I believe too often we underestimate children.
Let me explain.
As part of Nick's transition to a new school, it was agreed that a presentation on Prader Willi Syndrome would be offered to his entire 8th grade class. This, I believed, was important so fellow students could understand how to relate better to Nick.
The idea arose from the inclusion success we experienced last year at his previous school. If you are a reader of our blog, you may recall Nick's sixth grade teachers asking me to speak to their students about inclusion and the tremendous response that occurred once the children were enlightened.
To learn more, read here.
Nick's new school however, was not interested in allowing me to speak to their kids. In fact, parental involvement has always been vehemently discouraged in our local school district. So instead, it was suggested a PWS "expert" present the show. I decided it really didn't matter who gave the discussion, as long as the children were educated, so I agreed.
A speaker was hired and scheduled to visit the school in November. A letter was sent out to parents informing them of the upcoming assembly and providing an opportunity for those students who were not interested to opt out.
A few days before the big event, I received a call from the special ed coordinator. She informed me that the "expert" expressed deep reservations about speaking to middle school children. She feared that students at this level would not want to help. She feared that Nicholas would be bullied.
Since this was an "expert" making these statements, the coordinator canceled the speaking engagement and begged me to reconsider my request.
I used only one word to answer her:
NO
I told her "the so-called expert" seriously underestimated these students.
I told her I knew this because I had done this before. I had spoken to teens about inclusion and experienced spectacular results. I described how last year's students became enthused about inclusion and wanted to help. I told her how several teens expressed how they were no longer afraid and appreciated learning about how to relate to children diagnosed with special needs. I told her how the experience moved students, teachers, and administrators to embrace change.
Still, she did not believe.
"Middle school children are different," she said.
"No," I argued, "They will surprise you."
She disagreed.
But since my request was written up as part of Nick's IEP, she had no choice but to comply.
She agreed to move forward but requested that SHE give the presentation. She asked to use the PWS PowerPoint slides I had presented to the staff. She asked if I would attend the assembly as her assistant, there only to answer any medical questions.
But I had no idea how well she could speak.
The PowerPoint presentation was my baby, my blood, sweat and tears. Would she do it justice? Did she have an ability to connect with an audience, particularly one she didn't trust.
I was worried.
When suddenly I was struck by an idea.
I realized I had a chance to enlighten not just the children but this "nonbelieving" special ed coordinator too. I couldn't resist.
"Let's do it!" I told her.
The big day arrived. The coordinator was nervous. I told her not to worry and that she would be pleasantly surprised by the student's response. I told her that even if she changed the mind of only one student, then it would be a success, she would change the world.
Still, she did not believe.
We entered the empty auditorium where the PowerPoint projector was prepped and ready for our use. Unfortunately, however, the remote control to change the slides was missing.
Luckily, the assistant principal entered the room. I asked her if she or one of the 8th grade teachers would kindly help us to switch slides?
She laughed in my face at such an audacious request and told me that I should be grateful they were attending at all. It was clear from her tone that the teachers were NOT interested in this inclusion presentation. They were not convinced that this would work. They were resentful to be asked to participate in such a ridiculous farce.
I ignored her behavior and told the coordinator I would switch the slides.
Slowly, the students began to enter the auditorium.
They were excited and animated, speaking loudly among themselves. More and more students arrived, filling the room to it's capacity, most of them sitting directly up front. Nicholas and I were seated before the crowd.
The assistant principal stood beside us and held up her hand,
"Quiet down," she barked, "We are here today to learn more about one of our new students"
The boisterous crowd became silent.
The coordinator who was standing quietly behind the podium, began to speak.
She was nervous and spoke very softly.
In an effort to finish, she breezed through the slides too quickly
I began to worry that she was losing the audience, neglecting to pause after each slide to give the crowd a moment to reflect.
But the presentation was filled with powerful images and it appeared that folks were listening.
She finished the show in record speed and asked,
"Does anyone have any questions?"
There was complete silence.
No one moved.
The coordinator shoulder's sank, her worst fears realized, the kids, she believed, were not ready for this.
The assistant principal smiled smugly.

But I knew better.
I sprung from my chair to speak directly to the children.
"I know what you're thinking. This is scary stuff. I was scared once too. And I am Nick's mother. But right now we have an opportunity, a chance to learn all about this frightening stuff. In fact, once you ask your questions, I am sure you will find that it's not so scary after all. You will find that Nick is the BEST friend you could ever have. He will not talk behind your back. He will never say an unkind word. He will ALWAYS be happy to see you. So, please raise your hands and ask the questions you want to ask."
