Monday, April 18, 2016
Shelley Moore: Transforming Inclusive Education
Published on Apr 4, 2016
Shelley Moore, of The University of British Columbia, is one of the Top 25 finalists in SSHRC's 2016 Storytellers challenge.
The annual competition challenges postsecondary students from across the country to demonstrate—in three minutes or 300 words—how SSHRC-funded research is making a difference in the lives of Canadians. The top entries this year address a range of issues—from sustainable technologies and digital inequality, to food security, transgender issues and special-needs education —and highlight how knowledge about the social sciences and humanities helps Canadians understand and improve the world around us.
Learn more: http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/storytellers
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Friday, September 4, 2015
"Down syndrome 101" - UDSF
Down syndrome 101" - UDSF
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Inclusion, belonging and the disability revolution: Jennie Fenton at TEDxBellingen
Wonderful talk!
Take a listen to this, it's about Inclusion, belonging and the Disability Revolution.
Jennie Fenton is so right on with what she says!! I just wish EVERYONE would listen to this and 'hear' what she's saying.
There is a Disability Revolution going on!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAM9nh8WC-8&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Inclusion is for all students.
Inclusion is for all students no matter what academic grade level they are, as long as they get some benefit.
Any teacher that loves to teach, knows that we all do not learn the same way. Teachers with a diverse classroom of students, should be able to figure out a little something to teach our kiddo's that are 2 or more years below grade level. As long as the student is getting "some benefit" in the least restrictive classroom.
Flexibility and a desire to help someone feel successful and make progress is all anyone wants.
Segregation & Discrimination is so old school and it's 2015 not the 60's!! I am so fed up with the not on grade level discussion and made up rules of the day!
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Friday, March 20, 2015
DS Pins ~ 3.21.15 World Down syndrome Day!
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Katie Swingle speaks to the Florida Senate ~ Thankful for (PLSA) Personal Learning Scholarship Account for her Child
Published on Mar 6, 2015
Personal Learning Scholarship Accounts (PLSA) allow parents of students with certain disabilities to create a customized education plan by choosing the school, services, and therapies that fit the needs of their children.
SENATE BILL 602
Katie Swingle told lawmakers she hopes the program will be able to expand to help more families.
http://youtu.be/5aOGbosjhHY
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Discrimination & Segregation still happens most often to students with Down syndrome.
Inclusion is a discussion most families are not talking about at the dinner table in most households. Unless you have a Child with Down syndrome the topic of Inclusion is talked about often. We know what being excluded and left out is all about. As parents and caregivers we know why it's important for our Children with Down syndrome to be Accepted and Fully Included into general education aka regular classes, sports and all the fun clubs and activities at school and just about everything in and around the Community we all live.
It doesn't feel good to be left out, not called on, not asked or invited to do what others are doing. Everyone wants to have friends and be accepted for who we are, just as we are. Inclusion is a way of thinking that many in society just do not get. Society still has a long way to go in accepting people with disabilities. Acceptance and Inclusion of People with Disabilities in all aspects of living is the CIVIL RIGHTS of today.
Inclusion and being part of the group is the right thing to do!
No one wants to be Excluded!
How would you feel if your name wasn't called and you were left out of what everyone else was doing? No one wants to be forgotten or left to always be last at being picked or not picked at all. How would you feel if you didn't have a BFF? We all want to be LIKED! We all want to be ACCEPTED. Discrimination, doesn't feel good, especially when it's happening to you! Being left out or turned away and not being called on or invited to 'the things' going on is hurtful and insensitive. People, wake up and look around your world, ask yourself:
"Have I ignored or made someone feel discriminated against?"
"Did I make someone feel left out and alone because they have a disability?"
"How can I be more helpful and accepting to those that are different than me?"
"Am I a friend to someone that could use a real friend?"
"Do I have any friends with disabilities?" (If not, why not?)
It doesn't feel good to be left out, not called on, not asked or invited to do what others are doing. Everyone wants to have friends and be accepted for who we are, just as we are. Inclusion is a way of thinking that many in society just do not get. Society still has a long way to go in accepting people with disabilities. Acceptance and Inclusion of People with Disabilities in all aspects of living is the CIVIL RIGHTS of today.
Inclusion and being part of the group is the right thing to do!
No one wants to be Excluded!
How would you feel if your name wasn't called and you were left out of what everyone else was doing? No one wants to be forgotten or left to always be last at being picked or not picked at all. How would you feel if you didn't have a BFF? We all want to be LIKED! We all want to be ACCEPTED. Discrimination, doesn't feel good, especially when it's happening to you! Being left out or turned away and not being called on or invited to 'the things' going on is hurtful and insensitive. People, wake up and look around your world, ask yourself:
"Have I ignored or made someone feel discriminated against?"
"Did I make someone feel left out and alone because they have a disability?"
"How can I be more helpful and accepting to those that are different than me?"
"Am I a friend to someone that could use a real friend?"
"Do I have any friends with disabilities?" (If not, why not?)
Let me guess, you clicked on this blog because you have a child with Down syndrome and the school doesn't want to allow your Child to be educated in the regular general education classroom. Your school district wants to segregate & have your child "go" somewhere else. A different classroom or a separate special needs school just for students with disabilities. I am only guessing, but this seems to be the way it goes for many (most) of our children sooner or later.
Being your Child's Advocate so they are accepted and part of whatever group or activity is going on is all we can do. We need to continue to Advocate for Inclusion for our Children. We can't make people become friends and like our children, but we sure can do what any good parent would do to make sure our Children are provided any and all opportunities that life throws our way from day-to-day. It means we do all we can to have our Children involved in all sorts of things that make our Children HaPpY!
INCLUSION IS AN ATTITUDE!
Inclusion is Natural~by Katie Snow
http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
Being your Child's Advocate so they are accepted and part of whatever group or activity is going on is all we can do. We need to continue to Advocate for Inclusion for our Children. We can't make people become friends and like our children, but we sure can do what any good parent would do to make sure our Children are provided any and all opportunities that life throws our way from day-to-day. It means we do all we can to have our Children involved in all sorts of things that make our Children HaPpY!
INCLUSION IS AN ATTITUDE!
