Another Fight

Yesterday, the news was broke to me that Ethan's classroom will close at the end of the year. Ethan will be forced to attend another school. I have been crying since I found out. I spoke with the principal today and she told me that "It wasn't over, we're still fighting". So, I know that I have her on my side, but really if the EC department made the decision without even consulting with Dr. A, then why would they care how she feels?

Our background: Ethan is in a self-contained severe & profound class. There are currently 3 students in there. 1 teacher, 1 asst. teacher. People may say that it's a class with ONLY 3 kids, it can't stay open. I get that budgets are getting cut left and right, but the teachers are guaranteed a job, so they aren't saving money on salary.

I just wrote that article for NDSC and made a copy for some of the students. I had multiple people come up to me last night and today thanking me for the article and for everything Ethan brings to their classes. You see, it's not just about 3 students. This is about the entire school! Ethan's teacher has implemented a great EC program at school where the typical classes get to know the EC classes and get to learn. They are learning acceptance among differences. The parents thank me for teaching their kids.

I am so sick. I went to the school that I think they will place Ethan at. It's a nice school, don't get me wrong, but it is nothing like where we are. His class would be on the 4th/5th grade hall with the only other interaction with typical peers would be during specials or recess- or unless the IEP states that he has to be mainstreamed for a certain amount of time. The classroom doesn't have carpet! Don't ask me why that means so much to me, but it completely grosses me out that there is no carpet in the classroom.

And, the kicker...as the tour was almost over, the lady says "we don't need to go down that hall because it's just for regular kids anyway". I do believe that I about lost it.

I will be raising holy heck about this. I may be the only one and it may not do a thing, but I promised to fight for Ethan. I have already had multiple faculty members say that they will write letters and attend a board hearing with me if needed.

My question to you is: What would you do? I need extra ideas. My head is so foggy. Pass this on to whomever you can- I need backup.

I just feel that when EC made this choice, they basically said "your child isn't worth it". That just will not sit easy with this Mama Bear!