Bragging Rights, Here's Your Chance!!!!

Well, my son isn't graduating this year but I'm going to brag about him just the same. He has autism. I remember when he was 2-years old, the developmental specialist that was assigned to his case told me that he would never talk. Well, he's talking -- he's a little bit delayed but he's certainly catching up. Enough so that he can tattle on his sister when she swipes one of his toys or defend himself when she's saying he didn't something and he didn't.

He's about ready to finish 1st grade (we are year round) and currently spends 99% of his time in a general ed classroom with pull out for speech therapy. During his first trimester he received 1 A, 1 B and 2 Cs (he is not graded for handwriting since that is part of his IEP and they can't fail him). The second trimester, he received 2 As and 2 Bs -- this was after I started telling him that if he worked really hard in class, paid attention and did what all the other kids are doing, then the aide that is supposed to visit him in class to help him out will spend all of her time standing in the back of the class and not bother him while she's there. I guess what I told him made an impression. I'm really glad that I took a "screw you' attitude towards that naysaying "Developmental Specialist."

During my son's annual IEP this year, I brought up the question about whether we should hold him back another year because, although he's pulling in the grades academically, we still have some behavior, social and attentional issues that are, let's just say, a work in progress. My thinking was that if we kept him back a year, he could solely focus on working on his behaviors, his communication and his social skills, and not stress about learning new material at the same time. (You have to keep in mind that, in addition to going to school full-time, he also receives 12 hours of tutoring each week. this kid is busy!) But the IEP team correctly pointed out, and I agree, how much improvement he had made in this year alone and that he really is ready to move on to the next grade level when this school year ends.

So, my son may not be graduating with a cap and gown but he is graduating in a way and I really couldn't be prouder. My goal for myself is to keep him motivated and keep on top of things so that he can receive a regular high school diploma (not just a certificate of attendance) just like all of his peers and so he is able to get into college if he so chooses.

Thanks for giving me a chance to brag.

Wow! You must be proud. Rochester is a great school - and the fact that your child can attend on Merit Scholarships is fantastic! What a great start.

My baby graduated top 10% of his class with a 4.31 average. He has been accepted to several good schools and has been planning to go to Trinity University is San Antonio, another great school where he can play football and baseball.

Since school ended however, a lot of things have happened. They are all good, but I they could take him away from the academic trajectory that he has been enjoying. My son's pitching during playoff season has earned a lot of attention. Now the D1 schools are calling on him. He (ans especially his father) are seeing Pac10 dreams. This may end up taking him on a totally different direction. He is such a smart kid. I pray that he can use wisdom to discern the best opportunity for him long term.

Good luck to all of our babies, no matter where they go and no matter how old they are.

It is an unbelievably proud day. I have had two graduate high school and one from college. It's wonderful, but also allow your self a tiny bit of grief.....the letting go. I really don't want to brag. I want to say that it is a wonderful feeling knowing your offspring is moving towards independence and autonomy. A child that accomplishes that in any way (not necessarily college) is a proud day!

My oldest child is in fourth grade..and the test have not stopped all year. Most weeks he has had two big test since the last week of September. He only received one C and one B- the rest were mostly A+ with a couple of A's. I am so thankful he get such great grades and that he understands everything.
My middle son was extremely shy in certain social situaitions. He attends afternoon kindergarten. In the begining of the year they thought he had some problems because he would not talk to anyone or answer questions. He has overcame his shyness and now they see there is no problem. This was a huge step for him.
My youngest is only 4yrs. I am proud of her she is very outgoing and enjoys drawing.

Congratulations! Isn't it great?

My daughter just graduated high school, she is an energetic, social, happy ray of sunshine - voted most likely to help in her h.s. yearbook. She is guaranteed to have a wonderful life.

My two sons are the greatest. One is mellow, sweet and the nicest guy, and the other is smart as heck and funny, and will probably be president someday. They are all the best people I know, and I'm happy to find that although I'm experiencing a little personal midlife crisis, I don't think I'm going to feel too bad about the empty nest thing. So it's all good!