Inclusion is Natural~by Katie Snow
http://www.disabilityisnatural.com/
Oh how I wish I could take the hurt away I see when my own daughter is left out or forgotten. I so wish that discrimination and segregation wasn't allowed to happen today to anyone that has DIFFERENT ABILITIES! Why can't people see the discrimination and the hurt it causes others? Until it happens to you or someone you know and love, most will never really know what discrimination feels like and what it does to the core of a person's heart. It leaves a scar.
What can YOU do to make a difference in someone's life that is different than you in some way? We are all unique and wonderfully made. Be a better friend to that boy or girl you know is lonely and left alone by others or not called on and included in what everyone else is doing. You see those students that are Segregated in your school, reach out to them. Do the right thing and INCLUDE and become friends with someone new. Everyone wants and needs friends!
You may be the ONLY Friend they ever have!
What can YOU do to make a difference in someone's life that is different than you in some way? We are all unique and wonderfully made. Be a better friend to that boy or girl you know is lonely and left alone by others or not called on and included in what everyone else is doing. You see those students that are Segregated in your school, reach out to them. Do the right thing and INCLUDE and become friends with someone new. Everyone wants and needs friends!
You may be the ONLY Friend they ever have!
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Inclusive Middle School Choir Singing: "Count On Me" Song
YouTube Video by Rene Boyles
3-20-14 Middle school choir pop concert
This is Sarah singing in her Middle School Choir Pop Concert. Look for her in the second row from the front row, and third row from the top row in front of the totally awesome boy with red hair. The student that stands out and makes this video a perfect example of why INCLUSION is good for ALL!
I came across this little video on YouTube and was so moved by what I saw and felt in my heart while watching it. I was moved to tears watching it! This video is perfect to share with everyone on my Blog dedicated to highlighting Positive Inclusion Practices, Inclusion Training Resources, Positive Stories and great Video's pertaining to Inclusion: Down syndrome Inclusion
This video was recorded by her sister, Rene Boyles and uploaded to YouTube.
It's great to see a Middle School doing such a wonderful job of Including ALL Students that LOVE MUSIC!
Music connects us!
Song: COUNT ON ME by John Jacobson's Music Express ~ Volume 12 ~ Got Music
BRUNO MARS LYRICS
"Count On Me"
[Verse 1:]
Oh uh-huh
If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea
I'll sail the world to find you
If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can't see
I'll be the light to guide you
Find out what we're made of
When we are called to help our friends in need
[Chorus:]
You can count on me like 1, 2, 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it
I can count on you like 4, 3, 2
You'll be there
'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah
Ooooooh, oooohhh yeah, yeah
[Verse 2:]
If you're tossin' and you're turnin'
And you just can't fall asleep
I'll sing a song beside you
And if you ever forget how much you really mean to me
Every day I will remind you
Oooh
Find out what we're made of
When we are called to help our friends in need
[Chorus:]
You can count on me like 1, 2, 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it
I can count on you like 4, 3, 2
You'll be there
'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah
Ooooooh, oooohhh yeah, yeah
You'll always have my shoulder when you cry
I'll never let go, never say goodbye
You know...
[Chorus:]
You can count on me like 1, 2, 3
I'll be there
And I know when I need it
I can count on you like 4, 3, 2
You'll be there
'Cause that's what friends are supposed to do, oh yeah
Ooooooh, oooohhh
You can count on me 'cause I can count on you
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
In this CLASSROOM...
Beautiful & REAL INCLUSION going on in this Classroom!!!
Mariah would say, "See...Easy!!"
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Friday, September 5, 2014
What is Inclusion?
What is Inclusion?
It's much like the Shore Line, the Ebb & Flow of the Water Crashing in and then goes back again. Much like my emotions when it comes to day-to-day wanting 'inclusion' as you and I all know how basically simple it can be...but it's not. Sometimes the water comes crashing harder and sometimes it's a little 'lapping' at the shore during flat water. I love inclusion and I know what it looks like. Inclusion is natural, as it should be, because it's about people being together. Inclusion is about different people learning together alongside one another. Sometimes the most simplest thing can change so much!! Pick your battles and enjoy the small baby steps. Celebrate the small stuff.
Here's an article written in 2012 on the importance of Inclusion. The big picture is that times HAVE CHANGED!!
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20120314/ARCHIVES/303149960
It's much like the Shore Line, the Ebb & Flow of the Water Crashing in and then goes back again. Much like my emotions when it comes to day-to-day wanting 'inclusion' as you and I all know how basically simple it can be...but it's not. Sometimes the water comes crashing harder and sometimes it's a little 'lapping' at the shore during flat water. I love inclusion and I know what it looks like. Inclusion is natural, as it should be, because it's about people being together. Inclusion is about different people learning together alongside one another. Sometimes the most simplest thing can change so much!! Pick your battles and enjoy the small baby steps. Celebrate the small stuff.
Here's an article written in 2012 on the importance of Inclusion. The big picture is that times HAVE CHANGED!!
http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20120314/ARCHIVES/303149960
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Inspire Inclusion By Dr. Julie Causton ~ VIDEO #2: Legal Aspects of Inclusive Education
Inspire Inclusion
Video #2: Legal Aspects of Inclusive Education Dr. Julie Causton
http://www.inspireinclusion.com/video-2-legal-aspects-of-inclusive-education/ HERE
IDEA Supplementary Aides & Services Check List to take to IEP meetings! HERE
http://www.inspireinclusion.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/checklist_full.pdf HERE
I am thankful for and inspired to share with you one of the Top Experts in supporting Inclusion for ALL students into neighborhood schools & classrooms they would attend if they didn't have a disability! ~ Dr. Julie Causton
Her Video's and website are JAMMED PACKED with the tools needed to Advocate for our Children to be provided an Inclusive Education. Sign up to receive more useful resources Dr. Julie Causton provides!
This is the Meat & Potatoes!!!!
Have a Great Day!
Pass it on!!
