Teacher conference

The second teacher conference of the year happened today.  The school year is 3/4 of the way over.  I had a major block to this conference.  Every time I realized it was this week it was like a new surprise to me.  And then I couldn't remember what day.  But luckily I showed up on the right day at the right time.

Her last 2 days at school have been rough.  Yesterday she got 7 of 11 checks.  Today she got 8 of 11.  But I was having a hard time reprimanding her.  Because her problems at school this week have been... talking.  Yes, talking.  I know this is important.  I know she needs to be quiet when she needs to be quiet.  I know it is disruptive.  I know it makes it difficult on the teachers and other students.  But let's look at the situation.  She wasn't hitting anybody.  She wasn't pushing anybody.  She wasn't yelling at anybody.  She didn't throw anything at anybody.  She wasn't being defiant.  She wasn't being disrespectful.  She didn't threaten to kill anybody.  Talking.

The good news... she is smart.  I know that.  And sometimes I think it is also the bad news.  She is above grade level in almost everything.  She reads above grade level.  Writes above grade level.  You get the picture.  Except for one thing.  Counting.  Well she can count by 2's to 20.  She can count by 5's to 95.  She can count by 10's to 90.  But she can not count past 39.  Which is where she was at the last teacher conference -- in October. 

And she thinks she is improving behaviorally as well. So all is well.

And then I had to do my homework.  The therapist wanted me to approach the school about getting an IEP for Ladybug.  Ask about the process.  Get their opinion.  So I asked.  And she responded -- smiling, upbeat, sweet, sugary...

"Oh you don't need that."  She doesn't think Ladybug is at that level.  She doesn't think it will be very helpful.  It is a long process -- might not even get on the list to discuss it until next year.  It is a lot of work.  Lots of people have to be involved.  It takes a lot of time to even set it up.  It is also hard on the teachers.  And not really all the extra effort they have to do.  Especially since she is "not all that bad."  She asked if I would be willing to put it off until next year and if things were still bad they could start the process.  I said I was willing to put it off until we have met with the therapist again.  And the psychiatrist immediately following that.

Only 2 more weeks until the next appointment.  We have had a decent week.  But I can feel it building again.  Not complete meltdowns.  But she has been ready to.  Which means she will soon.

Mean Mama