Forgive Me For Bragging But....

Ms Thang totally made me proud on Awards Day. I think everyone (regulars anyway) know already that she is deaf. She has...for the last several years....been in the Learning Disabled (Special Ed) classes because she was beginning to struggle in the regular classroom and we were afraid she would fall behind. This year is her last one in elementary school and everyone (myself, teachers and therapists) agree that she is ready to move back into the regular classroom setting. She has really come a long way the past few years...thanks to some awesome teachers...we want her to start off in middle school being as "normal" as possible. I hate that word and I hate to use it that way but it's the best way to explain it to those who don't understand. She is as normal as it gets....she is deaf but that hasn't stopped her from doing or trying anything! She has played softball...she's taken dance (performed in the recital like a pro...couldn't tell she couldn't hear the music...YGG!)...she played little league baseball WITH THE BOYS...she can swim...ride a bike...you get the picture. She won't be told she can't do something. She has worked so hard this year and this is what she has to show for it.....

A/B Honor Roll...okay she always gets this one and is not at all impressed anymore. She knows this one is coming. lol It always impresses the family though.
*I (poorly) edited these photos to remove real names*

She had the privilege of serving on the Student Council this year. She helped the little kindergarteners plant flowers earlier in the year and made a few new friends in the process. I was really surprised they chose her....there's still an amazing amount of bias towards kids with disabilites and in her case they assume that she isn't smart....just cuz she can't hear which means she can't "talk"? ( we do sign) PULEEEZ! Do not underestimate my child. (All my kids are smart. :P)

She also received this nice little award with her certificate. It will go on the shelf with her sports and dance trophies.

This one was totally unexpected. The school administrators choose only 3 kids from the two grades to receive this award...not even the teachers knew who would get it. Her interpreter was so excited. Ms Thang was announced second so we can't even tell you who the third child was. lol
I was blown away that they even considered her given the assumptions about the kids in LD (Learning Disabled) classes. I shouldn't have been too surprised...I've walked around the school with her and practically everyone knows this girl. She speaks to everybody...the head custodian is her buddy....the little kids are fascinated watching her sign. It still blows me away though....every time.


Her Citizenship Award pin. I'm really proud of the progress she's made....sorry for bragging but at the same time....I don't take any credit for her achievements. She had the most amazing teachers and the best interpreter ever! She has a classroom full of wonderful kids who accept her as she is and want to look out for her and help her out when they can. We're really gonna miss those kids. I encourage her to do her best and I don't allow her to slack off even when she fakes a headache, tummyache....whatever.....but she did this herself. She's just a great example of what you can do if you put your mind to it...even when there's obstacles in your way.

I will have both bags ready tomorrow for those sweet boys in her class. I can't wait to see the look on their faces!

Hugs!