High school finally starts for Jordan later this month.
It’s been a very long road, everybody. Those of you who’ve been with me since I started blogging have known my little buttercup since she was in fifth grade. We’ve been through involuntary DARE and Communities in Schools signups, involuntary sex education and wholly voluntary yet completely unnecessary Christmas wish lists from well-meaning angels trying to give Jordan a “real” Christmas. What they really gave her was her seventh iPod that is currently on the floor in her brother’s room and a DVD still in its wrapper. But I digress…
Here’s what I’m thinking: I want to fast track high school. Summer school, an extra class here or there, the works. Because of my taking bad advice from various people in the beginning of her school career, she spent three years in kindergarten. She should be entering her junior year, and we are just getting started. Yes, she is still delayed. Yes, there are more than a few math issues associated with her brain injury. Plus, now that I’ve found all the right people to give me the right advice, everyone is saying to leave it alone. No fast track. Just let it be.
But I can’t. And I won’t. Unless you tell me to.
Don’t you think she’d rather be with her age group in school instead of two years older than average? She’s tired of explaining why she’s behind, even though she has a perfectly good explanation (pausing for public service announcement: do not shake babies. That kills or maims, okay, babysitters?) for her behindedness. I’m thinking moving her ahead a little at a time will help psychologically and emotionally. Or push her toward drastic failure. So I’m vacillating.
Listening in comments. Bring Xanax…
I’d say start with her doing an online class or a summer school class next year. Let her get through Freshman year without extra pressure, and see if she’s bored or ready to get out of there. She’ll still be with the age of kids she’s been with for the last several years, and if she’s pushed to be “faster” than she can be, you will regret it. AND, if she can handle doing extra work, give it to her.
That’s my advice. Since you asked.
Hang in there, mama. It’ll all work out OK.
Voix is dying for you to read Story hiatus and the MN Fringe Festival
That sounds perfect. Why not let her get acclimated first? Because I am a nervous moron these days. Thanks for settling me down.
As the mother of a boy who was held back I say let her take an extra course but be ready to pull-out if it seems too much. All I’ve heard for the past ten years is “I really should be in grade X you know” blah blah blah. Give it a wee try on the side.
p.s. sorry I’m not around much, I’m not dealing well.
Lala is dying for you to read Protected- allow me
I’m sorry you’re having such a hard time, Lala. Thanks for taking the time to leave your comment. Taking it slow is a great idea. Please hang in there.
Having some personal insight, I say let her take the extra summer class she will love it. She loves school so letting her not have to go all Summer without it is something that can be remedied. She is a very smart girl and with the extras here or there she can at the very least get to a point where she is more grade level advanced than she is now.
I’m very glad I opened this question to the universe. Now where did I put that math tutor?
What does she want to do? I’d say let her determine her pace.
I was held back one year (for crying every day through kindergarten) and my sister two (TBI). It was hard for both of us at times, but I think we’re both OK now with the way things went down. I sorta did my own fasttracking through high school and college; for my sister, it would have been too much, especially because she chose to give up any grade modifications. Sister worked hard and finished her last year on the A/B honor roll, which gave her more satisfaction than getting done quickly — but it was what she chose.
beth is dying for you to read Grief & loss documentaries
Jordan wants to stick with inclusion classes the first year, then forge ahead without mods the rest of the time so she can get a diploma as opposed to a certificate. Having said that, I will let her determine her best pace, but it’s important for me to have the track outlined ahead of time so I’ll know where we are. Thanks for sharing your experiences!
p.s. Hi, can’t believe I haven’t commented here before as I read all the time. Got Xanax samples at student health services and am happy to share.
beth is dying for you to read Grief & loss documentaries
Wha! Xanax samples? I will meet you this weekend. Thanks!
I say let’s get through this year and then look at some courses for the summer and move on from there. Sometimes being older in a youger crowd is ok. You are mature enough to resist peer pressure, etc. as opposed to the opposite.
Have tech issues and can’t blog right now but wanted u to know filled out and signrd all papers at the legal clinic to file for Divorce today. Rough nite.
Much luv
I love how you said “let’s”. It feels great to have everybody’s support and input on this blog. Bummer about your tech issues, yay for “free” lawyers. Be prepared for a long slog, and write it out the best you can.
I think you should go with your gut. You know Jordan better than anybody and if you think she’s ready, and she wants to, then full steam ahead.
I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? You’d have to pull back if it didn’t work out? I dunno, it appears the benefits outweigh the risks.
I’m sure you’ve already thought of this, but if Jordan needs a tutor, maybe you could check at one of your local universities for students that offer that service. I know around here, there are some students that do it for nada, gratis. Awesome, right?
P.S. I have Ativan, would that do?
Christine is dying for you to read Baby got back
I’ll feel much better once I get a plan outlined. This is a great school district, and I wish we’d been here during the kindergarten fiasco. I’ll put the comments from this post into a folder and add them to her file. Heh. Between my trusted reader advisors and her counselor, someone will keep us on the right track. Does Ativan come in easy to swallow caplets?
It comes in teensy pill-form. Very easy going down.
Christine is dying for you to read Baby got back
Yes to tutoring. Yes yes yes. If she loves school as Q says, then a summer course could be a great thing — especially if it’s in a subject where she struggles (hello, math) so that she can devote all her concentration to it.
Motormouth is dying for you to read changes afoot
Trying to figure out what I can strip from our budget to hire a tutor. I guess I can always rent the entire season of Entourage instead of watching it unfold on HBO.
Her school might have a peer tutoring program for free!
Motormouth is dying for you to read changes afoot
Since Adrian Grenier cut his hair, it hasn’t been the same…
hmm, you’re the mama, listen to your gut. no one knows better! & the only other thing i have to add is even before we had kids (when i was still teaching) i remember a mom asking a TON of questions about her kiddo and then ending the convo with, “i hope i didn’t offend you. but i am her only advocate.” i wasn’t offended, at all, and i’ve *always* remembered that with my own children. we are their advocates and we better do something with that “title!” sending good thoughts your way, as always!!
Minnesota Mamaleh is dying for you to read Minnesota Mamaleh- Mama- What’s Heaven
I think we’ll be okay even if I just let it be. Sometimes I get worked up over nothing. I know, I know. I seem so calm and collected!