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Does anyone else know anyone who loves water THIS much? Guru V People, I feel that these 25 or so facts represent the full spectrum of beliefs and emotions which we experience daily. Yes, they fluctuate daily, and this is because YES, our adventure full of adreneline, disappointment and many, many triumphs. Throughout this 25 day journey you will notice, we live, love, laugh and work our tails off!! More connection is the Guru V goal. Hope this inspires you to create a life you love with what and whom you are given, and to change or leave behind 'whatsoever insults your own soul.' *Walt Whitman peace and love. me, zen jen Schools, support and transparency...empowerment tools gone bad. My comment on love letters.6/14/2011 Thank you so much for all of your support Grammarose and Marlo. Michelle, families like yours are why I started Guru V People. Isolation and humiliation to boot offered by the entities who I believe should be providing community, motivation and teaching with the best intention of the student in mind. It is a sad day when protocol comes before emotional health of the family. I did get an explanation as I shared in the next few blog posts, but they still didn't seem to make sense. I was invited to attend a 504 meeting and to tell you the truth, I asked if we could accomplish all of the goals, paperwork and negotiations via email and the phone. I am leary of meetings, have little support at home and feel that my time could be spent more efficiently than in a meeting. I only have this feeling about meetings because, I, the parent and expert on my children, have been ignored (to put it lightly) in many meetings before and it almost defeated me last Fall. I am, first and foremost, the keeper of my babies and their well being. When my capability to provide love and support is impared rather than creatively supported, there is something terribly wrong. I realize that Ms. Cocco was merely a pon, but a person as well. One who had established a relationship of trust with my daughter. I feel that Bri will now doubt herself and overcompensate to seek approval...which is already an underlying issue. I am offended that the school did not follow thru in the Fall and put these important peices together prior to my asking about more support for Justin. The timing is very suspicious, and their reputation for transparency in this district has been far from stellar. Still, I attempt to convince myself that one teacher, one change, one sweet student can make a difference. I hope it is true in the above situation.
Hoping and striving for change that will benefit my children and all people. Love and Peace, zen jen Once again thank you to the many teachers, doctors, therapists, civil service workers, parents and people who have helped, stood up to administrative threats and who go the distance everyday to creatively support families like ours. It is not an easy task, and I am very appreciative for every step that is taken on our behalf. We need more of you. Keep doing what you're doing. Hugs. 25. Women who teach, love, unite, intuit, and make change in this world must be heard and recognized in order for our children to have a chance at being seen.
24. People all have wonderful questions. When we listen with our hearts and our minds, rather than our egos, then we can grow. 23. I do not believe in many things, yet, I do not rule anything out as a tool. 22. Having two children with autism has enriched my life and made me a much better parent and person than I could have ever been without them. I am grateful they chose me. 21. Don't ever give up and certainly refuse to seal your child or anyone else's fate by answering the question: "Will they ever?" with anything less than "I hope so." Never ever lose hope. You cannot exist without it. Especially in the adventures of autism. Now Bri is getting an award...ha. Isn't life grand and full of surprises? I think so. :) Hang w/me in my back yard and let's catch up. On Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 1:45 PM,
(this email was sent to myself, dad and the school counselor) Hello all, Brianna is taking the Africa Essay test today for World Civilizations. Before beginning, she asked me about staying after school in order finish the essay. I have previously given her extended time. However, since I have learned from Ms. Mucci-Ramos that she no longer has an IEP, I cannot grant her the extended time. The test is intended to be completed during one hour, except for students who have accommodations for extended time. Please let me know if you have any questions. ....Cocco On Wed, Jun 8, 2011 at 9:43 AM, jennifer hagen wrote: Ms. Cocco, Please forgive my delay in responding. My disbelief and outrage kept me from responding in a manner that would be acceptable. I would like an explanation as to how this decision came about. I would also like to know who instructed you that it would be in Brianna's best interest to inform her directly before an important test that accommodations would no longer be possible. Accommodations that had been afforded her and other students in the past? How was the presentation of this information decided upon and how again was it in her best interest? I would also be interested to hear why, in June, you are finally hearing about the fact that Brianna is no longer on an IEP. She has not been since September, 2010 when I revoked special education consent to avoid harassment from Jeanne White and her colleagues in the special education department. Up until two weeks ago, I had not received any emails of concern, nor had I ever heard from the school counselor, even though I made several attempts to have her contact me thru the office, the special education liason, and thru the dean of students. When Ms. Mucci-Ramos contacted me a few weeks ago regarding accommodations made by the english teacher, she said that she had not heard of any other teachers providing Brianna with accommodations, and yet she has earned solid A's and high B's all year, even in honors classes. So, as you can imagine, I was surprised to hear of your bold announcement before Bri's test on Monday. I have many other important points and timelines which I believe are significant in your recent decision to withhold accommodations from Brianna, but NONE explain the abrupt and insensitive manner in which this announcement was handled. I am still amazed that anyone with knowledge of Brianna's diagnosis of autism, tender personality, and sweet spirit could see this as an appropriate action. You, Ms. Cocco, may only be the pon in this game of who, what and why, but please tell me why I did not receive this knowledge about the accommodations prior to the insulting and insensitive manner in which it was presented to my daughter. She cried and could barely talk when she got off the bus and told me about it. Then I read your email. I am still appalled at the deliberate disregard for my daughter's success in her test and most of all her self-esteem. Thank you for your time. Brianna has learned a great deal in your class and truly enjoyed you as a teacher, as well as the subject matter. Best regards and great expectations for change, jen hagen |
Zen JenA mom with passion, action and an inclusion revolution on her mind shares moments, mantras & wisdom gained from her autism adventures. A single mama of two children on the spectrum, whom she considers Archives
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Please know that I am a poet and a scientist...so how I deal with discomfort is I ask questions, I manipulate words and rhythms and I dance around issues that I feel strongly about. When I use the word dance, please know that I am no ballerina...I prefer sharp, awkward maneuvers that express my passion. So when I dance around issues, there is no guessing how I feel about them...take nothing personal but please
take action. zen jen |