Josh Changes Schools

We have had quite a week at our house. As I have mentioned several times over the last couple of months, Josh has been really struggling at home and at school. Although with a few changes in our routine, discipline, and his medication, he has been doing much better at home. Unfortunately, the problems were just getting worse at school. A hard time period for Josh has been complicated by issues with his peers, and a poor personality match between Josh, his teacher and classroom environment. We got to the point of having mostly bad days at school and everybody being frustrated. After a particularly difficult morning at school, his principal suggested transferring him to the other elementary school here in town. It is the school that Josh would be going to next year anyway. The schools are actually merging next year, and the principal is in charge of both schools this year. He felt that a change in environment and class might give Josh a much needed fresh start. We are excited about this solution because both our daughters are already at the other school, and any change that could improve the situation is welcome. He has only been in his new class for the last two days, but it already appears to be a better fit. It is a very structured class; Josh thrives in this type of environment. He is happy with his new classroom, teacher, and friends. When he woke up this morning, he said, “This is going to be the greatest day of my life because I get to go to my new school.” I don’t expect things to be perfect because I know my son is a handful. It is nice, however, to see him excited about going to school and doing his work well. I’m also so thankful to have a principal who is willing to work “outside the box” to find an appropriate solution for each student, even when the school year is almost complete. I also find it interesting how the classroom environment can really affect a child's ability to learn and behave in school. The perfect class and teacher for one child, may be an absolute disaster for another child. Originally posted - March 25, 2011