tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post640005146590208026..comments2023-09-04T11:20:08.804-05:00Comments on Life with the 'Tars: It has been that kind of week.Kylahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03311014761113076785noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-63046946053836742542009-01-26T13:47:00.000-06:002009-01-26T13:47:00.000-06:00I had a similiar problem several years ago. I cont...I had a similiar problem several years ago. I contacted the district superintendent, and he straightened it out for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-50906121854809897002009-01-26T11:58:00.000-06:002009-01-26T11:58:00.000-06:00So. You already have a ton of comments on here, al...So. You already have a ton of comments on here, all of which are much more useful and informative than mine. But I still had to stop and say that this is an OUTRAGE. It pisses me off that you are even having to worry that her education could be taken away over this. GRR! I could go on, but I'll let you get back to the important reading...Jaden Paigehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05711181837109867842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-31179220175631521622009-01-26T09:29:00.000-06:002009-01-26T09:29:00.000-06:00SO angry for you right now. and i SO wish i could ...SO angry for you right now. and i SO wish i could help. HUGS.Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11127692699186571544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-69279923502120090492009-01-26T08:05:00.000-06:002009-01-26T08:05:00.000-06:00Call a lawyer. My parents work in education and, ...Call a lawyer. My parents work in education and, depending on what state you are in, they have different rules about what they can do. But in most states, they HAVE to provide education, even if that means sending a teacher to your home. It costs the district a fortune, but it's your right.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-28172316133224095232009-01-26T07:54:00.000-06:002009-01-26T07:54:00.000-06:00I know that under IDEA, all children are entitled ...I know that under IDEA, all children are entitled to a free and appropriate public education. And children with special educational needs, like KayTar, are entitled to special accommodations, which I assume she has on account of her IEP.<BR/><BR/>You may need a lawyer who specializes in this area. And start contact state agencies that govern the area, or ombudsmen that may exist. <BR/><BR/>In the meantime, don't let them bully you. Point out her health record has improved since her surgery, a surgery that is responsible for 1/2 of the now complained about absences. ANd, if it were me, you might start bringing her in when she's sick... wait in the car for a bit...let them send her home after they figure out that she's sick and they don't want her there infecting other children.<BR/><BR/>I'm sorry. This really sucks.ewe are herehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13339650361453626546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-7625115641521433822009-01-25T22:57:00.000-06:002009-01-25T22:57:00.000-06:00You need to get an advocate. The advocate should ...You need to get an advocate. The advocate should be able to assist in an attorney search, should this become necessary. A case of this nature might find an attorney willing to take it pro bono. Have all letters delivered upon signature only, this is elemental, and the person who pointed it out has definately been through this process before. I do not believe the district would prevail in any courtroom. However, the term appropriate is not accidental in the wording of the accomodations made for children with special needs. In truth, you are your own best line of defense, make yourself familiar with the laws, find a pit bull advocate, and stand strong. Your daughter has a right to an education. Strength be with you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-147964319128421452009-01-25T21:05:00.000-06:002009-01-25T21:05:00.000-06:00Under IDEA the school has to accomodate her and ed...Under IDEA the school has to accomodate her and educate her even if that is sending a teacher to her home to teach her. That isn't what you want and it isn't what she needs. It is expensive and difficult but schools are required to provide necessary services under Federal law starting at age 3. They can put so many road blocks and hoops in hopes that you will give up your "irrational demand that your child be educated" so you will have to dig in your heels and demand that they figure something out. They may be able to pull her but they have to replace it with something if you have an IEP they are under law mandated to work towards meeting her goals. At least that is how it was presented to me in my education classes in college a decade ago. I don't believe that it has changed much. My sister is a sped teacher and she idicates the laws are consistent.Shelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01885859354502969106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-59980238384626165512009-01-25T20:02:00.000-06:002009-01-25T20:02:00.000-06:00Hi, I work in schools as a counselor and the advic...Hi, I work in schools as a counselor and the advice I would give any parent in this situation, I believe has already been given, an emergency IEP requesting the district find appropriate placement for your child (even if it happens to be outside of district). Students with special needs have the right to as normal and fit education as possible and you have to be aggressive with the school district to get these needs met. Remember though that your school's special ed coordinators, teachers, counselors and administrators are only messengers and are usually only doing as they have been told by the district. The school district special education coordinator is the person laying down the law and is the one that should receive your full attention. Good luck and may the force be with you in this battle!Sabrinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00510007206154509277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-55290018869057854022009-01-25T18:27:00.000-06:002009-01-25T18:27:00.000-06:00This is absolutely insane. I don't understand thi...This is absolutely insane. I don't understand this at all. So sorry, I wish I had some insight and / or guidance to offer, but you have my thoughts and prayersMariahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12952616489949080213noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-9384971241911468802009-01-25T18:23:00.000-06:002009-01-25T18:23:00.000-06:00Hello,I will share my experience, which is that th...Hello,<BR/>I will share my experience, which is that the teenager in my and my partner's care was threatened with expulsion from school due to absences (at an alternative school at that). Many of these absences were in reality tardies that were counted as absences. The previous year, late students were tolerated (hello,an alternative, last-chance school should support students who show up at all, right?). As soon as we felt helpless and railroaded by the seemingly all-powerful principal, my partner contacted a child psychologist whom he knew personally. She was then present at all meetings to represent and speak for the student. Apparently, as a state-certified professional, this psychologist does have some powers to report the school, and a responsibility to ensure that students' rights are upheld. Her very presence, knowledge of the law/students' rights, and clear-headed, not emotionally attached, well-spoken strong words ensured that our child stayed in school.<BR/>I might point out that the principal ignored the psychologist's emails and phone calls. My partner and the psychologist hounded her for a meeting.<BR/>I don't know if this helps, but having an advocate was extremely helpful to us and our child. We didn't know the law or children's rights. We couldn't speak for ourselves or our child. Luckily, we knew someone who could (and paid her quite high fees, for us). Maybe someone can recommend such an advocate for your child in your area.<BR/>Good luck to you, and you have my best wishes. You have done so much so far; surely you will succeed in this as well. <BR/>LaurenLauren G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01679274509369634434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-30973593870668405472009-01-25T17:36:00.000-06:002009-01-25T17:36:00.000-06:00You've already received some amazing advice, so I'...You've already received some amazing advice, so I'll just offer my support (and shoulder) here. I know you know how to stand up for KayTar and her rights, and this you'll dso just fine--don't let the school intimidate you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-6076032109443701052009-01-25T17:30:00.000-06:002009-01-25T17:30:00.000-06:00Telling you that her "spot" could be better utiliz...Telling you that her "spot" could be better utilized by someone else is BS. <BR/><BR/>Maddy's ped sent paperwork confirming that she is "medically fragile" and that she missed many days of school because of it. That stopped the harrassment that we received from our school district about her many absences each year. <BR/><BR/>It is up to the school district to provide a free and appropriate education for EVERY child in their district ~ if they currently have a waiting list for services, then they are not following the letter of the law. This is not your problem ~ it is *their* problem.<BR/><BR/>Fight them. Get an advocate. Contact an attorney who specializes in SNs cases. Call your congressman. Document everything.<BR/><BR/>If you haven't already, check out www.wrightslaw.com and order a copy of their book ~ I found that carrying my copy with me to IEP meetings seriously cut down on the amount of BS that the district threw my way ~ an educated parent is the best advocate for a child, and if they know that you know the law, they are less likely to mess with you.<BR/><BR/>I'm so sorry you are going through this. I'm in Texas ~ are you? (I live in DFW.) I have a friend who retained an attorney to get services for her daughter, and I would be happy to call her to get that info if you are also in TX.<BR/><BR/>{{{hugs}}}Kimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00544415025259818809noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-70846324368905372512009-01-25T15:45:00.000-06:002009-01-25T15:45:00.000-06:00In my opinion, it's worth retaining a good special...In my opinion, it's worth retaining a good special education lawyer. For the cost of one good "nastygram" -- strongly worded letter informing the school that you're aware of your rights and are willing to fight for them -- you can change a lot of administrative attitudes.<BR/><BR/>-- An anonymous non-special-education lawyer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-20087242506944376312009-01-25T14:50:00.000-06:002009-01-25T14:50:00.000-06:00I wrote a post about Kaytar. I hope you don't min...I wrote a post about Kaytar. I hope you don't mind. I'm hoping to send more people your way<BR/><BR/>http://tinyurl.com/claehePerksofbeingmehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10708968006988615833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-20484158368366214072009-01-25T14:24:00.000-06:002009-01-25T14:24:00.000-06:00Call Texas' Parent Information Resource Center (PI...Call Texas' Parent Information Resource Center (PIRC) at 210-444-1710. Their mission is providing accurate info to parents who need assistance with their child's Special Ed. services. They will be able to answer many of your questions and can put you in touch with Advocates or with people who can provide additional information or resources. Also check out Wrightslaw.org and order their book "From Emotions to Advocacy". It is an essential book for parent's struggling through the IEP process.<BR/><BR/>Michael Bowman<BR/>Sp. Ed. Teacher / Advocate /<BR/>Friend of Lee LaughlinMichael Bowmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10343513133423435736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-26824693450601927952009-01-25T14:22:00.000-06:002009-01-25T14:22:00.000-06:00The only thing that I can say is that something li...The only thing that I can say is that something like this happened to me in High School when my chronic migraines started up. (I lived in the Plano ISD school district before I moved to Dallas) I ended up fighting the school board in order to no go truant... She is entitled to an education, continue to remind the school of this. Continue to remind the school of her condition, and get her doctor to write a letter stating her condition and why she is missing so many days (though it is obvious, she had surgery... (the letter helped me out TONS) I really don't have any other ideas. I almost was brought out of school for a time to be put into a different school for the special ed course. (I'm Legally blind, on top of the chronic migraines that I am dealing with now). I know that that last statement doesn't help much, but if the letter to the school teachers/people who do attendance/whomever doesn't work go to the school's board and fight it. If that doesn't work then bring her out until she can handle going back to school. This just pisses me off, the fact that she is going through this.. The fact that people just don't understand what we go through with pain and how we can't handle going to school. I'm sorry that I am not more help than this. But if you want more help than this feel free to e-mail me @ celeste@live.com<BR/>This may not be the best thing to say... but good luck?