We are definitely in a FULL season right now with LOTS going on but, thankfully, that also translates into “riches” in the form of a variety of fun activities, new experiences and beautiful people. It’s a season of heightened gratitude as well as we wind down another school year and take a little time to reflect on the fun that was had & the kids’ accomplishments this past year. Our family was blessed by another great batch of teachers and we enjoyed having many of them over for dinner in appreciation of all their hard work. We had the 6th grade La Patera teachers and a couple of Dos Pueblos teachers over last Wednesday evening and Rudy’s teachers from La Patera and Learning Tree over last night!! Two evenings full of great company, pleasant conversation, good food, belly laughs and greater insight into the lives of the men and women who help educate our kids. Talk about RICH!! Our kids are being invested in by a group of people with varying personalities, passions and life experiences and we couldn’t be more grateful for all that Wilson, Max, Olivia & Rudy are learning not only from these individuals but also through their example.
Rudy had a transitional IEP (Individual Education Plan) meeting yesterday. This is normally an annual meeting that happens for Rudy near his birthday in the fall but because Rudy will be transitioning from pre-K to Kindergarten officially in the fall, it’s necessary to meet and iron out all the details now. Yesterday’s meeting included Rudy’s current teachers, speech therapist, occupational therapist, district nurse, classroom nurse, adaptive PE teacher, the district psychologist, the district special ed director, next year’s school principal, next year’s speech therapist and next year’s general ed & special ed Kindergarten teachers…phew!!! Once again, Rolf and I walked away humbled by and grateful for the many voices accessing and speaking into Rudy’s overall educational experience. Old goals were discussed, new goals were established and plans for Rudy to be placed in an immersion class made up of special ed and typical children were made. The program looks like a great one but it does mean that Rudy will be permanently placed at Mountain View Elementary School and our family will have to say “goodbye” to our beloved La Patera after 7 great years there. The La Patera community of staff and families rallied around us when Rudy was born and were of practical support in the many months that followed (i.e. brought our family meals for 7 months while Rolf and I shuttled back and forth between home and the hospital), they celebrated with us when we brought him home, they helped keep a close eye on the big kids through it all (giving an extra reassuring hug when needed) and welcomed Rudy, officially, as a part-time student this year! Precious memories…talk about RICH!!
We’ll have to say goodbye to the special teachers at Learning Tree as well. We always knew Rudy’s time at Learning Tree would just be for this year but we believe in establishing roots wherever we land (no matter the duration) and we’ve grown very fond of the staff there…friendly, patient, focused & firm when necessary but always loving. Rudy has developed a great deal this past year…and he greatly benefited from his time at Learning Tree.
The one constant in all of this, for which Rolf and I are deeply grateful, is Nurse Sara (pictured in the middle). She began working with Rudy at the start of this school year, will accompany him to summer school and, if all goes as planned, will continue on with him next year at Mountain View. A large part of Rudy’s success at school this year is due to her easy-going demeanor, nursing expertise, compassion and the continuity of care she provides for him no matter the locale. She is a huge support to him and their bond is clearly established…and I’m pretty grateful for her friendship too! 🙂
All of this adds up to immeasurable riches in the life of our family and, as always, we are blown away!
We have just 4 more weeks left of school…there’s something on the calendar practically every day between now and then…the race to the finish begins…now! Here we go! 🙂
Rudy's Beat 
Thank you for ALL the teachers that enrich our children’s lives.!!!
I love Rudy’s smiles.
What a wonderful bunch of teachers! Love that picture of Rudy in the pool, just chillin’!
Wow! You had all the teachers over!!! Amazing!! So glad for all the love that surrounds our little Rudy!!! Hope there is a few days of rest in those summer plans!!
Beautiful gratitude for all the good things!
I know about IEPs from the point of view of the teachers (did you know that 3 of our 6 adult kids are mobility and orientation specialists, working with blind students in about a dozen different school districts?) And those meetings are not all that easy sometimes. But your attitude? So encouraging and affirming of those who are pouring into your boy? Makes all the difference in the world. So, thank you – on behalf of special ed interventionists everywhere!