The answer to that question is a big fat NO from me.

I know that this is the truth because I JUST this week took a moment to look up the calendar for the new school year for my son, Michael and while I KNEW it was August, for some reason it took me by complete surprise and awe to see that the school year for him begins on the 25th of August.

As in about 3 weeks.

As in where the holy heck did summer go and was I just enjoying the summer and helping Elizabeth so much that the days flew by? I guess I would say YES!

So after I got my head out of the sand and let’s be honest that is where apparently it has been residing, Michael and I talked and made a bit of a plan for him about clothes and supplies.

Now truth be told, Michael is my only child who is affected by the arrival of Fall and the whole back to school thing. But the feeling of the start of a school year brings out in me the feelings that we should be looking at a new start.

New goals.

New plans.

Whether in a new school year or not.

So I have a thought that it is time to talk to Elizabeth about new goals, plans etc. ( another blog topic for another day) For those who don’t know, Elizabeth is my daughter with special needs. She has global dyspraxia and SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) Both of these disorders affect each and everyday of her life and require those who are working with her to understand HOW she works and that requires helping them understand her disorders.

So what comes to mind for those who have a child with special needs is the need to fully represent your child to those who will be working with them this new year.

To help the new educators know:

WHO YOUR CHILD IS.

WHAT THEY CAN DO

WHAT SUPPORTS THEY NEED IN PLACE TO SUCCEED

We have all seen what COVID has done to the educational system. With remote learning and in person learning and combinations of the two. So with the thought that we don’t really know what the year will hold, it is important to start the year off as organized as is possible. And in my opinion, that means communicating well and fully with those at the school system.

Many blogs ago, I had mentioned the importance of taking notes of all the successes and struggles of summer. Of all the things your child did, the new things they attempted, the new words they said. How they handled a new experience and more. Pretty much all of the stuff of their summer. Because it is this information, these notes that can help you help the school understand just where your child is as the year begins.

As we look at the end of summer, now is a good time to decide how best to communicate all the above for your child. I always chose a letter and make sure all the people who were working with Elizabeth would receive one. The form it takes is up to you but in my opinion, the information is critical to getting everyone on the same page right away.

With so much uncertainty, it can be nice to know you have laid the best ground work as you can for your child with special needs.

I wish everyone a peaceful week and I guess it is time to once again say …Please wear a mask!

Michele Gianetti author of Elizabeth Believes in Herself

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