<BR/>~cAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-44267673716186362912009-01-25T14:14:00.000-06:002009-01-25T14:14:00.000-06:00This is unfair, frustrating, and ridiculous. And ...This is unfair, frustrating, and ridiculous. And I'm sorry that you have a new battle on your hands. But I'm so happy that you have so many folks in your corner.motherbumperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16053978199395919666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-74800912547260708852009-01-25T13:33:00.000-06:002009-01-25T13:33:00.000-06:00I don't have an info for you, but I had to comment...I don't have an info for you, but I had to comment because this is so infuriating. It's not enough for your poor daughter to be going through this, but to deal with the school thing too? Ugg. I hope something is able to help. I'm sending good thoughts your way.Lost In Splendorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12266591436382422920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-53404997921798793292009-01-25T13:18:00.000-06:002009-01-25T13:18:00.000-06:00Argh - very frustrating. Hope you can get it resol...Argh - very frustrating. Hope you can get it resolved quickly and with KayTar still in school ... so unfair.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-9545923264367990952009-01-25T13:01:00.000-06:002009-01-25T13:01:00.000-06:00I'm new here and not familiar with your story. How...I'm new here and not familiar with your story. However, if your child attends a public school in the USA, she is entitled to whatever SPED support she needs, regardless of how much time she has missed and who else also needs help. If the school suggests or threatens not to do so for any reason, make IMMEDIATE calls to the Superintendent of Schools and to you state Dept. of Ed. I am a public school educator and parent of a special needs child, so I know that there is a lot of red tape, but that the school MUST give your child what she needs. You should not have to spend money on a lawyer to do this, but you will need to spend time to make sure you have completely educated yourself on your child's rights. Good luckAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-60177495372433332172009-01-25T12:45:00.000-06:002009-01-25T12:45:00.000-06:00I've had to deal with other issues in school syste...I've had to deal with other issues in school systems so will only offer you this advice. If you are unsatisfied on Monday, first find the advocate. Do the ARD. If you are still uncomfortable, then call your local state representative. Seriously...and a reporter if needed. Try the channels first (my guess is someone will get dressed down for the slot thing), but don't be afraid to get the advocate and your state rep involved. It's their job and why one is paid and the other was elected.<BR/><BR/>Try to balance a positive relationship with the district vs standing up for K's rights but when push comes to shove, get her the supporters she needs.B J Keltzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06433937118394895048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-44221233683817927322009-01-25T12:42:00.000-06:002009-01-25T12:42:00.000-06:00I found your story through The Bloggess Twittering...I found your story through The Bloggess Twittering (tweeting) about your latest struggles. <BR/><BR/>I don't have any answers for you, but I want to follow your story. I'm linking your blog into my blog roll so that I can keep following you, but I'm also hoping that maybe people who read mine will have an answer...<BR/><BR/>I don't know. I don't have many readers, but you never know.<BR/><BR/>(If you don't want to be linked to, please let me know.)Ally Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06216447038656584128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-11444565608005675282009-01-25T12:37:00.000-06:002009-01-25T12:37:00.000-06:00It is conceivable that they might think a home pla...It is conceivable that they might think a home placement would be better considering her health issues; but they would still have to provide a teacher. Ask them if they are prepared to do this. If not and this is a public school, I would say prepare for mediation.Sarah Blakehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15877600729910472069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-34557451828136177652009-01-25T11:47:00.000-06:002009-01-25T11:47:00.000-06:00I'm skimming the multitude of comments, so forgive...I'm skimming the multitude of comments, so forgive me if I'm repeating advice already given. <BR/>1. Find an advocate. Many work for no cost; we always bring an advocate to meetings for my son with Asperger's. <BR/>2. See if you can get home-bound schooling added to her IEP. I've taught kids in my regular ed classroom who needed that option (cancer, other severe illness). This would formally recognize her illnesses and the fact that you are working your best to continue her schooling.<BR/>3. Document, document, document. Note all phone calls and emails on the calendar.Daisyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11647906900944224234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33281653.post-5539358571722049292009-01-25T11:28:00.000-06:002009-01-25T11:28:00.000-06:00I'm in the educational system, and I saw a lot of ...I'm in the educational system, and I saw a lot of other comments that would say the same thing, basically hold your ground, she'll stay put until you can all meet formally, read up on all your rights before then, and if you can afford one, get a lawyer. The district will work for you when they realize they can't push you around.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com