[bjolly]

I've posted before about our frustrations with our local public school system - to say it's struggling would be kind. For the past year, since our daughter came to us, we've been worrying about where she would go to middle school next year. She currently attends our local elementary school, which we've been very pleased with, but our local middle school is chaotic and very badly run and we can't have her go there. It's been classified as a failing school under No Child Left Behind, having never met its yearly progress goals.

so we applied to every school we could think of - private schools, charter schools, redistricting to a more acceptable public school. We contemplated sending her to the local Catholic school and not telling them we're a same sex couple, and even contemplated using a relative's address to send her to a school in the next county over. One of the big problems is that it's hard to get a child into a private school if they're just an average student or behind in a few areas.

Last week we got a letter from the school we had most hoped for, saying she was waitlisted, record # of applications, yada yada. This school is tiny - as in about 75 students for grades K-8. So we figured nothing was going to come of that waitlist.

Wrong! We just got a phone call saying they have a space and would like our daughter to enroll!

I can't tell you how relieved we are - after a year of this gnawing at us, we know where she's going to go, and it's a school we really feel will be great for her!

[Lylac]

bjolly, That is wonderful!!! I know ya'll are so relieved to know that your baby will be going to a school that meets her needs best. CONGRATS!

[kay]

That is such great news! It's such a job to advocate for our kids, and such relief when a door is actually opened - Congratulations!!

[Lorraine123]

Congrats Bjolly. We also live in Maryland, so I feel your pain. Actually, my husband grew up in the area where you are talking about. He went to private school becuase the public school were horrendous. His experience in private school was great.

[Kelly Rae]

If worries ate away at calories instead of our heart we would all be to thin , I'm so happy for one less worry in your life. Congratulations!

[Lylac]

Kelly, that was beautiful!

[Barksum]

Ah, Kelly! I wish worry ate calories.... But then Dh might lose me in a crack of the sidewalk or something.

Congrats, Bjolly. Good schools are precious things!

[Kerbchek]

bjolly - That is such great news... I hear your frustration... I'm a public school special education teacher... to tell you the truth, I wouldln't blame anybody for not wanting their kid placed in my class... and I feel I'm a pretty good teacher, but the system is really messed up. I'm trying to find a school for J, a child I'll have in my home by next fall and he will be in the sixth grade. He is special needs and I don't want him going to the school I teach at... nor any public school in town to tell you the truth... The teacher can make such a difference for some kids, but middle schools are crazy places... how J will do with middle school is my biggest worry... It's going to take a very special kind of person to work with J, I hope I can find one to be his teacher soon....at least before next fall!

[bjolly]

thanks, all. I'm so thrilled that she will be in an environment that is 1) safe and 2) positive for learning. We were very very lucky to get the spot for her. Kerby, I hope you find something for J soon - I feel your pain!

Kelly, if worry ate up calories, I'd be a supermodel by now. If only!