The Incident

Well, Jakes school knows how to get in touch with me in an emergency.  Or at least when his father doesn't answer his phone, which is NEVER.  I will admit that I am impressed that this is the first "Incident" phone call I've gotten from the new school.

I was annoyed with the principal because she gave a lead in story to the Incident but failed to let me know right away that Jakes was ok and not in trouble.  10 minutes into the conversation and I'm holding my breath waiting to hear the magical words "J is fine!"

Anyway, it seems there was a sub for computers class and of course the kids were taking advantage (Jakes too).  He was working, talking and singing to himself.  Several kids had politely asked him to stop.  One girl (who has been in guidance several times due to her behaviors toward Jakes and others) threatened to hit him if he didn't stop. He didn't stop and she hit him, several times about his shoulders and head.  I don't think Jakes hit her back (he's not in trouble so he must not have), the fight was broken up, Jakes was sent to the nurse and the principals office.  Stories were taken, consequences doled out and parents called.

After I got off the phone with the principal, I texted JF about the incident and suggested that he call the school.  He sent back that he had talked to them and THANKED me for letting him know.  THANKED me.  Good thing I was sitting down when it came in.  Hell is going to freeze over.

Moving on.......

I texted Jakes last night, just a "hi".  He CALLED me.  He's not supposed to use the phone minutes but he has unlimited texting.  I think he needed his momma.  We talked about the incident and he was ok.  I sent him hugs and I love you's over texting after we got off the phone.  He also denies that he was making noises that were annoying to the class.  I suppose its possible that he doesn't realize he's making the noises but when there were reports from several of the kids and the teacher of his noises, I think he has to accept that fact.  I didn't argue with him over his version of the noises.  Hopefully, his dad will talk with him about it.

Middle school sucks for all kids and especially for special needs kids.  I certainly hope the girl who hit Jakes learns something from the consequences of her actions.  I also hope Jakes learns to stop making the noises when he's asked.

Results of The Meeting

I went to the first Child Study Team meeting at Jakes new school.  It went well, even though I was a little apprehensive for going to the first meeting with JF.  BUT he didn't SHOW!  Father of the Year Award for him!

After the introductions were made, we got down to business.  There were good things said about Jakes and some not so good things, of course. But overall, they are pleased with his behaviors, academically and socially.

I was able to share with them the school setting Jakes was coming from and how pleased I am that he transitioned so well into the bigger school. You could see the astonishment on their faces when I told them there were about 11 kids in the class, a teacher and a one on one aid for Jakes.  I know they were thinking how heavenly that would be!  lol

They are pleased with his work and his attitude (usually). He is still having some (the same) behavioral issues in the classroom but they are working with him. As they learn Jakes and what may set him off, they are able to head things off.

His Language Arts teacher shared that Jakes usually speaks in a monotone voice and doesn't have much expression either. When they were reading the Christmas Carol out loud in class, Jakes really got into the story and did different voices for the different parts that he was reading. Mrs LA said she was so pleased she wanted to jump up and down, clapping her hands. I of course, teared up hearing this too. WAY TO GO JAKES!

My concerns about the calculator were unfounded. The Math teacher said Jakes doesn't use (or need) his calculator even when they are allowed to in class! Again, WAY TO GO JAKES!

They are concerned about his writing. Not his ability, he can construct/deconstruct the sentences and stories as necessary. When he is asked to write about a topic he is very short and to the point. They are going to work on devising writing prompts for him that will help him to become more descriptive in his writing.

Apparently, he failed a math test not because of the calculations but because of having to show his work.  There were two parts to the test, one where they filled in the bubbles and the other where they had to figure everything and explain where the answer came from.  He passed the bubble-filling part, but did so poorly on the "essay" part, that he failed the assessment overall.  Boo.

His social skills teacher shared that overall Jakes is doing very well in her group.  While he is not always able to make adjustments in the group, he is able to articulate to her after the group other ways he could have handled the situations.  We are hoping that with reinforcement and practice, Jakes will eventually be able to apply those skills in the real world.  Its hard for a teenager to apply the skills, let alone a teen with Aspergers.  But there is hope!  He knows what to do, just has to stop and think about doing it.

We will meet in a month to see the progress and to discuss changing from the IEP to a 504 Plan. While I am scared to loose the IEP and the safety it provides us, I can look at going to a 504 as progress. A 504 plan can be an attestation to the fact that Jakes is improving and is becoming more independent.