To be included

There will come a time when the inclusion model may not be the right choice for Owen. Each year will be a decision. To be included is a controversial choice. Will the other kids be too far ahead of him? Will they be able to adapt the assignments to be at his level? Will he keep up? Will they notice a difference? Will he notice a difference?

For Kindergarten it seemed like an easy choice. But we were still realistic and knew it would take work. Work for Owen. Work for his kindergarten teacher. Work for his para. Work for his Special ed teacher.  Work for his classmates.Work for Owen. Yes, lots of work for Owen.

His first conferences were on Friday. A discussion that could have gone either way. Most times these meetings are hard to take because it usually points out all the things he is struggling with. But instead we left with a bigger appreciation (if there could be such a thing) for his team.

We heard about his day. Talked about his work. Thought through some ideas on how to adapt and help guide him through difficult tasks so he doesn't get frustrated. Talked about the friendships he is forming and learned about how Owen is being included.

Mrs. Schnackenberg wanted to remind us again that Owen is her student. Even if he has a para there to support him, she is the one doing the teaching. I love that.

The overall message is he is doing great. He is making great friends, he is being guided by amazing teachers and he is growing each day he is there.

He has made a sweet connection with a little girl named Olivia. Here they are working on their whiteboards together. Pictures like this = tears in mommies eyes.

He is following instructions and working on tasks. This is during individual reading time. I am glad to see that this has carried over from home to school. We LOVE books at home.

Another great bond has been made with a little boy named Reece. This is one like no other. Reece may end up being the captain of the high school football team but he is a gentle role model for Owen. One day a picture came home in Owen's folder that said "From Reece" on it. I can't wait for Owen to be able to draw a picture and send it home to Reece.

They have 5th grade buddies as well. Owen has 2.
Another one of those pictures that brought tears to my eyes.

We also learned that Owen has been the topic of most of the conferences. Most of the parents have asked about him and how he is doing. Wow. How great is that! He is making a difference in the lives around him.

I sent a letter home to all the parents of Owen's classmates the first week of school. I asked them to talk to their kids about Owen, told them about Down Syndrome, told them about Owen. I think that is making a difference!

We ran into a classmate at the pumpkin patch today. A little girl came running up yelling "OWEN". He looked at her and said hi. Her mom then caught up and said oh is this Owen? The Owen? The girl replied yup. It was Riley one the girls in Owen's class. We said goodbye and Owen turned waved and said, "Bye Riley".

To be included is magical.