease my fears when Ashley started elementary school in 2003.

Since Ashley's liver doctor does not want Ashley to take PE next year, I felt it was important to set up a meeting with the school administrators, 6th grade counselor and the school nurse before the new school year. Today at 2 pm I walked into the school office a little nervous that I would not be able to protect Ashley while she was in middle school. After the meeting was over I left relieved that Ashley will be good hands at her new school.

The school not only accepted that Ashley would need to be exempt from PE because of health issues, they also came up with a plan that would help me and Ashley should she get sick at school. Normally the school's policy is to send the kids back to class if they are not running a fever, with Ashley that is not acceptable. The middle school administration assured me that Ashley will not be sent back to class for any reason unless I say she can be sent back to class but only after the school contacts me. They are creating an entire new system to insure Ashley's health at the middle school is a priority when needed, a different protocol will be in place just for my baby girl.

In August, a week before school starts I will meet with all of Ashley's teachers to introduce them to Ashley and to help them understand Ashley's health and how they can work with me at taking care of her while she is in their class. We live 40 minutes away from the middle school so it is very important to me that I feel comfortable leaving my daughter's care in the hands of strangers.

The one thing I hope Ashley's teachers remember is that they may have 2o something kids in their class but the only child that matters to me is Ashley. I don't care how the other children are treated or how they behave or what the teachers feel is normal or acceptable for their students, I only care about my daughter! I know my daughter, they don't. I parent my daughter and they don't. I discipline my daughter and they won't. Open communication is key, I am not going to tell them how to run their class and they aren't going to tell me how to treat my daughter. I am protective, aggressive and proactive when it comes to my children. I have great kids so obviously I am doing something right.

I am at ease with Ashley's move to middle school, now if I can only feel at ease with Ashley's health.

Comments

Unknown said…
I am so glad Sanford Middle was able to help you feel at ease. Please bring Ashley by my classroom in August, or before, just so we can know each other. I will always be available to help you with Brad or Ashley if ever you need me!

Elizabeth

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