Tuesday, June 3, 2008

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!

15 comments:

amy-lynne......... said...

ms thang.... YGG WTG!!!!!!!!... congrats on ALL the awards... you have done sooooooo great and i could not be any prouder of you... continue to do GREAT things... LOVE YA lil bit...AWESOME!!!!!

Christy said...

OMG! What an awesome Ms. Thang you are raising! Buy her a scoop of Baskin-Robbins and tell her it's from a cyber-friend who is very proud of her.

Carol said...

Good Job,Ms Thang :)

Trish said...

you totally deserve to brag! Way to go Ms. Thang!

Aunt Kathy said...

Brag on... I haven't met Ms Thang and I am already beaming with pride. What an awesome show of character and strength. The sky is the limit for her. Awesome

Shea said...

Oh Wow! I'm so impressed. I had no idea. What a gal! I love smart chics!

magnoliasntea said...

Big, huge congratulations to your beautiful daughter! She's obviously taken the whole school captive by her charm & brilliance. :)

Seems to me she's ahead of all of us who can't sign. WTG! One of the clerks at my post office is deaf. She's a wonder..just like your Ms.Thang.

Love the name editing..cute!

Anonymous said...

Honey do not apologize she has done some major things and it is just so awesome. YG Ms Thang!!!! You are awesome!!!!!

I know exactly what you mean on how they look at LD students. My youngest was in the LD class his only problem was he couldn't comprehend what he read. Read it to him and no problem; give him a math equation outta this world, and yet.... He also made it out of LD and into regular classes. I so wanted to send his report card to his school in NY where we were told he would never, ever graduate yet be in regular classes.

Go Ms. Thang!!!! YEAH!!!!!!! ALRIGHT!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!

Hugs!!!!

Wendy said...

Brag and brag some more......I would be doing the same.....
BIG HUGS to Ms Thang and all her achievements.....You deserve a pat on the shoulder too,,,,,you are the momma that loves her and gave her all the encouragement and support that we mommas give.....
Great job....I am just beaming right now......

Briley said...

You certainly have earned bragging rights. You must be practically busting with pride! What a great way for MsThag to end her elementary school career.

Shirl said...

My darling Sunkisses
Way to go baby Girl, you deserve this and much, much more. Congratulations on your wonderful achievements!!!!! Sunkisses is the best and congratulations my darling Mel, you raised one teriffic little girl, you can brag as much as you want, you have every right to be the proudest mommy walking this earth.
Well done my darling little Sunkisses.
Love you all very much.
Drukkies

hakucho said...

You should be bragging!!! Congratulations to Ms Thang on all her accomplishments!!! Way to go...you'll never be able to stop her from doing anything she sets her mind to do...which is just wonderful. Best wishes next year in Middle School :)

Unknown said...

Ms Thang sounds more like Ms Awesome Thang to me :)

Crystal said...

Ms Thang, you rock girl! You show the world that nothing can stop you! Mom you should brag! It is truly something to be proud of and by the way it seems, you will go on to do extroidinary things in your life. I too have a child with a hearing disability(50% both ears) She too is a dancer and artist and wonderful girl(you can check out pics on blog). I think that having a disability brings out more strength and power than we can every imagine. Ms Thang should be extremely proud of herself and continue to shine. Congrats on all the awards, display them with pride!!!!!!
I have never met you, but I could give you lots of hugs for all you have done and will continue doing. Now I have tears in my eyes(lol), so much joy in seeing children succeed!

Sandy said...

Brag away, it's nice to hear about young people doing well. Give her my congrats! It's also nice to hear some positive strokes for the teachers. So many times all we hear is negative.

Have a great wkend.
Sandy