Enraged at my counterparts
11/05/2004 09:42 p.m.
I am REALLY going to control myself, and mind that I don't break the code of conduct, but when you read this you can probably imagine the explitives that are racing through my mind.

Some of you know the struggles I have gone through with my oldest son the past few years, and the diagnosis which he recently received. Some of you know that my sons also lost their father over the summer while they were visiting.

My oldest son has gone into a tailspin. His academic performance and achievement have plummetted. Last year on achievement tests he was at or above grade level. This year on the same achievement test he tested 3-4 years below grade level. He is failing several classes.

I do not want my child identified and labelled as Special Ed. with an Emotional Disturbance. He had the same ED last year and performed well, but he was not in a constant state of depression.

My son attends the school where I teach, and I am desperately trying to get him qualified as a person with a disability under 504. The administrator over curriculm and his teachers have absolutely no empathy or sympathy, and seem to be dragging their feet on the paperwork to qualify him. I actually had the administrator tell me.... "clinical depression is just an excuse... he just has to get over it and deal with it or he's going to get further behind.... there are other things that can be done... I was clinically depressed when I was in 7th grade and he just needs to get over it", but she also didn't lose her father.... to say that I am incensed is putting it mildly.

I no longer know what to do, but, I know I have to do something! My son is under the care of a Psychiatrist, he has been in counselling (the counselor said he doesn't need to come back unless he wants to, and he is in a grief support group. At this point I am debating whether I should allow the school time to put him in 504, or just withdraw him from school now and place him in the school he's supposed to attend, or should I quit my job, try to live off of their SS check, work part-time and home school my son?

How can professional educators be so callous and uncaring?

Angry doesn't even begin to describe my mood.
I am currently Angry