🙋♀️ The secret to getting what your kids need
"I've been trying hard to reach you, 'cause I don't know what to do" Talk by Coldplay
Wishing everyone a very Happy Father's Day and Juneteenth!
A few years ago, I had a student whose parents were concerned she may have special needs. They waited patiently through the first two months of school until our parent teacher conference at the end of October. When I told the special education teacher, she groaned “I wish they had reached out over the summer.”
I want to let you in on a secret…one that I didn’t even know when I was teaching.
If you’ve got a nagging thought in your head, a concern, something keeping you up at night about your child in school- you can reach out over the summer.
We often imagine schools as being completely shut down over the summer…but a few very important staff members will still be working over the summer, including the principal.
What kind of issues are worth reaching out about?
🖍 You’re concerned your child has a learning disability
🖍 You’re concerned your child is too advanced for their grade
🖍 You’re concerned the teacher they were assigned is the wrong fit
🖍 You think they may need social emotional support from the guidance counselor
🖍 Your family needs to be connected with community support systems (food, rent assistance, grief counseling etc.)
So what should I do?
First, put a few people on the email such as the principal, assistant principal, dean of students, guidance counselor, gifted teacher, or special education teacher. It varies by state who will be there over the summer, so this increases your chances of it being read before Labor Day.
Next, Let them know your concern and ask what are the next steps to address this?
Then, you wait. It might take a week or two to get your response. But, what's important is that the ball is already rolling. Meetings can be scheduled, inquiries can be sent, and the special education teacher will know to observe your child’s behavior from day one. Some processes, like qualifying for gifted/talented programs, speech therapy, or special education can take months or even a full school year. The sooner you can communicate the better!
And if you're preparing for a meeting, check out my video: Top 5 Questions to Ask at your Parent Teacher Conference.
What's New?
🎥 New Video: I released my video on summer slide- check it out and share it with a friend. This is an issue I'm really passionate about: I wish all parents knew about it!
👩🏫 Anniversary: This time of year is really special to me- Last year was my one year anniversary of leaving the classroom and starting my business. This week is my one year anniversary of writing a newsletter. Thank you for supporting me through my first year!
😎 Sun Safe: I have so many friends that use Super Goop's Unscreen Sunscreen, I finally tried it. I'm in love! The best part is it doesn't smell. It's a little pricey, but since the formula is so good I'm incentivized to wear it everyday.
😴 Sleep tight: My mom bought me a NodPod for Christmas and it's been a game changer. It's weighted sleep mask that you can lay on your face. It's the same weight as a bean bag and acts like little blackout curtains on your eyes. I've been experiencing jet lag with my trip to Idaho and it's been so helpful. I fall asleep so fast when I wear it.
A long one this week! Thanks for reading and subscribing ❤️