Nancy and Mariah
321 Fun ~ Mariah's Life!
Video #2: Legal Aspects of Inclusive Education Dr. Julie Causton
http://www.inspireinclusion.com/video-2-legal-aspects-of-inclusive-education/ HERE
IDEA Supplementary Aides & Services Check List to take to IEP meetings! HERE
http://www.inspireinclusion.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/checklist_full.pdf HERE
I am thankful for and inspired to share with you one of the Top Experts in supporting Inclusion for ALL students into neighborhood schools & classrooms they would attend if they didn't have a disability! ~ Dr. Julie Causton
Her Video's and website are JAMMED PACKED with the tools needed to Advocate for our Children to be provided an Inclusive Education. Sign up to receive more useful resources Dr. Julie Causton provides!
This is the Meat & Potatoes!!!!
Have a Great Day!
Pass it on!!
Nancy and Mariah
321 Fun ~ Mariah's Life!
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
MORE ON HOW TO PROVE NON-VERBAL KIDS CAN READ!
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Friday, October 18, 2013
IEP Meeting Collaborating as a Team~DS Education & Awareness Day #18
In honor of Down syndrome "Education" & Awareness Month -today is Day 18- I Advocated for a sweet little 6 year old that needs her school to "do the right things" for her to progress academically during this school year.
I surprised the mom, telling her I would attend the IEP this morning with her. In honor of DS Awareness month, I wanted to Help Educate & Advocate for her little Sweetie-Pie. I wanted to help make sure everyone was on board with BELIEVING IN HER ABILITIES!!
I love my Lil Peeps with Down syndrome!!!
Happy Day 18 of Down syndrome month!
Update:
Meeting went well at this school! At first it was edgy....but felt more 'collaborative' as we went along...as it should be. It felt like we were all working as a team for this little funny-silly-always moving little girl. There didn't seem to be that 'rush' to push thru and get this meeting on-n-over with so quickly. Mom said she thought it was only going to be a meeting for just 30 minutes or maybe up to an hour. The meeting moved forward fairly smoothly as we all worked collaboratively for close to 4 HOURS together! Having good discussions updating and doing things a little differently than usual...because this was an IEP meeting that Mom had requested to have, to discuss concerns she has for her daughter's education.
This mommie reached out to me during an ESE Advisory Council Meeting asking "if and can they do" questions she was dealing with at her daughter's school. I met this little "punkin girl" and of course I saw all the wonderful things she was doing and how happy and active she was! ....WOW what a little talker she is too! I was VERY IMPRESSED with how well she talked to me and responded to all my questions I asked her!
Nothing better than reaching out to another parent of a daughter (or son) with Down syndrome too! Another parent that fully understands her very real concerns for her daughter's academic education. Mom was getting discouraged when she noticed her daughter's IEP goals and things written into her IEP document was never changing and always seemed to say the exact same thing year after year.
This was my first meeting attending with this mom and the grandmother at this school. I know they were very appreciative that I 'showed up' to help out!
BTW the front office at this school was decorated so amazing for the Month of October! Two scarecrows, lots of pumpkins, fall leaves, black cats, spiders and lots of orange twinkle lights! This made the school office FUN to come into and felt VERY warm and friendly and absolutely welcoming! This place gets high marks for atmosphere making you feel glad to be there. Made you SMILE when you walked into this school! The fall decorations were a perfect picture opportunity before we left the school. One couldn't resist wanting to take a few quick pictures in that school front office.
Happy Down syndrome Education & Awareness Month!
October 18th, 2013
I love my Lil Peeps with Down syndrome!!!
Happy Day 18 of Down syndrome month!
Update:
Meeting went well at this school! At first it was edgy....but felt more 'collaborative' as we went along...as it should be. It felt like we were all working as a team for this little funny-silly-always moving little girl. There didn't seem to be that 'rush' to push thru and get this meeting on-n-over with so quickly. Mom said she thought it was only going to be a meeting for just 30 minutes or maybe up to an hour. The meeting moved forward fairly smoothly as we all worked collaboratively for close to 4 HOURS together! Having good discussions updating and doing things a little differently than usual...because this was an IEP meeting that Mom had requested to have, to discuss concerns she has for her daughter's education.
This mommie reached out to me during an ESE Advisory Council Meeting asking "if and can they do" questions she was dealing with at her daughter's school. I met this little "punkin girl" and of course I saw all the wonderful things she was doing and how happy and active she was! ....WOW what a little talker she is too! I was VERY IMPRESSED with how well she talked to me and responded to all my questions I asked her!
Nothing better than reaching out to another parent of a daughter (or son) with Down syndrome too! Another parent that fully understands her very real concerns for her daughter's academic education. Mom was getting discouraged when she noticed her daughter's IEP goals and things written into her IEP document was never changing and always seemed to say the exact same thing year after year.
This was my first meeting attending with this mom and the grandmother at this school. I know they were very appreciative that I 'showed up' to help out!
BTW the front office at this school was decorated so amazing for the Month of October! Two scarecrows, lots of pumpkins, fall leaves, black cats, spiders and lots of orange twinkle lights! This made the school office FUN to come into and felt VERY warm and friendly and absolutely welcoming! This place gets high marks for atmosphere making you feel glad to be there. Made you SMILE when you walked into this school! The fall decorations were a perfect picture opportunity before we left the school. One couldn't resist wanting to take a few quick pictures in that school front office.
Happy Down syndrome Education & Awareness Month!
October 18th, 2013
*Should I say the name of the school?
Would the school be OK with it if I did?
*I have permission to post pictures of this sweetie lil punkin face!!
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Discrimination & Retaliation Parent experienced after Advocating for SB 1108
Broward County resident Nancy Linley-Harris and her daughter, sixth-grader Mariah, spoke at the meeting in favor of SB 1108.
Mariah, who is in Parkway Middle School’s S.T.E.M Magnet program, said she loves science and math, and her dream is to go to college with her friends to study to be a veterinarian technician.
Mariah is a student with special educational needs.
“Please, must pass this bill,” she said.
Linley-Harris advocated parents’ rights to sign off on decisions that greatly impact children and their collegiate and professional dreams.
She said the IEP team had made drastic changes in Mariah’s curriculum involving a strategic plan to remove Mariah from a track that would allow her to get a high school diploma. Linley-Harris was not in agreement and filed due process, but “lost miserably.”
“Families are not always in the position to hire lawyers, and districts usually win,” Linley-Harris said at the meeting. “The decision to remove my daughter from being allowed to be taught, learn and earn is shameful.”
