You remember how I wrote here about Cassidy being my own little starlet? Well, the proof is in the pudding right? I thought I’d share some pictures of her last day of school.
This child was an autograph signin’ fool that day! Everywhere she turned there was a yearbook or a water bottle or a t-shirt being pushed her way and a Sharpie held out for her to grab. I hung around for most of the festivities on her last day and I was brought to tears many times at the what her teachers and classmates had to say about her. One little boy asked if Cassidy would be in his class next year and when the teacher responded honestly that she didn’t know he replied, “I hope so; Cassidy’s cool!”
Eight years ago I wasn’t sure I’d ever hear one of her peers utter those words.
We live in a school district where, barring extenuating circumstances, special needs children are mainstreamed into regular classrooms with their typical peers. The idea is that the arrangement benefits not only the special needs child, but the classroom as a whole. Cassidy learns behavioral and other skills from age appropriate models while the other children learn to tolerate and appreciate differently-abled kids.
All the kids were given awards that day. Cassidy’s recognized her for “inspiring and amazing” the whole class throughout the year. More than one of her second-grade classmates came up to tell me that Cass was funny or that her favorite thing to do at recess was the monkey bars or that she loves the “Very Hungry Caterpillar” book.
I can’t express enough how thankful I am for the opportunity she has in this district. For the friends she’s made and the people who’ve influenced her. Truth be told, months ago we debated sending her to a different school next year. One that was closer and more convenient. After those few hours spent as a fly on the wall in the classroom though, I’ve decided not to mess with a good thing.
I think she’s right where she needs to be.
