To whom it concerns,
Christopher will have limited amount of time in his classroom due to the inappropriate treatment that he is receiving. He is set off to the side in a little desk all to himself. His back is to the teacher and the rest of the class. It is very hard for him to understand the instructions to the work when it is explained behind him. It is also equally difficult for him to get his work done when the teacher “forgets” to give him the papers to do the work. He has the right to fair treatment and an education.
My concern is that the first kindergarten teacher had influenced the new teacher with her feelings towards Chris. There is a lack of encouragement and praise, also a lack of regard for his self-esteem and dignity. Not much is said to the other children when they are walking around and causing disturbances until Chris gets involved, then it is Chris that is told to sit down and listen.
I feel it is undignified to keep a child from the rest of his peers, “until he learns to behave“ as stated by his teacher. Isn’t that a bit like staying away from the water until you learn to swim? How will you learn to swim?
A child came up to me on Wednesday the 12th of February and said, “My grandma is going to hurt Christopher.” Ms. Luke also heard this. The boy pointed Chris out to his Grandma at the Valentines party. Is this a learning environment?
Christopher was having a hard time breathing so he came over and sat on my lap for comfort. This teacher has smugly lectured me on the importance of drugs in school, but would not believe me when I stated that Christopher was having a hard time breathing. She said, “He had to join the group and NOT on my lap. He seems fine. I can not hear him wheezing.“ The school now has an inhaler for his asthma, as prescribed by his doctor, to use as needed.
His behavior at school is a result of the negative attention that he receives and the inappropriate punishments. He is dealing accordingly with what is given to him. His behavior toward his teacher has worsened relentlessly. He can’t win regardless of any efforts on his part. ADHD? I think not.
At the valentine party he had his own little party at his desk with a few friends coming over to share what they had received and to see what he got. The teacher had to be reminded to make and give him his bag of treats, by the Special Ed teacher. A humiliating event to occur in the presence of parents and children!
Chris will be involved with the OT teacher and the Special Ed for the most part and very limited to the regular class. He will be involved with the children as much as possible from that class with limited involvement with the teacher.
Candy Kirby
CC:
Children's Hospital
The Colorado Board of Education