Linley-Harris went on to explain the importance of inclusion in IEP. She said her daughter learns by watching, and schools should instill a peer buddy program.
Positive role models “sitting side-by-side with our children with disabilities will help develop friendships and curb bullying with disability awareness,” Linley-Harris said. “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
Proposed education bill reported favorably out of Fla. Senate committee ~ click to read full article.
The above took place on March 18th, 2013 before the Florida Senate Education Committee in Tallahassee, Florida. A group of 'us moms' (6 adults and 14 year old Mariah) had all traveled by van from Sunny South Florida to our State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida. As a group of very concerned Parents raising children with unique learning challenges needing an IEP to receive ESE Special Ed Supports and Services, we desperately needed our voices to be heard and knew we had to testify before the Senate Education Committee our stories to convince all of the Florida Senators how important this particular New Bill was going to be to all of us in securing a quality public education for our children.
Speaking before the Florida Senate was Mariah's very first Public Speech! She was AmaZing!! She made the News and parts of her speech was heard across the Nation in an NPR Radio Program on Special Education!! *National Public Radio! Not bad for a her first speech! Oh of course YES her Tiger-momma is so very proud of her accomplishment of being able to do that! Mariah was heard!! *She has severe Speech & Language delays!
To hear the NPR talk radio program...click here: http://health.wusf.usf.edu/post/parents-could-get-more-control-over-classes-disabled-students
The saddest part of our experience was that back home in Broward County Public Schools.....Mariah's IEP document had been virtually raped by ESE teachers and the ESE staff, the districts legal department by making sure that all the things SB 1108 stood for, Mariah was never going to be allowed to have!!
This is what my heart knows to be true what took place as my experience that happened to me.
I had 10 IEP meetings within a 7th month period, that averaged out to be an IEP pretty much every 2 1/2 weeks all of Mariah's 6th grade year at Parkway Middle School. All the things that "mom" wanted to see happen with Mariah's Academic Education thru the IEP "Process" was not ever going to happen for my daughter...was it because we both spoke out so publicly in support of SB 1108 and helped change a law to help with Parent Rights and Signing off of to agree or disagree to the things 1108 would now provide Florida ESE Parents?
One can only wonder and guess why Mariah's Individual Education Plan was nothing mom would ever in a million years agree to...and every single one of those drawing a paycheck from Broward County Public Schools that had anything to do or knowledge of her "IEP SITUATION" knew that MOST ALL OF IT was without Friendly Collaboration or Care to work with me. My daughter, Mariah was removed from being allowed to be educated in all general education classes like she had always been since Kindergarten. Mariah was forced off the Standard Diploma Track and no longer was to be allowed to take the Florida State Test again...also called the FCAT. She had always taken all the FCAT's in the past all throughout her Elementary years. Parkway Middle School never took the time to inform or allowed Mariah to take the Alternate to the FCAT even. The ESE Specialist never informed Mariah's mom when the Alternate fcat testing would be done either. Needless to say, Mariah was not allowed to take any of the State tests during her sole year in the STEM MAGNET Program at Parkway Middle School. (2012-2013)
Mariah's IEP "PROCESS" during the 2012-2013 was a HOSTILE TAKE-OVER by the Districts Attorney Barbara Myrick and many "players" of my daughter's IEP and what was written in it....all leading towards Mariah losing out on really being educated academically at her "wonderful" MAGNET Middle School!
*Mariah made a few good friends that one year at Parkway, she's easy to recognize. We run into some of her classmates that say, "hi" to her when we are out and about asking her why she doesn't go to Parkway anymore. It seemed the Students had a much better attitude about treating Mariah with respect than some of the Staff at the school did.
Mariah was being cheated out of a Quality Education in Broward County....why? Because they spoke out and were supportive of what it would mean to so many ESE Parents going through the IEP "PROCESS" throughout the State of Florida.
I don't wish what happened to me as my daughter's Parent, teacher and advocate for life on any family! It is all so shameful what took place and is more than likely still taking place with other parents and whole families are being affected by it all. Parents don't know that they are not the only ones being treated so shamefully..they don't know how to stop the "pure nonsense" that is being allowed to continue to take place because of a handful of Really Bad Apples that draw a paycheck...some are pretty hefty paychecks too! .....it's their job...as they have gotten away with it for so long and many of them just don't care about people as people anymore and certainly show they don't really care about educating our children receiving a quality education.....ESE Education!
What was going on back in Broward County Public Schools because Senate Bill 1108 was 'in the works?' As this bill was being put into motion and moving forward at lightening speed...Mariah's mom, was being fiercely retaliated against for wanting her daughter to continue to be fully included in her general education classes, to continue to have her take the FCAT, to provide Mariah with a Curriculum for Intensive Reading and Math even though all her Reading and Math goals were removed and blamed on..."it must be a GLITCH"...really?? The most important parent concern and issue was the school didn't want to continue to have Mariah going to school to be educated so she could earn a High School Diploma anymroe...not caring about her dream of going onto College, "with her Friends one day." Mariah's mom is a long standing passionate Special Ed Advocate, attending many IEP meetings for other parents in Broward Schools, providing help for many students with Down syndrome mostly!
Mariah's mom was forced to file a Due Process with 14 issues and lost on ALL 14 concerns and then to file an OCR-Discrimination case, she lost on that too.
Eventually Mom made the decision to WITHDRAW Mariah from Parkway Middle School and the STEM MAGNET Program on May 24th, about 5 weeks before SB 1108 was to become the Florida Law on July 1st. PARENTS now with this NEW LAW will now have to SIGN OFF on changes to IEP in regards to: Placement ~ Diploma Option and Curriculum and much more.....all the very things the Broward ESE IEP "teamsters" for Mariah DID NOT WANT TO ALLOW HER TO HAVE ANY MORE!!
As Mariah's mother, first teacher and life-long Advocate it was all "PURE NONSENSE" of what all has been allowed to take place while she attended Middle School in a Broward County Public School. Broward's ESE Department Staff and Legal Department was preventing me from having my PARENT INPUT in many ways and my concerns for her reading and math goals and curriculum. Parent involvement to creating an Individual Education Plan for Mariah just was not being allowed to happen the way the Federal IDEA Law is. It is an anything goes here in Broward when it comes to "doing the right thing" by the student especially or respecting the student, parents and their families. Shameful.....
