Once again, I find myself apologizing for not keeping up with this more regularly, but at least this time it's for a good reason! We have been having a really good fall! Most of this having to do with Sam's success at school. He's settled into his new school quite nicely, and we are seeing improvements daily. The year started out with us being uncertain of everything, and of course expecting things to be rocky due to the newness of the situation, but things began to even out about a month ago, and now Sam seems to be in pretty good shape.
For whatever reason, this fall he seems to be much more aware of his behavior. It seemed like most of the time last year he was not even aware of the things he was doing, or if he was, it didn't affect him at all, let alone enough to want to change what he was doing. This year maybe the difference is the smaller class, the more adult attention, the being able to work at his own pace, etc. We now normally get a good report home each day.
Tom and I had a conference with his teacher and social worker a couple of weeks ago. I can honestly say it was probably the first conference with a teacher that I had ever enjoyed, and not felt like I was either being 1. talked down to, 2. blamed for something, 3. asked what we were going to do about the problem, or 4. dismissed altogether. Both teachers expressed how much they liked Sam and how much he brings to their classroom. He's been tested in math and is able to work at a 3rd grade level. His teacher said she is going to be working with him on the computer. She also said he is going to be integrated into a high-level second grade reading group in January. Tom and I were surprised but happy to hear this, I hope he can deal with it.
The good part about having doubts about his ability to handle a situation is that I am confident they have the resources within this program to help him work through it. It's such a relief to know I can count on them to do their jobs, and help Sam succeed. I know they are not going to be calling us everyday making us aware of some atrocity that Sam has committed. I know they are simply going to deal with whatever comes up, and as a result, we are all feeling better about things.
Some of the things I thought might bother me about not having Sam stay at CES are not bothering me at all. I don't miss all the solicitations from the PTO for either money or involvement, I don't miss the daily exposure to the "cliquey" atmosphere. I enjoy being able to be friends (or not) with people on my own terms. I think Sam accepts being in the new school just fine. I've mentioned visiting the temporary CES and he always says he'd prefer to stay in the car. I know he misses a few of the kids he had in his class last year, and I think by the time they see him again, they will see a few changes. He's making friends in his class, although with all the kids from different towns, and no way of connecting with the other parents, it makes out of school connections pretty much impossible. Thankfully there are still the old playgroup friends, and neighbors down the street.
So much has changed for the better this fall. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have Sam experience this program. Probably the best thing about it is that he can come back next year, same school and same teacher. The thought of being relatively stress-free where school is concerned for another year and a half is enticing!
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