This SUCKS!

[Jorgy]

Next week we have our IEP meeting for Jake. I have NEVER had a problem with the public school cooperating but this year they have a new directer. Even his employees hate him and he is being very difficult. I have done some research so I can go into this meeting full guns if I need to. I have to know my rights. Anyway, because Jake goes to a Catholic school the public school system only has to provide him with limited special help under the No Child Left Behind Law. If I switched him to public school they will provide him with everything he needs. Switching him would not be a problem except:
1. He would only have one year at that school and then would be transfered to another school for 2 years for 5th and 6th grade, and then be transfered to middle school. This seems to me to be accessivly disrupting to a kid that is having problems already.
2. He is just starting to blossom socially and this would take him away from all his friends and put in a social crisis along with an educational crisis.
3. His brothers and sister all go to this school and putting him in another school separate from them wound be demeaning and not especially a boost to the self confidence.
I have paid taxes for public schools and have never used that money. I fully knew that when we chose a religous school for our kids but I would like to see full services provided when my child needs them! I find this very discrimitory. Not even the witches hat and broom can help with this one, I'm afraid...

[mothercat]

Does the federal 504 laws apply to private schools? (I have no clue) I would think if they have IEP's then they should have the other but again..I have no clue. Can you get an advocate at private schools? Would it be so bad of a change if you changed all your kids to public..then it wouldn't be so tramatic to just the one.
We have had kids come to the school here from private ones (only God knows why they would but they have) and they seem to adjust fine. Kids are resiliant and make friends in new places. I think they accept change better than we do. I would do what you think is best for the childs education. If he is not getting what he needs educationally then his social and education will both eventually suffer. Also keep in mind if the head guys employees hate him then maybe he will be willing to work with you. I mean they evidently aren't doing something right if your child is having problems. A popluar boss doesn't mean the same thing as a good boss . Maybe he is trying to change the way they are doing things to make it better and they dont like change.
I would talk to him and atleast go to the meeting before I make a decision.

[catseye]

Jorgy!

Not sure if you read my recent dilemma, but I am facing haveing to possibly move my sd into a different school.... IF we do this we are going to approach it as a good thing, because of how special she is etc (trying to boost that self esteem that is gone right now)...

Right now it isnt an issue, but when my son goes to kindergarten he will be going to a different school then the one sd does (again IF we transfer her)... Sd is also getting better socially, but I think it will actually HELP her in the transfering department... She was so inept at socializing in the begining kids are remembering her that way and not giving her a chance anymore...

I dont know if any of this helps you, but I have started to see the positives of my sd getting a clean slate in a different school... It just might be a good thing... At least I really hope so!! Hang in there...

[mothercat]

In the nearest big town to us..the grades are all split into different schools. k-2 in some, 3-6 in some, and 7&8 in some. Some families I know have kids in 3 seperate schools.. there used to be neighborhood grades schools but they changed it and now almost all kids are bussed. I'm not sure if I would like it or not.