Well, the start of school has not been without its wrinkles. The aide we wanted couldn't afford to work for the district, since they don't provide benefits. The first aide they provided called off 3 of the first 7 days of school. The temp they brought in while they searched for a replacement was WONDERFUL and we loved her but of course she couldn't stay. The new aide is very nice, though young and inexperienced. I am praying that she will be a good fit.

Aside from that, things are going really, really well. The principal (I love her!) had additional handicapped spaces painted in the parking lot, the PT and OT ordered a new chair, adaptive computer keyboard and special scissors for Erica to use in the classroom. Three of her new classmates were old friends from daycare. The scrapbook I made to help other kids get to know her was a big hit. There have been many opportunities to use her assistive communication device in class, including being tested on her phone number and address, reciting the class mission statement, singing a song about Johnny Appleseed and reading the book "Brown Bear, Brown Bear."

The PTO fundraiser was a walk-a-thon, and each class walked together around the high school track next door. Erica carried the class banner as her aide pushed her around the track in her chair. Without actually signing up for it, I somehow ended up being one of the room mothers so I am now helping to plan the Halloween party. I am also working with kids in the class out in the hall on reading practice (letter and sight word recognition for now) as a "Parent Pal."

Erica is learning sight words, she can cut paper using the adapted scissors, she is starting to make recognizable lines and circles on paper and she is making friends!

We are off and running in the wonderful world of elementary school!