ok, ok already

We survived the big meeting at School. We sat around one of those liitle tables with small chairs with Teacher, the principle, the school psychologist, the resource specialist, the counselor and an intern. My partner and I came away with two very different perspectives of the meeting. I always see the glass half full. Partner always sees it half empty. That is probably why we make a good team.

I was happy that so many people wanted to be involved in helping Butterfly Girl be successful. Partner felt like they were all saying negative things about Butterfly Girl. Principle did say more than once that Butterfly Girl will be suspended next time she hurts someone. The first time she said it, I said I understood. The sixth time she said it, I thought ok, ok, I got it. And, that is when my Partner, through tears, said Butterfly Girl was already being labeled. We have observed firsthand more than once another student spitting on Butterfly Girl. She spits back. The other student runs and tells Teacher who then yells at Butterfly Girl. Let's remember that these are 5 year olds we are talking about.

Psychologist does not want to give her an assessment because Butterfly Girls behavior does not seem to be impacting her learning. She is very bright and can stay focused on the lessons. We came up with several ideas. One, a counselor will pick up Butterfly Girl after recess to walk her back to class- always a difficult time for her- that transition from no structure to structure. Butterfly Girl will also start group with other kids that have social, emotional challenges. It is called a Friendship Group. That will start in January. We will also see if the counselor can meet with her more often- 2x week. Teacher agreed to help Butterfly Girl by scheduling frequent breaks from activities where Butterfly can go to a different area of the class rooom and color. We will also create a box of feey things - one at home and one at school. When Butterfly feels the urge to go touch a classmate, she will be redirected to the box.

I told them that Butterfly said she feels lonely and sad at school. Teacher said that classmates are saying they don't want to sit next to Butterfly or be in her group. Teacher said she trys not to single her out in class but the other students already "know" that Butterfly is different. It breaks my heart.

We will meet again in February to assess progress. Half days for Butterfly are still in the bucket of possibilites. Principle reminded us one more time at closing the Butterfly will have to be suspended if she hurts anyone again. Ok, ok already.