I felt I was forced to remove my daughter from Public Education in ANY Broward Public School because of the PURE NONSENSE that had taken place at Parkway Middle School of the Performing Arts the entire year she was there.
What has been allowed to take place and has ultimately been taken away from my daughter, should never happen to any student or to any parent that is doing what they are suppose to do....be involved in their child's education!
It was not a positive experience while Mariah was attending Parkway Middle School. For Mariah, Science and her STEM classes were her Favorite classes. I believe that the STEM Program is Awesome for EVERYBODY!!
Mariah's first year attending a Middle school, became an involved parents worst nightmare! Dealing with the ESE Department person at the school, she was probably given permission to do all she could to NOT allow Mariah to take the FCAT, or be on the Standard Diploma Track and all the other retaliatory things that took place the entire school year. It was obvious she was placed or "hired" to do the dirty work of leading the 'teamsters' in tearing down my daughter's IEP document that at one time was an "Individual" plan for my daughter's academic education and future career goals.....the actions of some school staff was shameful!
I am over the top glad that SB 1108 was signed into law and is now in affect as of July 1st, 2013.....but still very hurt by how Mariah's Middle school ESE staff & some of her teachers, the Principal and most all of the District ESE, Legal and Due Process Department, all 9 School Board members, now including the Superintendent. Broward Public School District showed me how much they ALL do not do a damn thing to HELP the "pure nonsense" from continuing to happen to a little girl that deserves a quality education like everyone else...is it because she has Down syndrome!!?
......makes you wonder........
Mariah is now attending a Private Christian School using her ESE Funds via the McKay MATRIX Funds....which btw....I had to file a State Complaint because her MATRIX Numbers had been changed out maybe 4 or 5 times in those 7 months and ultimately the District was trying to make it so Mariah's McKay funds were LESS than what they had always been throughout all her grades. It has all been so shameful.
~ Nancy Linley-Harris
September 25th, 2013
Mariah, who is in Parkway Middle School’s S.T.E.M Magnet program, said she loves science and math, and her dream is to go to college with her friends to study to be a veterinarian technician.
Mariah is a student with special educational needs.
“Please, must pass this bill,” she said.
Linley-Harris advocated parents’ rights to sign off on decisions that greatly impact children and their collegiate and professional dreams.
She said the IEP team had made drastic changes in Mariah’s curriculum involving a strategic plan to remove Mariah from a track that would allow her to get a high school diploma. Linley-Harris was not in agreement and filed due process, but “lost miserably.”
“Families are not always in the position to hire lawyers, and districts usually win,” Linley-Harris said at the meeting. “The decision to remove my daughter from being allowed to be taught, learn and earn is shameful.”
Linley-Harris went on to explain the importance of inclusion in IEP. She said her daughter learns by watching, and schools should instill a peer buddy program.
Positive role models “sitting side-by-side with our children with disabilities will help develop friendships and curb bullying with disability awareness,” Linley-Harris said. “If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.”
Proposed education bill reported favorably out of Fla. Senate committee ~ click to read full article.
The above took place on March 18th, 2013 before the Florida Senate Education Committee in Tallahassee, Florida. A group of 'us moms' (6 adults and 14 year old Mariah) had all traveled by van from Sunny South Florida to our State Capitol in Tallahassee, Florida. As a group of very concerned Parents raising children with unique learning challenges needing an IEP to receive ESE Special Ed Supports and Services, we desperately needed our voices to be heard and knew we had to testify before the Senate Education Committee our stories to convince all of the Florida Senators how important this particular New Bill was going to be to all of us in securing a quality public education for our children.
Speaking before the Florida Senate was Mariah's very first Public Speech! She was AmaZing!! She made the News and parts of her speech was heard across the Nation in an NPR Radio Program on Special Education!! *National Public Radio! Not bad for a her first speech! Oh of course YES her Tiger-momma is so very proud of her accomplishment of being able to do that! Mariah was heard!! *She has severe Speech & Language delays!
To hear the NPR talk radio program...click here: http://health.wusf.usf.edu/post/parents-could-get-more-control-over-classes-disabled-students
The saddest part of our experience was that back home in Broward County Public Schools.....Mariah's IEP document had been virtually raped by ESE teachers and the ESE staff, the districts legal department by making sure that all the things SB 1108 stood for, Mariah was never going to be allowed to have!!
This is what my heart knows to be true what took place as my experience that happened to me.
I had 10 IEP meetings within a 7th month period, that averaged out to be an IEP pretty much every 2 1/2 weeks all of Mariah's 6th grade year at Parkway Middle School. All the things that "mom" wanted to see happen with Mariah's Academic Education thru the IEP "Process" was not ever going to happen for my daughter...was it because we both spoke out so publicly in support of SB 1108 and helped change a law to help with Parent Rights and Signing off of to agree or disagree to the things 1108 would now provide Florida ESE Parents?
One can only wonder and guess why Mariah's Individual Education Plan was nothing mom would ever in a million years agree to...and every single one of those drawing a paycheck from Broward County Public Schools that had anything to do or knowledge of her "IEP SITUATION" knew that MOST ALL OF IT was without Friendly Collaboration or Care to work with me. My daughter, Mariah was removed from being allowed to be educated in all general education classes like she had always been since Kindergarten. Mariah was forced off the Standard Diploma Track and no longer was to be allowed to take the Florida State Test again...also called the FCAT. She had always taken all the FCAT's in the past all throughout her Elementary years. Parkway Middle School never took the time to inform or allowed Mariah to take the Alternate to the FCAT even. The ESE Specialist never informed Mariah's mom when the Alternate fcat testing would be done either. Needless to say, Mariah was not allowed to take any of the State tests during her sole year in the STEM MAGNET Program at Parkway Middle School. (2012-2013)
Mariah's IEP "PROCESS" during the 2012-2013 was a HOSTILE TAKE-OVER by the Districts Attorney Barbara Myrick and many "players" of my daughter's IEP and what was written in it....all leading towards Mariah losing out on really being educated academically at her "wonderful" MAGNET Middle School!
