She's Struggling

For the life of me I can't sleep. Even after taking my anxiety medication, still no shut eye for me. Guess I am just overflowing with worry.

Today, I handed in a letter to Jada's school requesting that she be evaluated for special education. I had the letter written for about a month now but after our last school meeting, I was very optimistic and thought things would go smoother than they have been.

Last grading period, Jada was on honor roll, even in conduct. This grading period is a whole other situation. Right now, she has two As (Conduct and Strings) and the rest are Cs and Ds. I am so distraught about it. I know Jada wants honor roll. She was crushed last year when she didn't receive a trophy at year end so I know that it means something to her. I know she is doing her best. But she is struggling. I hate that she has to struggle.

One issue is that often times, Jada doesn't write down her full assignments for homework or she forgets something that she needed to complete her work. I mean, how can you study for a test without the material to study? Lack of organizational skills is very common among children with ADHD. I have talked to her teacher several times about checking to be sure everything was written and that she had all her materials but it doesn't always happen. So when it happened again yesterday, I emailed her teacher (who is usually very accommodating) about Jada not having her notebook to study. The response was pretty much too bad. I say it that way but she didn't. She is a good teacher and person. And of all the third grade teachers there, I am thankful that Jada is in her class.

Another issue is....well I don't know why the sudden drastic changes in her grades. I asked her teacher for her opinion and she didn't exactly give me one. So I shall have to investigate.

Another mom of a special needs child suggested that maybe it has to due with the student teacher. Valid point. Maybe the student teacher is teaching more this grading period and the change has thrown Jada off. I hope it is something simple like that. I am going to see about that.

Truth is. It could be anything...any small detail from an outside source or something within her.

So why special education? She does have a 504 in place. With an IEP, she will have access to so many more resources and possible accommodations.

She is a bright girl. She is struggling. And I am at a loss on how to fix it.

I hate the realization that she will have struggles forever, whether diabetes or mood related. It just stinks.