School Records

[eaccae]

Okay - I have a question. I know - it is early and even thinking about school starting is actually making my stomache turn!!! But - I had written the principal a letter asking for a copy of all of Alexander's school records - everything. She said there was no problem and I went to pick them up. I have a copy of all the PPT meetings, the adhd stuff, etc. but that is it. Shouldn't there be something else in his school records - at least copies of his report card - but wouldn't there also be the assment tests, etc. I mean - I want what they would send a school if he were to transfer or move!

I am going to write another letter asking for the rest of his file - but am I correct in thinking that there should be something else in his file other than just the PPT and ADHD stuff?

[catseye]

Im sorry I cant help! I have never had to get school records... So I am bumping this up in hopes someone has a clue!

cat

[finnmom]

Hi Elizabeth

I think there should be more in the file, I know my ds´s file has his report card´s from december´s and may´s, some test´s they´ve done etc. And all those report´s of our meeting´s and so on. So I would ask again, where would those be if not in his file´s, nothing that include´s your son´s education shouldn´t be out of your reach.

[Linda]

I think there should be more in the file....and by law you have the right to look at them.I know here in Michigan they put copies of discipline in there files and you have the right to access them....these files follow the kids where ever they go.

[eaccae]

Thanks, guys. I think there should be more in the file as well. I am thinking perhaps the secretary made a mistake. I know that the principal had called to say it was going to take a little longer because she wanted to make sure the school pscyhologist got all of his stuff together - but of couse that is the ONLY stuff I have so I am thinking perhaps the secretary didn't understand she had to copy the rest of the files. I'll write another letter and see if I can get the rest of it.

[camismom]

I use to be a guidance office secretary, and part of my job was handling the "cum" folders, or records. In addition to what you were given, there would also be copies of IEPs, and notes from any meetings if applicable, copies of test scores such as ITBS and CRTs, discipline records, attendance records, health information, emergency information, and anything pertaining to special needs and special ed if the child was special ed.

Hope this helps!

[Linda]

You said it all Christy....I couldn't remember everything!! ;DI do know she is entitled to go through the files.

[eaccae]

Thanks, guys. I have written the principal a letter requesting the rest of his records. I haven't read through all that I do have yet but I am absolutely appalled at what I have seen!

On one of the reports from the child psychologist it states that the OT did testing and Alexander appeared to have weak upper arm strength. That I was given a set of excercises (like the wheelbarrow) to work with over the summer and basically refused to do them. Well - number one - the kid does NOT have any upper arm weakness - he can do multiple sets of monkey bars for HOURS - literally - without stopping, was in Karate at the time, etc. he has scary upper arm strength and lower arm strength - and I NEVER refused to do them or even stated that I had.

I also read that there was an incident in which the nurse saw DS spit his afternoon pill out. When she asked him about he - he had stated that he had been doing this all year. Well - let me tell you if he had been doing this all year - they would have KNOWN he had, and it is the NURSE'S resposibility to make sure he takes his pill in school NOT mine (although now he is on time-released). Anyway - in the file it states that the school nurse left me a message about this and that I NEVER returned her phone call. Actually - I DID return her phone call and we had several conversations about it.

I haven't read anymore because I was getting really upset. They make me sound like some uninvolved mother who doesn't care! In fact - it is the opposite - if I am not on the teacher or the school every week - it all goes to hell in a handbasket! And if it wasn't for me and my needing to figure out what was wrong with DS - he would NOT have been diagnosed with ADHD! I paid $2000 out of pocket to have him tested when he was in Kindergarten because the school wouldn't!!!

Okay - I am done venting.

I guess a question I have - is when I see discrepancies like this - what should I do? Should I write a note asking to be put into his file refuting the information that I see that is incorrect?

[camismom]

eaccae said:

I guess a question I have - is when I see discrepancies like this - what should I do? Should I write a note asking to be put into his file refuting the information that I see that is incorrect?

I certainly would! Like someone else already pointed out, that folder will follow him to middle and then high school, and teachers look at them, believe me!

I would also ask for a conferance with this OT and nurse and refute these claims to them as well, questioning why they lied about it, etc.

[eaccae]

The nurse actually is a wonderful woman - and I don't think she was actually ever asked - because I can't believe she would EVER have lied about it! And I hardly ever have had contact with the OT - although she did call me at home about something entirely different and was extremely nice.

I think there is only ONE person who is writing this all down - the school psychologist!!! He is someone who I have never been able to get a read on at all. But I know a couple of other parents that have had some issues with him. Actually I do know one thing that is in Alexander's file because the school psychologist during a meeting wrote down that Alexander was a possible threat to be watched because on one of the questionnaires I answered that he still had "accidents" (yes pee) from time to time. He did the same thing to another boy with the same questionnaire. If you met Alexander you would laugh your behind off!!!! Where do these people come from?

I think I am going to have to write another letter to be put in the folder and have yet again, another conversation with the principal! I so hope that the 5/6 school next year has a better staff!!!!

I wish I was as confident as you, Christi - that Alexander will have a good year! Well - I will be meeting with the teacher two days before school so hopefully I will be able to get a good read on her. I know that the school has a policy of not changing teachers. But I have been able to reach each teacher - and if I don't like this one - she is gong to have to do something before school starts - I REFUSE to go through last year again!

[sportsmom]

You go girl Right now is a time to nip it in the bud before anything bad starts budding. I wish you luck meeting the teacher--I hope all goes well!!

[Linda]

My hat and broom is dusted and ready if you need it! ;D