Grade One - Check.

Been there, done that.  Grade one is so yesterday.

Moving on.  Moving up.

 

So much has happened in ten months it is hard to remember it all.  There is alot I wish not to think about again, but there is also lots that was really, really great about Sophie being in school this past year.  To say it was a learning curve for everyone would be an understatement, that is for sure.

So many nights I worried over what was going to be happening the next day, or the day after that in what seemed to be battle after battle.  And it was all ridiculousness.  All we wanted was for Sophie to be part of the class.  It didn't seem like it should be so insurmountable. 

For the kids in the class it was a no brainer.  They love Sophie and were sad when she wasn't part of their day.  Everyone could learn so much from these six and seven year olds.  No preconceived notions of what a person with severe disabilities can or cannot do.  When the goal is for Sophie to thrive in an inclusive setting her educators need to know that each day may look different for Sophie.  That it isn't all about assessment, that sometimes you just can't know what she is taking in, and that is ok.  Her teacher from this year tried so very hard, but I know she was incredibly frustrated.

Sophie loved every moment of being in an inclusive classroom and that is why we went through the struggle.  It was all for her and I know it was worth it.  And we will be there when she needs us to be her advocate again. 

We already have concerns for grade two.  Hopefully with some of the supports we have we will be able to deal with them so that next year is much more enjoyable for all of us.