More School

Okay....

So I met with the public school last week.  Let's see if I can make sense of the plethora of information provided to me:

*approximately 300ish students in one grade alone
*accommodations available in the form of IEPs and 504s, but aren't an option until he's been attending there 30 days and then there is still the entire testing process that could take six more months.
*he will need to spend 45 minutes in the gym waiting for school to open since I'll need to drop him off at 8:15 and school doesn't start until 9:00.
*if he rides the bus (probably wouldn't) his route would not drop him off until 5:00.
*study halls are not monitored
*if they see his math scores are low (they are) he will put in some math class at 3rd period that runs into study hall 4th period, and then into his lunch 5th period where he can stay and continue to work with someone so he can feasibly have three periods of math instruction a day.
*couldn't promise me a top locker, but would try
*he can do LDC (which is like ROTC) in place of PE
*he can choose art or drama as an elective
*if he brings up his language arts grades he can take AP English which is a short class and get one more elective
*there is a police officer monitoring the building
*the principal monitors the building through taped video.
*strict bully policy beginning with a green incident report children can fill out and slip to teachers/administration

I know there is more, but I couldn't keep up.

I was slightly more encouraged than the previous meeting, but the whole 45 minutes and possible 10 minutes waiting for the building open has really turned me off.  That just isn't an option with all of his problems.  We are trying to figure out a way to make it work.

I met with my friend about the K12 Virtual Academy they do, and it was pretty impressive.  It was very structured homeschooling taught through classes on the computer.  All self-paced, but then you have to complete a certain percentage every month so you don't fall behind.  The best part is that they form the lesson plans for you and you are able to move things around according to your needs.   For example, for one of Rosemary's children, she follows the plans verbatim, but her other child she adapts it so that he is doing a week's worth of one subject each day because that works best for him.  They take their tests online and the "school" keeps track of all their grades.  I really did like it and have thought seriously about doing this with Jacob ONE year, just so he wouldn't have to deal with mean kids and just bring his grades up, but, naturally,  my husband isn't convinced.  I don't really think this will be an option for us at all, but it would be nice.

So tomorrow I really need to turn in the re-enrollment forms.   I will likely pay for Jacob to hold his spot just to buy more time, but at this point, we are leaning more towards the public school if we can just figure out the before and after school logistics.

School Update

So we are quickly skating into March and I haven't paid the re-enrollment fee.  Yet.

I met with the junior high principal of the private school last week.  We have gotten no information about that transition so I felt a chat was in order.

The man was nice enough, but, eh, I guess I was expecting too much.  I wanted the we-want-your-kid-here-to-get-a-Christian-education-and-since-you're-paying-we'll-do-everything-we-can-for-you conversation, but what I got was the ole kids-will-be-kids-junior high-is-hard speech.

I can't really say I am surprised.

He did say he would arrange for him to have a top locker next year!   Whoopee!

What I basically took away from it that helps me is:

*65 students in seventh grade
*8 classes with one study hall, one fine arts elective, and (ugh) gym.
*they can drag their backpack all day long, no rules about that as opposed to the public school
*no bully policy, but any issues will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis as necessary
*no learning lab, no academic accommodations, but tutoring offered every afternoon (for free) in most subjects.
*only a handful of teachers who teach the 8 subjects, so he will likely only deal with 3/4 teachers again.

Tomorrow I meet with the principal of the neighborhood middle school.

Friday I meet with my neighbor who homeschools her boys (Jacob's friends) through Texas' K12 virtual academy (computer based learning).  She has so very graciously offered to teach Jacob while I work, but I am not sold on this.  At all.  Just thought I'd listen to what she had to show me and have all my available ducks in a row before I make a final decision.

Oh, and then there was that letter sent home the day after this talk stating their would be a meeting about junior high next  year on Thursday.  I guess once the crazy lady showed up they thought it might be good to let everyone know what was going on.  I may or may not attend that since I think I got what I needed, but who knows.

Stuff

Thanks for the post Sherry!

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?

Nope.  My parents found my name in the As of a baby name book and got lazy and went no further.   My mom had wanted to name me Sarah Denise after her parents, but my dad denied it.   They both agreed Andria looked better than Andrea so there you go.  

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?

At my MIL's funeral.  Yes really.  

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?

Yes.  I have teacher handwriting because, duh, I'm a teacher.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?

I don't really care for lunch meat.  I'd rather have a grilled cheese.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?

Two boys and a girl

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?

Of course.  I am a damn good friend.  

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?

According to Jacob's therapist that is our family language which causes problems for the aspergers child who doesn't understand sarcasm.  

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?

Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?

Never

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?

I would rather have oatmeal, but if I had to, I'd have to go with Froot Loops.  Healthy.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?

I have no shoes that tie. 

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?

I can be.  My boss said I showed great strength after the Shingles/dog death while husband was on vacation/still showed up for work debacle of 2012.  

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?

I am not a big ice cream fan, I'd rather have a popsicle, but I did find a half gallon of Blue Bell Mexican Praline that I've been craving since they discontinued it three years ago just this morning.  If you live in the north and have never had Blue Bell you are really missing out.  

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?

