Movin' on up... To the West side

We knew this day would come and it's bittersweet.

Around 3 weeks ago, Mason's teacher told us some crushing news, he was soon going to be moved up to the PPCD class.

It crushed us because we didn't know how he'd handle the change, much less how we'd handle it. And quite honestly I wondered in the back of my mind if this is where our relationship with the school district would go South. That thought constantly lingers there for me. I hate that it does. I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop, which is odd for me, I'm always an optomist.

His moving up to the PPCD class is a graduation of sorts. The PPCD class is a pre-K class for children with disabilities, not solely related to autism. He is moving out of his TLC class because his teacher, and the district feel he is now adequately verbal. We agree with this statement. We've seen a great deal of progress in verbal ability over the past few months. It's been a great success for him. And we all take credit in it happening, though no one deserves more of the credit than Mason himself. He's worked very hard.

We love the teachers, aides, and administrative staff we've worked with thus far. And we know that they love Mason a great deal. I wish everyone could have had the good experience we have had with the school district. I know we're in the vast minority. It's a shame too. I think most bad experiences are to be blamed on red tape,bureaucracy, and the inability to think outside a box. Statewide, there are some caring teachers and aides out there that get it. But there is an imbalance. If Texas put as much emphasis on special education as it does on High School Football, we'd be thrilled.

What makes this transition to the new class bitter is that he's leaving an environment in which he's grown accustomed to, in which he's thrived, and in which he's loved.

What makes it sweet is that he's moving to a new campus, our home campus in West Frisco. Beginning on Wednesday our 20 minute Eastern commute to and from Mason's school will be a thing of the past. His goals, including his inclusion program will be kept intact.

One less ball to juggle.