Make Way TomKat, Move Over Brangelina
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.
That is absolutely fantastic! I can completely understand where you are coming from, too. I have worried about the same things with my Henry, who has yet to begin school. Will he fit in? Will others mock him? Will he talk “funny?” etc, etc, etc. Henry will be mainstreamed here, too, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. His life is in the mainstream, his family is mainstream, when he grows up, it will be mainstream. He has to learn to cope and be in the mainstream.
I’m so glad to hear that Cassidy is doing so well. I’m sure a large part of that is you Darcie, and how you’ve mothered her.
That’s wonderful!
Oh, how happy she looks! I’m sure she kept the class entertained and in stitches! She is an original - a sweetheart. How far she has come in a short time. She can teach us all a thing or two. Give her a big hug from us.
Oh, this is just too precious!!
Steph
I love the toothless grin!
Happy beginning of summer to Cassidy and the Such the Spot gang!
Look at her Ms. Popularity! Sweet! Doesn’t that make your heart swell? So glad she had a great year!
Oh, she is just a doll! What an awesome story…touched my heart! Thanks for sharin’
Good for her!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Oh look at how much fun she’s having signing autographs! What a wonderful thing your school district is doing - for her and for all of the kids she’s growing up with.
Thank you so much for sharing this sweets story and photos. I so love the sense of community the staff and kiddos have built at the school. You are truly blessed!
Oh, that warms my heart! How precious — and she’s clearly got her own fan following!
Looks like mainstreaming is allowing Cassidy to maximize her full potential! i am so glad to hear she s excelling!
That is so great Darcie! She is such a cutie!
Awww, what a darlin’!
That’s so wonderful. And she looks so happy. I can’t imagine how proud you felt watching all the other kids flock to her. So glad you have such a great environment for her - as planned, it looks like everyone benefits.
So amazing!
Such great photos of the last day of school! She looks very happy and it appears that she’s quite the social butterfly.
I’m catching up on blog reading, but I had to comment here.
I love mainstreaming. My daughter has had children with special needs in her classroom almost every year–down’s syndrome, autism, or whatever.
In second grade we were looking at her class picture, and there were two teachers. I knew that second grade didn’t have a full-time aide as 1st grade did, so I asked who that was. “Oh, she helps Stephanie,” Amanda explained.
“Helps her what?” her mom densely asked.
“I don’t know–with her schoolwork and stuff.”
It had been months since school started and we had talked about 2nd grade, her class, her new friends etc, and never had she said, “There’s some girl who’s different and needs help.” It just never occurred to her.
I love that.