I looked beside me and asked Nick if he wanted to say anything to the children. He smiled and turned his head to the side, telling the kids,
"Aw Mum, I'm too shy."
That was all it took. One by one, a few hands went up.
The coordinator, using a microphone, walked over to the students and asked them to speak their questions directly into the hand piece.
"Will Nick always have this?" A brave boy asked.
"What is a seizure?" another one said.
"Where is Nick's classroom located?"
"Is he coming with us to Camp Kiev?"
And pretty soon a sea of hands shot up from the crowd, a mighty collection of boys and girls, all wanting to know more. The coordinator ran from one side of the room to the other trying to keep up with all the questions. The students were motivated and engaged, anxious to learn exactly how they could help Nicholas.
I was surprised to see a few teachers raise their hands.
The assistant principal's jaw dropped open wide as she stood speechless beside me.
Soon, we ran out of time. The bell rang to signal the end of our time together.
The coordinator announced loudly to the students that before they left, there was a sign-up sheet located up front for anyone who was interested in visiting Nicholas in his classroom.
In one collective movement, all of the students rose and headed toward the front. No one left.
Lines and lines of giggling students clogged the aisle-ways.
All of them interested in one thing,
getting to know Nick.
The response was overwhelming.
The coordinator and assistant principal scurried out of the room to rustle up more pens and paper so more children could enlist.
What was immediately noticeable, at least to me, were the smiles on the student's faces.
The kids, I believe, were inspired, hopeful to have an opportunity to make a difference and become empowered.
It was a beautiful bonding experience for the entire room of participants. The energy was electrifying.
Surprisingly, on the face of the special ed coordinator....a tear.
I thanked her for her bravery.
The very next day, I received an email from her. She thanked me for pushing her. She told me that a boy she did not know approached her in the hallway and said,
"Nice speech!"
She told me the assistant principal made a special effort to describe the energized climate at the staff meeting held shortly after the presentation. At the meeting the teachers were inspired and exuberant, anxious to discuss ways of including Nicholas into their classes.
And the number of students who signed up to come visit Nick's classroom you ask?
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Lisa Peters writes about family life at www.onalifelessperfect.blogspot.com
Let me explain.
As part of Nick's transition to a new school, it was agreed that a presentation on Prader Willi Syndrome would be offered to his entire 8th grade class. This, I believed, was important so fellow students could understand how to relate better to Nick.
The idea arose from the inclusion success we experienced last year at his previous school. If you are a reader of our blog, you may recall Nick's sixth grade teachers asking me to speak to their students about inclusion and the tremendous response that occurred once the children were enlightened.
To learn more, read here.
Nick's new school however, was not interested in allowing me to speak to their kids. In fact, parental involvement has always been vehemently discouraged in our local school district. So instead, it was suggested a PWS "expert" present the show. I decided it really didn't matter who gave the discussion, as long as the children were educated, so I agreed.
A speaker was hired and scheduled to visit the school in November. A letter was sent out to parents informing them of the upcoming assembly and providing an opportunity for those students who were not interested to opt out.
A few days before the big event, I received a call from the special ed coordinator. She informed me that the "expert" expressed deep reservations about speaking to middle school children. She feared that students at this level would not want to help. She feared that Nicholas would be bullied.
Since this was an "expert" making these statements, the coordinator canceled the speaking engagement and begged me to reconsider my request.
I used only one word to answer her:
NO
I told her "the so-called expert" seriously underestimated these students.
I told her I knew this because I had done this before. I had spoken to teens about inclusion and experienced spectacular results. I described how last year's students became enthused about inclusion and wanted to help. I told her how several teens expressed how they were no longer afraid and appreciated learning about how to relate to children diagnosed with special needs. I told her how the experience moved students, teachers, and administrators to embrace change.
Still, she did not believe.
"Middle school children are different," she said.
"No," I argued, "They will surprise you."
She disagreed.
But since my request was written up as part of Nick's IEP, she had no choice but to comply.
She agreed to move forward but requested that SHE give the presentation. She asked to use the PWS PowerPoint slides I had presented to the staff. She asked if I would attend the assembly as her assistant, there only to answer any medical questions.
But I had no idea how well she could speak.
The PowerPoint presentation was my baby, my blood, sweat and tears. Would she do it justice? Did she have an ability to connect with an audience, particularly one she didn't trust.
