mini rant, sorry...

[khbmom]

My oldest is in a self contained emd classroom (8th grade). Yesterday, the school gave all 8th graders a book back with class of 2014 on it. Ds's teacher's aid wrote his name on the outside of his in sharpie.:thud: This isn't the first time something like this has happened. They've done it with tshirts (I've paid for) and other things. Dh and I are a little ticked that now if he carries the book bag, it is like pointing out that he is different. Also, due to his name on it, I don't think it is safe for him to use it away from school.
This by itself is small - it just seems like the school as no respect for the special needs kids. For the 2nd year, they've cut their field trips (other classes get theirs) even though a local civic group paid for everything except gas money.

Thanks for letting me rant - I am probably being too sensitive with this.
Amanda

[cnnc]

I would be annoyed by that, too. If nothing else, it's a safety issue. Why advertise to potential perverts who your son is? I would speak with the teacher about it. And I don't think you're being too sensitive about it, either. :bighug:

ETA: Is homeschooling an option?

[Saralynn]

:hug:

[Cindy M.]

I am so sorry but I am confused. How does carrying the back pack point out your son is different if all the 8th graders have it?

[MaeinTX]

I am so sorry but I am confused. How does carrying the back pack point out your son is different if all the 8th graders have it?

Because 8th graders don't put their names on things- especially for everyone to see in large sharpie print.

I understand it seems small but it is a big deal to kids that really want to be treated just like everyone else.

(Amanda)

:bighug:

[Cindy M.]

OH I thought everyone had their name on it. So sorry..

....and I know very well the struggles of a child that is different.

[khbmom]

ETA: Is homeschooling an option?[/QUOTE]

Dh feels that it would take too much time from hs the younger kids, so unless God lays it on his heart to hs him, that door is closed.

[4littlelambs]

:bighug:

Have you asked them not to do that? Sometimes a simple email stating your heart is all it takes. Something like...

"dear so & so, I wanted to take a second to ask a question. It seems like his name is getting written on items with a sharpie... on the outside... which causes problems for our family in a couple of ways.

First and foremost, it points out to the other 8th graders that he is different. You probably won't see any of their names written in large letters on the outside of their things. He has enough going against him and we feel this is one small area where he could 'fit in' better. Could we agree to write his name on the inside of things... in small print?

It also poses a problem when it's a piece of clothing for the simple reason that our other children can't wear them next. In this economy... every little bit helps.

Thank you in advance for your understanding. I know we all want what's best for ____ and I just want him to be as much like his peers as absolutely possible. "

[khbmom]

Susan,
I have been trying to phrase a note, but couldn't get my "tone" right. Your "spot on" in your wording, so may I have it? I want to believe the intentions are good, there is just a lot of carelessness with the teachers in his room.

Amanda

[dedife]

:bighug:

[MaeinTX]

OH I thought everyone had their name on it. So sorry..

....and I know very well the struggles of a child that is different.

I'm sorry Cindy- I didn't mean to imply you didn't understand. I get sort of- ok- lots defensive in this area as it has been a sore subject at school this year with my own ds struggling to fit in when he has so many other things going on.

:bighug:

[4littlelambs]

Susan,
I have been trying to phrase a note, but couldn't get my "tone" right. Your "spot on" in your wording, so may I have it? I want to believe the intentions are good, there is just a lot of carelessness with the teachers in his room.

Amanda

Of course you can... I hope you already did.:wink:

Please keep us posted.

[khbmom]

Found out ds teacher was out the week this happened. Yesterday was her first day back. I haven't spoken to her yet, but I do feel better knowing it didn't happen on her watch.

[4littlelambs]

Found out ds teacher was out the week this happened. Yesterday was her first day back. I haven't spoken to her yet, but I do feel better knowing it didn't happen on her watch.

YAY!