This week has been an emotional roller coaster. As most of our friends know, Joe has had a really difficult time transitioning from his Montessori preschool to a traditional classroom. It is not the fault of the school. It is just a fact that Joe cannot learn best by sitting still and completing worksheets. John and I discovered a beautiful little Catholic Montessori school not too far from us. We visited. We filled out all the forms and we waited to see if there would be an opening for him. Tuesday morning, I received an email from the school principal stating that they did not feel that they could accept Joe based on the teacher recommendation and information from Joe's 45 minute visit there. I had considered the possibility that Joe might not get in if they were full. I NEVER imagined that he would be denied admission due to any behavior concerns. I pretty much lost it.
For anyone who knows Joe, you know how much energy he has. That is who he is. Joe is not perfect. He is not still. He is not quiet. But what he IS outshines all those things. He is creative, imaginative, loving, busy, intelligent and strong. I love Joe. I don't want to medicate away any little bit of him. I want an educator to look at Joe and see the possibilities. I want Joe to be able to learn in his own way, not just with pencil and paper. Joe is full-on, learning through touching and manipulating, watching and doing. This is what he was able to do in his Montessori preschool. This is what I would like him to do for the rest of his elementary school years.
John convinced the principal from the Catholic Montessori to re-consider. He is visiting Joe's school today to observe him in the classroom. I have no idea what the outcome will be. I have no idea where Joe will go next year. There has to be a place for Joe...
And, there will be a place for him! The school that accepts him as a student will be the lucky ones! It is so upsetting as a parent, I am sure, to have to go through the politics of another's "opinion"! Best wishes to you and John as you go through this "process"!
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Oh happy day! Got an email late last night from the principal at Good Shepherd. He did not feel settled with their decision and wanted to meet with Joe today. Joe was in his element in the Montessori classroom. Everyone agreed that it was a great place for Joe and he will be going there next year. Thank you Good Shepherd...and thank you to Good Shepherd School, too.
DeleteSo sorry to see this post! Ugh. I remember when St. Rita told us they didn't really want Ethan anymore. It was like a kick in the gut. They did it during an IEP meeting, totally taking me by surprise, which felt even worse. I was really worried about what would happen to E-boy, but that was really a huge blessing in disguise. It makes me think that if something is not meant to be, it must be because there is a better fit somewhere and you just haven't yet been lead to it. Or with any luck, this principal will observe your wonderful Joe and see all the things that those who love him see. Ain't it tough having our kids under constant inspection?
ReplyDeleteOh happy day! Got an email late last night from the principal at Good Shepherd. He did not feel settled with their decision and wanted to meet with Joe today. Joe was in his element in the Montessori classroom. Everyone agreed that it was a great place for Joe and he will be going there next year. Thank you Good Shepherd...and thank you to Good Shepherd School, too.
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