I was worried.
When suddenly I was struck by an idea.
I realized I had a chance to enlighten not just the children but this "nonbelieving" special ed coordinator too. I couldn't resist.
"Let's do it!" I told her.
The big day arrived. The coordinator was nervous. I told her not to worry and that she would be pleasantly surprised by the student's response. I told her that even if she changed the mind of only one student, then it would be a success, she would change the world.
Still, she did not believe.
We entered the empty auditorium where the PowerPoint projector was prepped and ready for our use. Unfortunately, however, the remote control to change the slides was missing.
Luckily, the assistant principal entered the room. I asked her if she or one of the 8th grade teachers would kindly help us to switch slides?

I ignored her behavior and told the coordinator I would switch the slides.
Slowly, the students began to enter the auditorium.
They were excited and animated, speaking loudly among themselves. More and more students arrived, filling the room to it's capacity, most of them sitting directly up front. Nicholas and I were seated before the crowd.
The assistant principal stood beside us and held up her hand,
"Quiet down," she barked, "We are here today to learn more about one of our new students"
The boisterous crowd became silent.
The coordinator who was standing quietly behind the podium, began to speak.
She was nervous and spoke very softly.
In an effort to finish, she breezed through the slides too quickly
I began to worry that she was losing the audience, neglecting to pause after each slide to give the crowd a moment to reflect.
But the presentation was filled with powerful images and it appeared that folks were listening.
![]() |
"Sometimes real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles" |
She finished the show in record speed and asked,
"Does anyone have any questions?"
There was complete silence.
No one moved.
The coordinator shoulder's sank, her worst fears realized, the kids, she believed, were not ready for this.
The assistant principal smiled smugly.

But I knew better.
I sprung from my chair to speak directly to the children.
"I know what you're thinking. This is scary stuff. I was scared once too. And I am Nick's mother. But right now we have an opportunity, a chance to learn all about this frightening stuff. In fact, once you ask your questions, I am sure you will find that it's not so scary after all. You will find that Nick is the BEST friend you could ever have. He will not talk behind your back. He will never say an unkind word. He will ALWAYS be happy to see you. So, please raise your hands and ask the questions you want to ask."
I looked beside me and asked Nick if he wanted to say anything to the children. He smiled and turned his head to the side, telling the kids,
"Aw Mum, I'm too shy."
That was all it took. One by one, a few hands went up.
The coordinator, using a microphone, walked over to the students and asked them to speak their questions directly into the hand piece.
"Will Nick always have this?" A brave boy asked.
"What is a seizure?" another one said.
"Where is Nick's classroom located?"
"Is he coming with us to Camp Kiev?"

I was surprised to see a few teachers raise their hands.
The assistant principal's jaw dropped open wide as she stood speechless beside me.
Soon, we ran out of time. The bell rang to signal the end of our time together.
The coordinator announced loudly to the students that before they left, there was a sign-up sheet located up front for anyone who was interested in visiting Nicholas in his classroom.
In one collective movement, all of the students rose and headed toward the front. No one left.
Lines and lines of giggling students clogged the aisle-ways.
All of them interested in one thing,
getting to know Nick.
The response was overwhelming.
The coordinator and assistant principal scurried out of the room to rustle up more pens and paper so more children could enlist.
What was immediately noticeable, at least to me, were the smiles on the student's faces.
The kids, I believe, were inspired, hopeful to have an opportunity to make a difference and become empowered.
It was a beautiful bonding experience for the entire room of participants. The energy was electrifying.
Surprisingly, on the face of the special ed coordinator....a tear.
I thanked her for her bravery.
The very next day, I received an email from her. She thanked me for pushing her. She told me that a boy she did not know approached her in the hallway and said,
"Nice speech!"
She told me the assistant principal made a special effort to describe the energized climate at the staff meeting held shortly after the presentation. At the meeting the teachers were inspired and exuberant, anxious to discuss ways of including Nicholas into their classes.
And the number of students who signed up to come visit Nick's classroom you ask?
