It's hard to believe that seven years of elementary school (plus two years of preschool) have passed and my little boy has officially graduated from elementary school. Groupings can be set up differently in special education schools. However, with his current K-5 school's closing (they are merging with the middle school program of the same collaborative and both will be in a new building), there was a natural emotional closure for Andrew.
The program, which Andrew attended just this past year, is staffed by good people who do exceptional work. However, it wasn't the right match for him. The students there were obviously more cognitively impaired. Andrew had exactly one friend there, and he grudgingly admits he is going to miss her. I will miss her daily afternoon waves and Andrew-reports, too!
Andrew's new school offers a more appropriate and consistent peer group. Hopefully, he will flourish socially and emotionally and not witness anywhere close to the level of maladaptive behaviors he did this year. It was getting old to hear every night which kid got restrained or put in the "timeout room". Of course, I hope and pray Andrew stabilizes in the new environment (which is pretty touchy-feely and child-centered), and he won't be the kid who needs the physical behavior management.
Happy Graduation Day, Andrew! I am so incredibly proud of all you have accomplished and love you very much.
