Alexis still wants first grade!

Dear Reader,

This is like a petition for Alexis Watson to attend a typical, first grade pubic classroom for the 2015/16 school year as a full-time student.

My name is Angie. Thirteen years ago my daughter Alexis was born with a rare chromosome abnormality called 4p-, 11p trisomy. She struggled with all sorts of major issues throughout her life, has surpassed all expectations, and is finally at about a first grade level. She has worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and wants to continue moving forward by attending a typical classroom, however the state we live in will not let her. It was the end of last summer when they gave their final “No!” Even though Alexis received 50% on a spontaneous, typical, first grade evaluation containing subject matter and testing methods never before introduced to her, they still claimed she was not capable of completing the first grade and the results of such a failure would be devastating to her development. I do not understand how this can happen. Whose right is it to determine what my child is and is not capable of? Why would educators tell any student they do not believe in their abilities? So what if Alexis ends up failing? I’ve raised her to believe success is about trying. Who determines what failure is anyway? Personally, I will be celebrating if Alexis completes the first grade with an F+, and who is to say what kind of chance she has at receiving something better? Doesn’t all of this depend on her and how much she is willing to put in to it? Additionally baffling is the fact our request complies with state and federal law, which mandates: Children with disabilities are entitled to a public education appropriate to their needs, and if possible, they must be educated with age-appropriate peers who do not have disabilities, while attending the school closest to their home.

Because of her syndrome, Alexis is the size of a first grader. Socially, she hangs out with first graders. Cognitively, she’s grasping first grade academics. She does not have disruptive behaviors. When attending public school she automatically receives a full-time, one-on-one assistant no matter what school, class, or curriculum she participates in. Thus, I ask you: Do you believe Alexis has a right to try attending first grade? If your answer is yes, will you please leave a comment on this blog stating so?

If you happen to feel further inclined, perhaps you will also send an email to the president of the United States and Utah’s Governor Herbert? I’ve already sent emails to the president and 39 governors. It is an easy process. The links are below. There is no log-on, just auto-fill your contact information, paste one of the emails I’ve included, and then click submit.

As always with things like this, the more the merrier. Thus, sharing is highly encouraged! J

Thank You and Namaste!

--angie

Guardian/Advocate/Mother

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EMAIL TO GOVERNOR HERBERT: http://governor.utah.gov/goca/form_governor.html

Dear Governor Herbert,

You have recently received a plea from one of your citizens. Her name is Angie Watson, and I am urging you to consider her request for her daughter Alexis to attend a typical, first grade pubic classroom for the 2015/16 school year as a full-time student. Please recall how state and federal law mandates children with disabilities are entitled to a public education appropriate to their needs, in the least restrictive manner, and if possible, they must be educated with age-appropriate peers who do not have disabilities, while attending the school closest to their home.

Governor Herbert, since Alexis has overcome such tremendous odds I say she should be given a chance with the public education she desires. Based on her size, physical mobility, strength, personal demeanor, and socialization habits she is going to fit right in with first grade students. Additionally, if she wants the challenge of a first grade curriculum and class setting, and has worked so hard to get to this point in her life, who are you or I to say she can’t handle it? This is not the example to be setting for the children of your state. Instead, every single one of them should be encouraged to reach for the stars and strive for their dreams, especially when it comes to academics. Thus, I ask you: Will you allow Alexis the chance at the educational setting she has asked for?

Thank you!

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EMAIL TO PRESIDENT OBAMA: https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/submit-questions-and-comments

Dear Mr. President and Mrs. Obama,

You have recently received a plea from one of your citizens. Her name is Angie Watson, and I am urging you to consider her request for her daughter Alexis to attend a typical, first grade pubic classroom for the 2015/16 school year as a full-time student. Please recall how state and federal law mandates children with disabilities are entitled to a public education appropriate to their needs, in the least restrictive manner, and if possible, they must be educated with age-appropriate peers who do not have disabilities, while attending the school closest to their home.

Mr. President, Mrs. Obama, since Alexis has overcome such tremendous odds I say she should be given a chance with the public education she desires. Based on her size, physical mobility, strength, personal demeanor, and socialization habits she is going to fit right in with first grade students. Additionally, if she wants the challenge of a first grade curriculum and class setting, and has worked so hard to get to this point in her life, who are you or I to say she can’t handle it? This is not the example we should be setting for the children of our nation. Instead, every single one of them should be encouraged to reach for the stars and strive for their dreams, especially when it comes to academics. Thus, I ask you: Will you allow Alexis the chance at the educational setting she has asked for?

Thank you!

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