Lisa Peters writes about family life at www.onalifelessperfect.blogspot.com
شركة تنظيف موكيت بالرياض
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف مجالس بالرياض
شركة تنظيف مسابح بالرياض
شركة تنظيف بالرياض
شركة تنظيف فلل بالرياض
شركة تنظيف قصور بالرياض
شركة مكافحة الحشرات بالرياض
شركة رش مبيدات بالرياض
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالرياض
شركة عزل اسطح بالرياض
شركة رش حشرات بالرياض
ReplyDeleteكشف تسربات المياه
شركة تسليك مجارى بالرياض
افضل شركة تنظيف خزانات بالرياض
شركة مكافحة النمل الابيض بالرياض
شركة تخزين اثاث بالرياض
شركة تنظيف فلل بالرياض
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالرياض
شركة شراء اثاث مستعمل بالرياض
شركة جلي البلاط بالرياض
شركة تنظيف شقق بالرياض
شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
zhengjx20160505
ReplyDeletelouis vuitton outlet
ralph lauren home
ray ban outlet
coach outlet
marc jacobs outlet
cheap uggs
copy watches
adidas superstar trainers
nike roshe run mens
michael kors outlet online sale
montblanc pens
pandora charms
coach outlet
coach outlet
coach factory outlet online
polo ralph lauren outlet
coach factory outlet
nike air force 1 white
louis vuitton bags
louis vuitton purses
rolex watches
longchamp handbags
coach outlet
abercrombie outlet
coach outlet
nike store outlet
ralph lauren
kate spade handbags
retro 11
kate spade purses
kobe 10
lebron 12
louis vuitton outlet
adidas yeezy
toms wedges
coach outlet store online
coach outlet online
michael kors handbags
michael kors outlet clearance
kd 8
エアジョーダン13レトロ
ReplyDeleteエアジョーダン13 ホワイト
エアジョーダン13 レディース
エアジョーダン13 low
ナイキ エアジョーダン13
エアジョーダン13 復刻
jordan 13 GS
jordan 13 retro
エアジョーダン xx9通販
エアジョーダン 29 通販
jordan 29
ナイキエア ジョーダン エクリプス
jordan cp3 8
エアジョーダンcp3 VIII
エアジョーダンcp3.9
NIKE blazer mid
NIKE blazer コーデ
NIKE blazer mid BEAMS
NIKE blazer 80
NIKE blazer low
ナイキ ブレーザー レディース
ナイキ ブレーザー ビームス
ナイキ ブレーザー low
ナイキ ブレーザー mid プレミアム ビンテージ
ナイキ ブレーザー ヴィンテージ
ナイキ ブレーザー 40周年
ナイキ ブレーザー ロー
ナイキ ブレーザー コーデ
ナイキ ブレーザー ホワイト
ナイキ ブレーザー mid コルク
FLYKNIT MAX
フライニット マックス
ナイキ フライニット ルナ2 レディース
NIKE FLYKNIT LUNAR 2
NIKE FLYKNIT LUNAR 2 GS
NIKE FLYKNIT LUNAR III
NIKE FLYKNIT LUNAR 3
NIKE FLYKNIT LUNAR 3 GS
ナイキ フライニット ルナ 3 レディース
ナイキ フライニット ズーム アジリティ
フライニット マックス レディース
FLYKNIT ZOOM AGILITY
ナイキフライニット ズーム アジリティ
من المعروف ان نظافة المنازل من بين اهم الخدمات الضرورية في التنظيف والترقية بمنازلنا الى مصاف المنازل العصرية والتي عرفت تنظيفا عصريا من شانه ان يوفر لساكنته ظروفا حياتية راقية ولابد من توفر هيئة تختص في المجال مع تقديم ضمانات متكاملة من شانه ان تجعل الافراد يضمنون نجاح خدمة التنظيف ولا حاجة للمزيد من ضياع الاموال عبر طلبات خدمة نظافة المنازل التي لا تلبي حاجياتهم ولا تتماشى مع رغباتهم لأن العديد من شركات تنظيف المنازل تسعى فقط الى عرض خدماتها عبر طرق ترويجية فحسب من اجل كسب المال فقط دون مراعاة الوازع الاخلاقي والضمير المهني الذي يحتم على مدراء مثل هاته الشركات ان يسعوا خلف ارضاء العملاء ليس اكثر من هذا عبر اتقان تنظيف المنازل . شركة نقل عفش بتبوك
ReplyDeleteشركة كشف تسربات المياه بالاحساء
شركة تنظيف بالاحساء
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالاحساء
شركة مكافحة حشرات بتبوك
شركة تنظيف مجالس بالاحساء
Hey guys, Get your ex back fast with the help of a real and genuine spell caster called Dr.Unity.
