During our 504 meeting with the school staff, my wife and I mentioned that we'd like to read a short children's book to Charlie's classmates so that they could have a basic understanding of diabetes. Surely they would want to know why he was putting a blood sample into a strange device every couple of hours and why he was able to eat at times that they weren't.

The teacher and the principal thought it was a good idea, but the district official, who was there to make sure everything was kosher, suggested the principal have a look at the book before approving A Ruler, a Number 2 Pencil and Diabetes by Dr. Troy Apaches.

My initial thought was that this was strange. I mean it's a published children's book. What could possibly be offensive? Though, truth be told, it had been years since I read the book. I suppose I could have forgotten about some of the content. (READ MORE)

Well, we did it. Charlie got through kindergarten pretty much unscathed. Last year at this time we were nervous wrecks about sending Charlie to school. The school had no experience with a child with diabetes as young as Charlie. They were noticeably nervous as well. We put a plan in place and basically just hoped for the best.

We couldn't be happier with how the school year went.

Susanne and I met yesterday with the principal, the new nurse, Charlie's teacher, Charlie's health aide (Mrs. D) and a representative of the school district to review how the year went and to revise our 504 plan to reflect the fact that EVERYTHING WILL CHANGE!!!!!!!!!!!!! next year. (READ MORE)

I never thought Susanne would actually go. Not with the 3 year old. He can't sit still for more than five minutes. But we both agreed it would be pretty cool if she could swing it.

She called me at work with a definite zeal in her voice.

"I'm here!"

It's not every day that a potential vice president comes to your town; to your local middle school.

Joe and Jill Biden came to town to talk about education, the economy and healthcare. The only obstacle standing in Susanne's way was Ben. They needed to arrive at the school an hour-and-a-half before the Bidens were to speak. That's a lot of patience to ask of a 3 year old (our 3 year old). It would be nothing short of a miracle if Ben was to last long enough to see them speak. (READ MORE)

jimward

Today Susanne is meeting with the guidance counselor, Charlie’s teacher, the school nurse and the principal to go over our revised 504 plan. Someone from the district will also be there to make sure everything is legit. I wish I could be there with her but I can’t get out of work.

Sometimes I wonder if we’re going overboard with our 504 plan. It’s sounding less like a constructive 504 plan and more like an unreasonable list of demands.

Take item #4 for instance.

  (READ MORE)

First day of school. Schmoozing with new classmates and meeting the class pet – a hermit crab unanimously named Shelly. No tests as far as the eye can see.

Actually, there was one test. Just one hour into the new school year and Charlie tested his new teacher with a raised hand and a "I think I’m low." I was pleased to hear that it was all handled as discussed just the day before in the 504 meeting. Teacher called nurse. Nurse came to classroom and escorted Charlie to her office where she tested him. 62.

The plan is this:

  (READ MORE)