Hi all: yes, I have read most of the threads but didn't find the answer I was looking for. Okay, my only child has attended a private school in Garner for kindergarden and 1st grade (he's still there for first grade). We put him in private school because we felt he needed the extra attention. When he was younger, he was very sick and I even quit my job to stay home and nurse him back to health. So, for those reasons and others we felt he needed extra attention because frankly we weren't focused on trying to learn our ABC's and 1,2,3's. We were just trying to survive and get through each day. Happily, he made a full recovery prior to kindergarden and so off he went to the private school. We have truly loved this little school but it only goes through 1st grade. (It's primarily a preschool). So, we are considering Westview but I do have a few questions. 1. He is the kind of kid who learns best when he can take ques from his classmates. So, sitting in rows and not talking to his peers is going to be very tough for him. Not because he is hyper (he isn't) but because he sometimes doesn't understand what the teacher wants him to do. 2. While I have heard that the principal is great at Westview, I have heard you can't request a certain teacher. Okay, if that's the case and I know the type of teacher my son would do best with, will he at least listen to that and place him accordingly. A friend just pulled her child from Westview because her daughter was in a classroom where the teacher yelled a lot and her child was coming home crying each day (she is just one of those kids who can't handle crying). They talked to the principal but he refused to let them move her to another classroom because "all my teachers are good". As we all know, not all teachers are good or are good for your type of child. Just wanting advice here on how to talk to the principal so he understands that I'm just trying to get my child placed with a teacher that is going to work best with his style of learning. He loves school so much right now and I know one bad teacher can ruin it forever. I'm just nervous about such a large school and him getting lost in the mix. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks! PB
PB, you can't request a certain teacher, HOWEVER, you can request not to have a certain teacher and they must comply w/ that rule. Dont' ask, I have no idea. They do get a list of your child's specifics and try to place accordingly. But, it is late rin the year and classes are full so don't know how well that will apply in your situation. Does your child have unique leanring differences that may require a 504B plan? NOT an IEP but a 504? Just curious as that would make a world of difference. Ask for a meeting but come prepared for reasons as to why your child should be placed in a certain type of setting. Good luck but my experience w/ the school is that once their mind is made up, it is highly unlikely to change no matter what you bring to the table. Welcome. stephanie--mom to 7
Sorry, I should have been more clear. He will finish out the school year at his current school. I am looking at sending him to 2nd grade at Westview. I am not sure about a 504 plan. I would like to hear more about it and what makes your child qualify for a 504 plan? Thanks, PB
I 504 plan is for children who do not qualify for Exceptional Children's services for whatever reason (testing shows they don't qualify, etc), but they have a health condition that severely impacts their education and other major life functions. A 504 plan lets children have classroom accommodations such as extended time on tests, preferential seating (for vision or attention issues), or testing in a seperate room if there attention issues. This can be something like Narcolepsy where a child falls asleep, or diabetes if the child is going to need to leave the classroom frequently for bloodsugar checks or bathroom breaks. Children can also be placed on emergency 504 if they sustain an injury, for example a broken arm right before EOGs. A lot of people use ADHD as the disorder that most often allows kids a 504 plan, but no health disorder is an automatic road to 504. All children whose parents are interested in a 504 plan must be referred through the Assistance Team process in their school to rule out any learning disability first. At most schools it is the guidance counselor who is in charge of 504 plans, so contact the counselor at West View to learn more.
Mr. V is one of the best principals around, but you should always stand up for your child until you get what you want. Pulling their kids out of school is not an option for most people. I don't know how they define a "good teacher" but yelling at kids is not acceptable and I would have taken the issue all the way to NCDPI if necessary. Public school is not private school. As much as they'd like you to believe otherwise, they really can't individualize each child's education very well. That's just the reality and the limitations you have to accept in public schools.