*Mariah made a few good friends that one year at Parkway, she's easy to recognize. We run into some of her classmates that say, "hi" to her when we are out and about asking her why she doesn't go to Parkway anymore. It seemed the Students had a much better attitude about treating Mariah with respect than some of the Staff at the school did.
Mariah was being cheated out of a Quality Education in Broward County....why? Because they spoke out and were supportive of what it would mean to so many ESE Parents going through the IEP "PROCESS" throughout the State of Florida.
I don't wish what happened to me as my daughter's Parent, teacher and advocate for life on any family! It is all so shameful what took place and is more than likely still taking place with other parents and whole families are being affected by it all. Parents don't know that they are not the only ones being treated so shamefully..they don't know how to stop the "pure nonsense" that is being allowed to continue to take place because of a handful of Really Bad Apples that draw a paycheck...some are pretty hefty paychecks too! .....it's their job...as they have gotten away with it for so long and many of them just don't care about people as people anymore and certainly show they don't really care about educating our children receiving a quality education.....ESE Education!
What was going on back in Broward County Public Schools because Senate Bill 1108 was 'in the works?' As this bill was being put into motion and moving forward at lightening speed...Mariah's mom, was being fiercely retaliated against for wanting her daughter to continue to be fully included in her general education classes, to continue to have her take the FCAT, to provide Mariah with a Curriculum for Intensive Reading and Math even though all her Reading and Math goals were removed and blamed on..."it must be a GLITCH"...really?? The most important parent concern and issue was the school didn't want to continue to have Mariah going to school to be educated so she could earn a High School Diploma anymroe...not caring about her dream of going onto College, "with her Friends one day." Mariah's mom is a long standing passionate Special Ed Advocate, attending many IEP meetings for other parents in Broward Schools, providing help for many students with Down syndrome mostly!
Mariah's mom was forced to file a Due Process with 14 issues and lost on ALL 14 concerns and then to file an OCR-Discrimination case, she lost on that too.
Eventually Mom made the decision to WITHDRAW Mariah from Parkway Middle School and the STEM MAGNET Program on May 24th, about 5 weeks before SB 1108 was to become the Florida Law on July 1st. PARENTS now with this NEW LAW will now have to SIGN OFF on changes to IEP in regards to: Placement ~ Diploma Option and Curriculum and much more.....all the very things the Broward ESE IEP "teamsters" for Mariah DID NOT WANT TO ALLOW HER TO HAVE ANY MORE!!
As Mariah's mother, first teacher and life-long Advocate it was all "PURE NONSENSE" of what all has been allowed to take place while she attended Middle School in a Broward County Public School. Broward's ESE Department Staff and Legal Department was preventing me from having my PARENT INPUT in many ways and my concerns for her reading and math goals and curriculum. Parent involvement to creating an Individual Education Plan for Mariah just was not being allowed to happen the way the Federal IDEA Law is. It is an anything goes here in Broward when it comes to "doing the right thing" by the student especially or respecting the student, parents and their families. Shameful.....
I felt I was forced to remove my daughter from Public Education in ANY Broward Public School because of the PURE NONSENSE that had taken place at Parkway Middle School of the Performing Arts the entire year she was there.
What has been allowed to take place and has ultimately been taken away from my daughter, should never happen to any student or to any parent that is doing what they are suppose to do....be involved in their child's education!
It was not a positive experience while Mariah was attending Parkway Middle School. For Mariah, Science and her STEM classes were her Favorite classes. I believe that the STEM Program is Awesome for EVERYBODY!!
Mariah's first year attending a Middle school, became an involved parents worst nightmare! Dealing with the ESE Department person at the school, she was probably given permission to do all she could to NOT allow Mariah to take the FCAT, or be on the Standard Diploma Track and all the other retaliatory things that took place the entire school year. It was obvious she was placed or "hired" to do the dirty work of leading the 'teamsters' in tearing down my daughter's IEP document that at one time was an "Individual" plan for my daughter's academic education and future career goals.....the actions of some school staff was shameful!
I am over the top glad that SB 1108 was signed into law and is now in affect as of July 1st, 2013.....but still very hurt by how Mariah's Middle school ESE staff & some of her teachers, the Principal and most all of the District ESE, Legal and Due Process Department, all 9 School Board members, now including the Superintendent. Broward Public School District showed me how much they ALL do not do a damn thing to HELP the "pure nonsense" from continuing to happen to a little girl that deserves a quality education like everyone else...is it because she has Down syndrome!!?
......makes you wonder........
Mariah is now attending a Private Christian School using her ESE Funds via the McKay MATRIX Funds....which btw....I had to file a State Complaint because her MATRIX Numbers had been changed out maybe 4 or 5 times in those 7 months and ultimately the District was trying to make it so Mariah's McKay funds were LESS than what they had always been throughout all her grades. It has all been so shameful.
~ Nancy Linley-Harris
September 25th, 2013
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Believe in and have Expectations for my Child to Succeed!
"Having no expectations shows pity, which shows sadness, sorrow & regret. A child with a disability needs support. Stand behind him, champion and back him! Believe in him and have expectations! They inspire hope, excitement, eagerness and success! Which would you want others to give you?"
- Joan Scanlon-Dise
- Joan Scanlon-Dise
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Friday, September 6, 2013
READING “M&M”s, PART 1 by Natalie Hale
READING “M&M”s, PART 1 by Natalie Hale Click above to read more from Natalie Hale and her wonderful tips on Learning to Read!! Great Resource!!
Click here to read her BLOG ~ SPECIAL READS http://specialreads.com/blog/
Click here to read her BLOG ~ SPECIAL READS http://specialreads.com/blog/
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Look mom!! My new school planner ~ I Love it!
Good News 2013-2014 Student Planner
Love
Joy
Peace
Patience
Kindness
Goodness
Faithfulness
Gentleness
Self-Control
My Fruit-full Prayer
Love so I may love.
Joy to share a smile.
Peace to calm my fear.
Patience to last a while.
Kindness for all I meet.
Goodness in all I do.
Gentleness, and Self-Control,
And Faithfulness to you.
Spirit, may these gifts
Grow ripe each day in me
So I can be a fruit-full branch
For Christ, the Living Tree.
*I couldn't get my pictures to rotate ~ sorry
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Mariah Elizabeth's 1st week at her New School ~ Is this a dream?
