Confessions of a Wayward Diet Goddess

Alas, no Hip Hopping for my Abs tonight. I checked the USPS tracking site this afternoon and was horrified to read that my package had been misrouted and now they are working to get it back and will get it to me ASAP. Yeah right. And they better include a box of cookies for my troubles and heartache. Do you think the postal service will do that? Maybe they'll give me a free box of stamps or something...

In other dreadful news, the Director of Student Services (DSS) for our school district called me at work this morning. Back in December I initiated some testing for Nick to determine if there was a possibility of dyslexia and ADHD. I was concerned about the results, but not overly so. I figured it would be something minor, we'd deal with it, and move on. Not so much, it seems.

The DSS indicated that Nick's tests results concerned him. His scores were in the low/below average range. God, I want to cry even more having to type that. We're having an emergency meeting tomorrow to discuss a temporary plan of action to get my son the special education services to help him. Then we will meet again on March 11 to discuss an IEP.

At least I think that's what we're doing. To be quite honest, I'm still a little shell-shocked by it all. Which is stupid of me because I've been fighting for almost 4 years to get an IEP for my other son, Alex. I guess God does grant prayers, but He grants them in the way that He sees fit.

I realize that this is not the end of the world, life will go on, and he could have a serious health issue rather than some learning disabilities. I guess I was just in denial that anything could truly be wrong with him and I wasn't really expecting this. But I'm also relieved that we've found some problems and they CAN be addressed! And we can get him some HELP! So it will all be good in the end.

I also realize that this was one single set of tests. I also realize that once he has his surgery next Friday and is able to hear clearly again, the test results could improve. I also realize that if his doctor gives us an ADHD diagnosis at his appointment tomorrow afternoon, and starts him on a medication, his test results could improve. I know my child is not stupid, by any means. I know he is a very bright, wonderful, lovable, and loving little boy...errrr, young man. I know that what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger.

Give your children a big hug and tell them that you love them. Just do it. For me.


***UPDATE***

I just got off the phone with one of my good friends and she happens to be a special education teacher in our school district. She is helping me this time around to try to get an IEP for Alex. I've also asked her to help with Nick's stuff, but only to make sure that Mike and I understand the lingo, the "rules," etc. Basically, she's our Jungle Guide in all of this!

I feel TONS better after having spoken with her! The "emergency" part of Nick's meeting tomorrow isn't so much that there's are horrible problems with my child that need to be addressed immediately, but it's because the kids start their ISAT tests next week. Don't ask me what ISAT stands for because I do not know. I'm guessing it's Illinois State Aptitude Tests....or Illinois Sucky Asshat Tests...or Imelda Steals Apple Tacos... ummmm... probably that last one.

Anyway, my own thoughts on this is that somehow the No Child Left Behind nonsense is tied into these ISAT tests, so they want kids to have higher scores. Low scores equal hand slapping and hand slapping equals being put on warning from state and/or federal government which equals a reduction in funding from said governmental body. So, we need to meet to decide how to best help Nick do his very bestest on the ISAT. And that's it. *whew* I can deal with that!

We'll still meet on March 11 for both kids to try to get official IEPs. My friend, Jungle Guider, will be at Alex's meeting and said she would do everything in her power to make sure we get an IEP for him. She knows stuff and can help. Not only does she know the stuff as a special ed teacher, but she's also the parent of a child with learning disabilities that has been in the special ed system all his life....which was her inspiration to become a special ed teacher. I thank God above that we are friends and she's got my back!

Posted by ~Diet Goddess~ at 6:42 PM |