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited my broken Marriage has been restored and my husband is back after a breakup, After 2 years of marriage, me and my husband has been into one quarrel or the other until he finally left me and moved to California to be with another woman. i felt my life was over and my kids thought they would never see their father again. i tried to be strong just for the kids but i could not control the pains that torments my heart, my heart was filled with sorrows and pains because i was really in love with my husband. Every day and night i think of him and always wish he would come back to me, I was really upset and i needed help, so i searched for help online and I came across a website that suggested that Dr Unity can help get ex back fast. So, I felt I should give him a try. I contacted him and he told me what to do and i did it then he did a (Love spell) for me. 28 hours later, my husband really called me and told me that he miss me and the kids so much, So Amazing!! So that was how he came back that same day,with lots of love and joy,and he apologized for his mistake,and for the pain he caused me and the kids. Then from that day,our Marriage was now stronger than how it were before,All thanks to Dr Unity. he is so powerful and i decided to share my story on the internet that Dr Unity real and powerful spell caster who i will always pray to live long to help his children in the time of trouble, if you are here and you need your Ex back or your husband moved to another woman, do not cry anymore, contact this powerful spell caster now. Here’s his contact: Email him at: Unityspelltemple@gmail.com ,
you can also call him or add him on Whats-app: +2348071622464 ,
his website:http://unityspelltemple.yolasite.com .
Jessica, 26 years, Texas, USA.
عديده وكثيره ولكن ان كنت تبحث عن التميز والرقي فامامك مباشرة الحل
ReplyDeleteشركة المثالية لتنظيف المنازل
من اميز الشركات المثالية المتخصصة بالتنظيف الشامل بانها افضل شركة تنظيف والتي تقدم خدماتها بالمنطقة الشرقية بالكامل معتمدين
شركة مكافحة حشرات بصفوى وعنك
شركة تسليك مجارى بصفوى وعنك
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بصفوى وعنك
شركة تنظيف منازل بصفوى وعنك
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف بالرياض
شركة تسليك مجاري المطبخ بالرياض
شركة تسليك مجارى الحمام بالرياض
level تسليك المجاري بالرياض
افضل شركة تنظيف بالرياض
تنظيف شقق بالرياض
شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض
شركة غسيل خزنات بالرياض
افضل شركة مكافحة حشرات بالرياض
رش مبيدات بالرياض
شركة تخزين عفش بالرياض
شركة تنظيف مجالس بالرياض
شركة نقل اثاث بالرياض
When adventure the assignment of kitchen remodeling, there are a cardinal of elements which charge to be kept beneath application in adjustment to ensure that you get a anatomic yet admirable kitchen. The afterward commodity will altercate the assorted elements which charge to be focused aback adventure kitchen remodeling. Cabinets are the best important aspect of any kitchen. kitchen remodeling
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThe amount of divorces is on a bit-by-bit acceleration and this can be abhorrent on alternate abhorrence on annual of both partners, growing ability of women who no best feel the charge to be the abased accomplice and accepted clashing differences. In actuality a no accountability abatement cherry creek divorce lawyer which has become the barometer in abounding countries makes it actual accessible for affiliated couples to access a divorce.
The kids are always innocent and beautiful. I appreciate your work. We have a company name pest
ReplyDeletecontrol denver
We are always keeping your family safe from insects, we are always there
Today's kids Future Tomorrow and we are here Best televisions to clear their concept about Smart TV or technology cause we are live in a modern era.
ReplyDeleteشركة الشعلة افضل شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض نتميز بدقة المواعيد وسرعة التنفيذ واسعار رخيصة شركة تنظيف بالرياض بالمقارنة مع الشركات الاخرى الشعلة شركة تنظيف منازل بالرياض افضل شركات تنظيف المنازل بالرياض .
ReplyDeleteنقوم بعملية تنظيف المنازل شركة تنظيف شقق بالرياض باستخدام افضل المواد والادوات وبطريقة ممتازة شركة تنظيف فلل بالرياض ومشهود لها بالكفاءة ويوجد لدينا امهر طاقم مميز من العمالة الفلبينيه المدربة على أفضل اسلوب شركة تنظيف مجالس بالرياض فى مجال التنظيف.
منقوووووووووووووووووووووووووول
. These organizations charge a little expense in light of the measure of cash you're getting from them. The measure of the expense is distinctive for each organization, so request that few organizations locate the most minimal charges.
ReplyDeletePayday Loans Chicago
Check Cashing San-diego