"I'm so excited mom!"
"....now what?"
"Mom, that's nuff pictures!"
First Day at her New School ~ I was buzzed in at the security gate with the door ringer and I stepped in at the front office to say hello to the school secretary. She said, "it's OK to go ahead and take her to her classroom." I snapped a few pictures of Mariah, as she was rushing me saying, "come on mom that's nuff pictures!" Mariah was so excited and happy to finally be starting at her New school this morning! I opened the door to her classroom and saw a few students already sitting in desks. Her new teacher greeted her "by saying her name" and asked her to come in and take a particular desk.
Mariah Elizabeth was so excited and eager to meet her new classmates and go to school today! I am excited for her to make new friends and capture new academic growth here at this school that she desperately needs. (Back to the basics of learning and including her in a 'regular' classroom without any hassles about it.
Inclusion should be Natural!
Mariah has a ton of confidence and a strong desire to learn. With just enough support, I know she'll be showing off her independence at this new school. She'll blossom here I'm sure of it!
I gently closed her new classroom door behind her and was glad things went so smoothly this first morning drop off. As I was walking away and going out the security gate, I felt very much at ease at how welcoming it all felt dropping her off there on her first day of school without having to WAIT or wonder would she be safe today. This school operates how schools used to be ~ FRIENDLY & WELCOMING....I call this our LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE SCHOOL. They join 2 different grades together and they all eat at the same time together, so everyone gets to know everyone in the entire school. There is a FAMILY FEEL at this school for sure! After dropping her off her first day of school it took me less than 4 minutes to drive back home. Drive time there in the AM even in the busy AM traffic is 12 minutes at the most.
This is where she is getting to know all of her new school & classmates! Yes they have SWINGS and the "big kids" still like swinging! It's like going to the Park everyday...in fact they DO GO TO THE PARK for some of their PE classes down the street!
The first thing she said when I picked her up after her first day of school was..."Mom!!!!! Guess What!!" " I PLAYED BASKETBALL! I LLLLLLLOVE SPORTS!!!" She was bout jumping out of her skin with excitement that she gets to do SPORTS at school!!! Basketball being her favorite "sport" right now!! Her homeroom teacher is also the PE Coach!
Mariah's at a great place! She is welcomed and valued as the individual she is! Her being a person with Down syndrome is not an issue here at this school!!!
2nd Day of School for Mariah Elizabeth ~ I asked for a home set of class books this morning. Her teacher said, "That will be fine, I'll have them for you. A set will be ready when you pick her up this afternoon." .....and that was that!!! Now THAT'S Customer Service!!! "The way it should be", someone said to me on my FB page. I have to agree, yes the way it should be! No big deal!
Today is Tuesday, the day I pick her up early to take her to her OT-PT-SPEECH Therapies every week. I arranged with the school that I would be picking her up on Tuesdays 15-30 minutes before school lets out. This way she is able to continue attending her Private OT/PT/ST Therapies and won't be missing from her Academic class time at school anymore. No more therapies when she's in school anymore, she receives the best therapies where she has been going for the past 7 years now!
School Day #3 for Mariah Elizabeth
~ FAMILY FEEL!!!! With absolutely NO HASSLES thus far!!!
*Mariah's mommie oh so needs this from a school!!!
Takes me no more than 10 minutes or less to go pick her up after school!!
Mariah keeps telling me how much she LOVES her New School!!
Her very first homework is to memorize a little prayer. Now that can be any more PERFECT for her first homework assignment!!!
Below is her MEMORY Homework due on Friday 8/23/13. She wrote it out a few times, in a little notebook and also on 2 index cards. Today she typed it into an email to her teacher. At home I am teaching her how to use an email program and will eventually have it set up to send 'homework' over to her teacher this way. This is to continue to help Mariah with her computer and keyboarding skills she will need to be successful in life.
Here is what her Memory homework is ~
Dear Father in heaven above,
Fill our minds and hearts with your love,
Watch over us as we work and play
and be with us throughout the day.
Amen
*She typed this herself with a little help from me, to make sure she was using Capitals and punctuation correctly. I copied and pasted it from the email she sent to my email first. My goal is to help her learn how to independently use an email program this school year. Something her past schools were not interested in. Emailing is a skill she has to be taught and without a reason for using it via sending in homework once in a while, she will not gain that important "life skill" that I think is important for her to lean now. I will keep you posted on how the idea goes over when I ask her teacher about this idea.
Reading and practicing her Memory work on the drive to school each day this week.
Picked her up a tad early today to take her to her 1st day back Horse Riding at the Ranch!
Thursday is her HORSE Riding Day! This was 1st day back at the ranch with Katie is the new Riding Instructor for the group lessons. New this year, each rider will now be receiving some 1:1 independent riding lessons on a rotating schedule! This place is our favorite place to be each week! Glad to be back "in session" again!!
Mariah's at a great place! She is welcomed and valued as the individual she is! Her being a person with Down syndrome is not an issue here at this school!!!
2nd Day of School for Mariah Elizabeth ~ I asked for a home set of class books this morning. Her teacher said, "That will be fine, I'll have them for you. A set will be ready when you pick her up this afternoon." .....and that was that!!! Now THAT'S Customer Service!!! "The way it should be", someone said to me on my FB page. I have to agree, yes the way it should be! No big deal!
Today is Tuesday, the day I pick her up early to take her to her OT-PT-SPEECH Therapies every week. I arranged with the school that I would be picking her up on Tuesdays 15-30 minutes before school lets out. This way she is able to continue attending her Private OT/PT/ST Therapies and won't be missing from her Academic class time at school anymore. No more therapies when she's in school anymore, she receives the best therapies where she has been going for the past 7 years now!
School Day #3 for Mariah Elizabeth
~ FAMILY FEEL!!!! With absolutely NO HASSLES thus far!!!
*Mariah's mommie oh so needs this from a school!!!
Takes me no more than 10 minutes or less to go pick her up after school!!
Mariah keeps telling me how much she LOVES her New School!!
Her very first homework is to memorize a little prayer. Now that can be any more PERFECT for her first homework assignment!!!
