First Day of School

Ahh, summer is really over! The kids first day of school was yesterday. They both had great days, thank goodness!

Monkey is in third grade now. He is such a mature and awesome boy! He really makes me proud. He has the same teacher as he had last year, and we love her! She was thrilled to have us, as it means I will be her Room Mom again. Yes, just call me Susie Homemaker, but I love it!!

Peanut is in the same classroom she's been in for two years, since she turned 3. The class she's in goes from age 3 through the end of 8th grade. It's the only severely handicapped class in the district that goes through junior high. There are about 8 kids, and 6 adults (Teacher and aides). I wasn't happy about her going back to this classroom, as prior to now it wasn't kid friendly. Peanut is the highest functioning kid in her class. Most of the other kids are not able to crawl or play with toys or interact in any way. The classroom was dedicated to that type of child, and Peanut had outgrown it. I wanted her transferred to the same school Monkey goes to, and put in a regular special ed class. I also wanted her mainstreamed for a portion of the day.

Turns out that they have a new teacher in her class this year. She's incredible! The classroom is TOTALLY kid friendly, desks at wheelchair height, etc. Centers are set up, it just looks great. I know the teacher from the past, and I am thrilled with her being the teacher. So for now we are going to stay there. Also, I talked to the Director of Special Ed, and Peanut will be mainstreamed for half of the day every day, starting in October!!!

I am so relieved that everything fell into place. I was really geared up for a big fight against the school district, and have even already contacted an advocate! Now I won't need all that, thank goodness.