Preparing for School

School starts next Thursday. There are the normal preparations to make, like purchasing school supplies, going to open houses, and choosing the perfect lunch box.

Then there are the extra preparations - the ones that involve educating and advocating for a little guy who can't explain his extra needs to the adults around him. I called Nolan's future teacher earlier in the week to set up a meeting. I need to show her his equipment and to give her the general lowdown on the little guy. She called me back very quickly. And gave me her home phone number.

We chatted briefly, and I set up a meeting for this coming meeting. Her final words?


"What can I do to help him succeed?"

The best words ever spoken to a parent. She is a wonderful teacher.

I am trying to come up with information that is pertinent, but not overwhelming. I'm working on a simple "Nolan Information Sheet" to explain the relevant issues (vision, hearing, fatigue, choking and gagging). Some of the issues may not come into play very often - he only chokes on food occasionally, though the gagging is occurring at increasing intervals.

This teacher is going to be wonderful for Nolan. She loves art. She loves children. She has experience with special education and with the mainstream. She is amazing.

I know Nolan is going to have a great year in her classroom. I am very excited to see what this year brings!