Below is her MEMORY Homework due on Friday 8/23/13. She wrote it out a few times, in a little notebook and also on 2 index cards. Today she typed it into an email to her teacher. At home I am teaching her how to use an email program and will eventually have it set up to send 'homework' over to her teacher this way. This is to continue to help Mariah with her computer and keyboarding skills she will need to be successful in life.
Here is what her Memory homework is ~
Dear Father in heaven above,
Fill our minds and hearts with your love,
Watch over us as we work and play
and be with us throughout the day.
Amen
*She typed this herself with a little help from me, to make sure she was using Capitals and punctuation correctly. I copied and pasted it from the email she sent to my email first. My goal is to help her learn how to independently use an email program this school year. Something her past schools were not interested in. Emailing is a skill she has to be taught and without a reason for using it via sending in homework once in a while, she will not gain that important "life skill" that I think is important for her to lean now. I will keep you posted on how the idea goes over when I ask her teacher about this idea.
Day #3 ~ On Wednesday's they go Chapel and have to wear their white uniform shirts on that day. They have several colors to choose from for their UNIFORM shirts, white, light blue, navy blue, green, red. Their shirts have to have the school logo...and their logo is so gosh darn cute!!! Mariah Elizabeth is used to wearing a uniform to school, so it's no big deal. She was actually impressed and happy when she took a good look at her New School LOGO on her shirt. On the car ride home her 2nd day she looked at it so proudly and said, "I LOVE THIS SCHOOL MOM!" ....with the cutest smile when she said it!
The school office has a box full of "pre-owned" uniforms in their front office. I was able to purchase a few items really cheap. For me it was like going shopping at a thrift store, which Mariah and I love to do anyway! Picking up a weeks worth of shirts really helped alot! That gurl of mine, she is hhharrd to find clothes that fit her right. We have learned to get creative on where we shop for her clothes. Woman's Capri's fit her legs like long leg pants. We are grateful for Capri's!!
The school office has a box full of "pre-owned" uniforms in their front office. I was able to purchase a few items really cheap. For me it was like going shopping at a thrift store, which Mariah and I love to do anyway! Picking up a weeks worth of shirts really helped alot! That gurl of mine, she is hhharrd to find clothes that fit her right. We have learned to get creative on where we shop for her clothes. Woman's Capri's fit her legs like long leg pants. We are grateful for Capri's!!
This is a page from her Social Studies book that was sent home. I do believe my daughter, Mariah has had the best first hand experience in CIVIC these last few months. Mariah's very first public speech at the State Capitol in front of the Florida Senate Education Committee March 18th, 2013 on Senate Bill 1108 was an experience in Civics that could never be learned in any classroom.
Mariah knows about..."meetings" and "public speaking" and doing things to help change laws already. She has told me she wants to do more Public Speaking because of that experience. She has spoken before the School Board too! Want to see Mariah speaking before the Senate Education Committee 3.18.13 ~ Go to 21:07 - 22:57 on the video. http://thefloridachannel.org/video/program-201311/
Listen to Mariah & her Mom speaking on NPR-National Public Radio
"Mom, I couldn't get into the swing, I need help." "The swings are for big kids, I'm a big kid."
Mariah and I both are looking forward to a wonderful school year ahead!
GO TIGERS! *Great MASCOT!!
.....Does that make me a TIGER MOMMA???
Day #4 ~ Thursday
She was asked to be part of the after school Jewelry Making classes!! Yes yes yes she will be there!!
This is the beautiful bulletin board by the front office! Isn't it pretty? Read what it says!!
Singing and talking on our weekly car ride to the ranch 18 miles away! She is so glad to be back to school and starting back with her weekly horse riding lessons!
This is Katie her new riding instructor this season.
Back sitting on FIRE!! She has been riding FIRE now for a few years!
Mariah is so HaPpY here at the Ranch!
Day 5 ~ 1st Week of School
Friday is PIZZA DAY for Lunch! The lunches are homemade and cost $4 daily. Mariah being on a restricted diet to keep her weight down, she will be taking her own fresh salads and low calorie lunches 3 times a week. She will get to eat Pizza on Friday's with everyone. Mariah likes making her own lunches and deciding what to put in her lunch container. Making her own lunches teaches her responsibility and how to make healthy choices on her own and how to COUNT HER CALORIES that she will have to do for the rest of her life if she wants to be in control of her 'healthy weight'!! She loves salads and eating healthy.
BIG big difference the first week in a Private school compared to Public school first week! There is a calm and trust that she is respected and not babied or denied access to regular classes. Mariah is fully included in all regular general education classes and not segregated into an all special needs only classroom. She no longer has a 1:1 adult aide sitting so close and on top of her. Mariah is proud to be herself here at this school. I think this school is the place where Mariah is going to blossom on so many levels academically and in so many ways as a typical teenager! Mariah has had an absolutely awesome first week at her new school!
Mariah is HaPpY at her New School!!!
......so is her "Tiger Momma!"
"If a child can't learn the way we teach, ...maybe we should teach the way they learn." - Ignacio Estrada
VIEW & SHARE this NEW Video about Down syndrome!
Just Like You! http://youtu.be/5M--xOyGUX4
Down syndrome good practice guidelines for education
To read more about Mariah go to her personal blog at:
321 FUN ~ Mariah's Life Blog
DS Advocate Blog
Down Syndrome Inclusive Education
POD Angels ~ Down syndrome Family Support
Do you have a student with Down syndrome in your classroom? Great Resource out of Michigan! Supporting the Student with Down Syndrome in your Classroom. To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who are not disabled, and special classes, separate schooling, or other removal of children with disabilities from the regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability of a child is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily” 20 U.S.C § 1412(a)(5)(A).
The Florida Channel ~ Mariah Speaking before the Florida Senate Education Committee 3/18/13
The National Center on Inclusive Education (NCIE) at the Institute on Disability/UCED at the University of New Hampshire advances the view that disability is a natural part of the human experience and promotes the inclusion of all students within general education classrooms and school communities.
I am a Special Education Advocate and Parent Trainer. A very proud parent to Mark and Mariah. Aunt Nana to many wonderful "Kiddo's" I hold close under my wing! Helping Parents Partner with Teachers. Helping with quality collaboration & communication so our Children with Unique Learning challenges are provided a Solid Education for their Future Success to Live Life Independently.
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