Amazing progress...I have never had an ARD as positive as this one. D is a freshman in high school now, but he is in a small, specialized (one teacher) class situation. This environment has allowed him to mature more than I had hoped for. He has formed a meaningful connection with his teacher-this year and last. These particular teachers have listened with genuine empathy, and therefore nurtured a trust that puts D at ease. This special bond allows him to be more open-minded when discussing behavior.

In the ARD, person after person spoke to his growing maturity; controlling impulses, showing more appropriate ways of expressing outrage, less outrage, and more problem solving. Wow...my heart was full of pride. D's reaction?? "I don't know what you mean; I haven't changed; I never acted like that." :) And he believes that because he never thought he was in the wrong to begin with. What could I say to that??

He usually comes home happy now. (Well...He found Health class very distasteful-all that stuff concerning reproduction and our innards! He didn't come home so happy on those days.) He is once again the honor roll student he was in the elementary grades. I can't tell you how grateful I am for these caring individuals that help my son learn and grow everyday-scholastically and emotionally.

Now that we have found what works, we are anchored-literally. I can't imagine moving and starting over again. I can't imagine leaving this ideal educational setting. This school is what is best for him, and God knows I had just about given up hope of finding a positive learning environment for him. After all the bullying and power struggles and general crap we have dealt with over the years, I can finally breathe a sigh of relief...and pray it endures.