It’s Official!

The meeting at Summit Academy was everything I had hoped it would be – and more. 

I met with the education director and another guy who’s title I don’t remember.  While the three of us sat facing each other, discussing the last four years of Wesley’s school experience and all the testing we’ve had done, Wesley sat at a desk facing the wall, quietly playing with origami paper – folding it into a dog. 

I handed over all the paperwork I’ve saved from the past two years and told them the whole story about what we went through at his old school and what I was able to observe from my son, personally, through the year I helped him with ECOT.  As the director took notes, Wesley remained quiet and still.  I kept looking over to him to see if he was falling asleep because it just wasn’t like him to be so calm for so long without getting bored and interrupting me with questions or goofy comments, or rocking and humming in his seat.

After about an hour of questions and answers, the director moved on to tell me more about the school and what they had to offer.  While he was talking, the other guy offered to take Wesley on a quick tour of the school.  After a few seconds of indecision, not wanting to leave me, he agreed to go.   

This school is amazing!! 

Wesley will be put in a classroom of no more than 10 students.  He will have TWO teachers in the classroom at all times.  They will re-test and evaluate him to find the perfect individualized education approach that will both accommodate his needs while also challenging him to succeed.  No hand holding, or enabling in this school!  Wesley will have to earn every bit of the priviledges they offer to Summit Academy students.  Among the standard subjects of study, he will also learn Martial Arts – where he can work towards earning his black belt if he stays with Summit Academy throughout and up to graduation, he will be able to learn how to play the drums – among other instruments of his choice – and will even learn how to compose his own music and make a music CD with his peers, he will earn credits or "bobcat bucks" that he can use to purchase extra time in music, martial arts or art class, or to purchase something from the school store.  Students at Summit Academy don’t have homework, unless they’re unable to finish a classroom assignment – which they’d have to take home to finish.  Every student is fed a free breakfast and lunch every day and will be permitted to have a drink and/or snack with them in class. 

Most importantly, Wesley will NEVER be ignored. 

In addition, Wesley will receive: in-school occupational therapy, social interaction training, phychological evaluations and assistance to help him with his OCD and anxiety and panic, and a gradual introduction to sports (which is difficult for him). 

Twenty minutes after Wesley left the room for his tour, he came back in the room with a huge smile on his face.  I asked him, "Well, did you get to see the school store you were so eager to see?" 

"Yes, Mom.  And mom…they have KITTIES!" 

"Kitties?  Like stuffed kitties?" 

"Yes!  I’m going to buy ALL of them!" 

"What about the Dojo?  Did you see that?"

"Yes, I met Sensei and learned a new hand-shake but I’ll show it to you at home because I’m too embarrassed to do it now.  And, MOM, they have drums!!  Mom, can I go to this school?"

!!!!!!!!

"YES!  YES YOU CAN!!"

I signed the enrollment papers before we left. 

On the drive home Wesley said, "That place felt…nice.  I think I will like going to school there."