I’ve been reminiscing with many folks lately about 1st days of school (can you tell I just became an empty nester???). My own first days of school were filled with anxiety and nausea, but as a mom, I was full of joy and excitement, making them pose for photos holding signs declaring their favorite book and future profession. And yes, I’d also feel a little nervous sending them off. Will they be OK? Will they make friends? (I’m not crying, you’re crying.)
Here at SAC, all those complex emotions are heightened — and for good reason.
Think about Sam, a 3rd grade special education student, who was illegally excluded from school for over two months last year. The district sent him home for behaviors directly caused by his Emotional Impairment, completely cutting off his schoolwork and special education services without providing any paperwork or a discipline hearing. Thanks to you, SAC was brought in to help.
An advocate guided Sam’s family through formal district mediation. This successful intervention forced the district to overhaul Sam’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) —the legal plan detailing his learning support— and update his school behavior plan. It also allowed his family to secure a transfer to a new school.
With proper special education support finally in place, Sam thrived. His grades, attendance, and behavior all improved, and he reported feeling happy and supported. He successfully finished his year and is starting 4th grade.
I hope you join us in celebrating Sam’s success and cheering him on as he starts a new year. His story is one of many — students who struggled last year and are hoping for a fresh start. Thanks to you, they have the support they need to make that happen, complex feelings and all.