Another Twist

Butterfly Girl's re-entrance meeting after her Reflection Day was a great experience- both for Butterfly and Partner. They arrived a few minutes before the meeting so Partner could speak with Principal. Turns out, he was running late, so the meeting was with one of her Teachers and the Communication Specialist.  Partner started in by letting them know what kind of experience Butterfly had in the past. They quickly understood what she was saying and to help decrease the power dynamics, they suggested everyone sit on the floor so they were all on the same level. Apparently, Butterfly remained in the rocking chair for a few minutes but then joined them on the floor without coercion.

They talked about the Reflection Day and about her agreement. Butterfly participated (which is incredible on its own!) by sharing which teacher she felt safest with and would approach first if she felt like she was beginning to have a hard time controlling her body. She also identified another teacher to approach if the first one was not available. She asked that the school call her Mom when she started to feel that way.   The meeting wasn't long but it was such a significant turning point for Butterfly. She did not feel like she was in trouble. She felt like people were there to help her and that they cared about what she needed in those moments. I think Butterfly took a little leap of faith and decided to trust the people in the room. That has to be healing for her. She has held on to so much distrust and anger from the other school(s).  

I am not expecting a miracle- I am hoping that she will remember her agreement when she begins to feel out of synch with her body - but, most importantly, I know her Teachers will remember. And they will be there to help her through the next moment by reminding Butterfly of her agreement. Over time, Butterfly will begin to trust more knowing that she is safe there. I believe that will allow her to begin to ask for help before things escalate. And that is a lesson she can carry with her for the rest of her life. 

Butterfly went on to have a great day at school. An older friend invited Butterfly to come to her classroom in the afternoon. The kids can go visit other classrooms during the day if they are invited by a student in the class and the Teacher says okay. Butterfly was ecstatic when she told me about it that evening. I was too.  I was glad she had a friend that wanted to spend time with her.  I know how much that means to Butterfly. Slowly, it is all coming together. I am so grateful for this school.

So, it was heartbreaking to find out that afternoon that our school might lose it's charter next year. That means no more wonderful school. We just can't believe it. It is always something. However, I am reminded that things always work out for us - even when we think we are at a complete dead end. We will fight for the school.  I have written letters to all the members of the Board of Education. I will attend a meeting Tuesday afternoon.  I will talk to my representatives. We will not let them take away our school. Partner and I have already decided we will not send Butterfly back into a standard classroom.  That means we cannot let our school go away. It has saved Butterfly from a life of psychiatric diagnosis, special ed, medications and whatever else. We do not know of any other schools that offer this kind of educational approach (humanistic) along with NVC in our area. We have to keep our school. I am ready for a good fight.