Agree with Sherry......their attitude.  I have made wrong first impressions about people having a bad day.  

15. RED OR PINK?

Ugh neither.  Yellow.  

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?

My every Tuesday migraine and the fifteen twenty pounds I need to lose.  

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?

Ezra

18. WHAT IS THE TECHNIQUE THAT YOU NEED TO WORK ON THE MOST?

I would like to be able to get my children to do what I am asking without eventually resorting to yelling, but I think that's a technique they need to learn, am I right?  

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?

none 

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?

a blood orange

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?

Elizabeth playing Polly Pockets in the bathroom.  The dolls are saying, "splish, splash, splishy, splash" and another one is saying, "Oh no, you've messed your make-up up!"  This is her second bath today.  Free entertainment.  

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?

green

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?

Scentsy french lavender, Johnson and Johnson baby wash, citrus fruit, my mom's spaghetti sauce cooking

24. HOW IMPORTANT ARE YOUR POLITICAL VIEWS TO YOU?

Depends on the view.....I haven't found anything yet  I am so passionate about that I would lose a friend if they disagreed.  

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?

Beach house

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?

college football

27. HAIR COLOR?

red and it is natural and I love it.  

28. EYE COLOR?

brown

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?

sometimes

30. FAVORITE FOOD?

Ranchero Dinner at Ranchos and Garlic Noodles at PF Changs

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?

All Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler movies, except Punch, Drunk, Love.  That was stupid. 

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?

The Odd Life of Timothy Green

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?

yellow pajamas at 5 pm.  oh yes.  

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?

Fall

35. FAVORITE DESSERT?

creme brûlée

36. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?

neither

37. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?

television

38. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?

Let me check my fifth Kindle......Where'd You Go Bernadette?

39. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?

I don't use a mouse

40. FAVORITE SOUND?

wind chimes in the rain and the video I watch every day of Elizabeth and Adam when they were 4 months/2 years just laughing and laughing at each other.  

41. FAVORITE GENRE OF MUSIC?

80s

42. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?

Maine

43. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?

I am a damn good teacher

44. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

Beaumont, Texas

45. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?

League City, Texas

46. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?

a light brown brick which we don't really care for, but it was a 3200 square foot spec house in our price range so we decided to live with it.  

47. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?

green

48. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 48 QUESTIONS?

Sure beats coming up with a good blog post this week!  

Okay, Sherry, find us another one for next week.  ;)

February

So it's February.

I hate February.   I just spent $200 on teacher gifts for Christmas and now I'm expected to at least come up with a box of candy?  That was all fine and good when I had one kid in school, but now three and one with multiple teachers puts a huge dent in the funds.

Then there's the re-enrollment fees.  Yeah.  If I want my kids to go to private school another year I have to fork over $85 each by the end of the month.  Again.  No problem with one kid, huge problem with three.

I work in the preschool on the other side of said school so there really is no question about kid two and kid three attending next year.  There is no way I could get them to their neighborhood school and still be at work on time and I still don't feel comfortable leaving them for ten minutes after I leave to wait on the bus.  Yes I could quit my job, but I love it and I don't want to so there.

Kid one, though, is another story.    I don't think I want him to go there next year.

I have never gotten a good vibe from the teachers this year.  I get the distinct impression that they would actually love it if Jacob were absent a lot more.    They display big "No Bully Zone" posters, yet they don't follow through with that.  When a kid was throwing rocks at Jake's head back in December it was ME who had to call the mother who had no idea her kid had been a huge a#$ for three months.  (Although, seriously, I think she did, but didn't want to admit it, but that's another story).  When Jacob missed four days of school due to his grandmother's funeral, they gave him one day to make it all up and then slapped him with zeros on the rest and he failed all make-up tests from that week because none of them took the time to actually teach the material to him.  Never mind they have a one hour study hall in which they could've helped him.  No.  That might have cut into their important texting time.

Oh, and then there's the whole locker thing.  The whole reason I kept him there in the first place.  Remember how I wanted him to learn how to get his books, move through his classes, figure it all out? Well, he doesn't go to his dang locker.  See.  He has a bottom locker and the huge 200 pound oaf student above him won't let him get to it.  The teachers are out there monitoring the hall but they don't see this as a problem.  Oh sure, he'll get a demerit for being late because he couldn't get to said locker, but, no, those kids shoving him out of the way is normal behavior in Christian school because boys will be boys you know?  That child is going to have a permanent humpback from dragging every one of his books around all day long.  But it's not a problem, oh no.

You think it'd be easy to say, SEE YA!  and yank that file right out of the office on the way to middle school, but it's not.

If he's getting treated this badly at CHRISTIAN school, how much worse is it going to be in public school?  You know, where God doesn't exist and no one cares about what Jesus would do with six times as many bullies students.

As much as I'd like to, homeschooling is NOT an option.  I can't get this child to take a dish to the sink or write ten spelling words one time each without a two hour fight.  I cannot be solely responsible for his education, I just can't.

So now I have 24 more days to weigh my options.  I have called the administration at the middle school and also the private school and haven't heard back from either one.   I am not sleeping well and nyquil isn't helping.

I hate February.