Maria started summer school this week–they call it ESY for Extended School Year–I still call it summer school. Her teacher called me the first day to tell me how much she enjoyed Maria and how beautiful her skin is and what a great little personality she has and all the things they’re going to do this summer. It was great! I got more from her in that short phone call than I got all last summer… Plus, her awesome aide from the regular school year got paired up with her. And her sign language teacher is going to work with her every day.
Manolis and I went to the school on Tuesday to meet the teacher and see the classroom, which has tables and chairs and desks and little stations where they read or draw or play on the computer. She showed me how they rotate around the stations from activity-to-activity. Last year’s room was tiny, no tables or chairs (leading me to assume it was only kids in wheelchairs who just sat in place all morning…).
Apparently Maria already has a little best friend who pushes her around in her wheelchair, and a little boy friend who was playing the piano for her. Thank goodness! Even though it’s only 3 hrs/day for 4 days/week for 4 or 5 weeks, it should be a pleasant and learning experience. Kudos to Deer Valley School District!!