Yet Another thing I HATE about teaching

[FED UP]

A new year, different kid, same song and dance as always.

I have a 3rd grader who is severely ADHD whose parents were FINALLY convinced at the end of LAST SCHOOL YEAR to try meds. For obvious reasons, the kid is way, way, way behind due to the three prior years of school that he wasn't able to focus (when he wasn't being treated for his problem).
I have been working with him all school year, and with the meds he's been on, he's really made some strides academically. The last big reading test we took (in Dec), he came up almost 30 points from the one taken at the beginning of the year! Still not passing, but a lot of improvement, I'd say.
Well, ever since returning from Christmas break, the child has been back to his "pre-medicated" state. Took me a few days to catch what was up, but on day 3, when I asked the kid, he confirmed that he was "out" of meds. So a note goes home to parents about the behavioral struggles.

Today I get an "oh-so-lovely" note from mom telling me that the child has be permanently taken OFF meds because he was becoming suicidial on them. Well, that was news to me!!! Oh, and to make matters worse, the mother also requests that the child NOT miss recess because "he's trying the best he can". Sorry, but when kids don't finish their work/have corrections to make on their work in my class, they have to make it up during recess. Even my administrator supports me and said that recess is a priviledge, not a right--so I am fine to have kids miss it when they have outstanding work to complete.

So now, we're back to square one.
Oh, the joys of teaching!!!!!!!

 

[lara]

what meds

What med was he on? there's meds out there right now that are linked to suicide.

 

[CDHElmo]

CDHElmo

It sounds like the kid needs a lot of help (academically and emotionally, if his meds are making him have suicidal thoughts). Does your school have a special education program he can be referred to for his ADHD? Can you and an ESE coordinator maybe put him on an individualized academic improvement plan (modified assignments, extended time on assignments, etc.)? I agree that recess should be provided for students who behave and complete their assignments. but I am sure the kid needs a break during the day at some point (as do you). Get some adminstrative and special ed. feedback on this one, and hang in there.

 

[brooke]

it is what it is

I think that the parents really do manage the use or no use of their child's meds. It is what it is. At this point it appears that you'll need to see him slipping in grades and document it. Once you have the data, present it to the parent(s) in some sort of team meeting. This year I had a child whose parent chose not to provide the meds for depression and he has lost the first five months of school. Last week the parent finally conceded to give him the meds. We had met in team setting four times over these last four months. On our end, the school social worker and psychiatrist were involved, the nurse was calling the doctor's office, we've been making modifications, etc.

Early on I found holding this child back from recess wasn't helping. If you do hold back recess are you finding the student follows through with work? If the student doesn't then you need to investigate other rewards and consequences. I'm finally getting some cooperation with this child by offering Yu-Gi-Oh cards for work finished. Best wishes.

 

[bertie]

recess

Of course you have to keep them in from recess sometimes, but if he's never getting recesses, (and he's likely become one of the ones who needs the physical outlet most) you're punishing yourself. I'd suggest to modify his program, make it clear he's now on an IPP and give yourself a break.

 

[TexTeacher]

Be careful about asking kids about meds. That is seriously against FERPA. In our district you would get written up for that.

 

[maryteach]

sympathy

I just want to say that you have my complete sympathy. There's always at least one kid who just cannot do what everyone else is doing. It may be ADHD, it may be poor parenting, it may be emotional problems--but there's always at least one. I teach sixth in a middle school. Every year, we have just a few kids who need to go back to fifth grade, in the elementary school. They're just not ready for middle school! Some parents agree, and send their kids back. Then, when they come back the next year, they are much, much more successful. But there are always some parents who won't do that. I think they get themselves confused with their kids, and think on some level that we're telling them that THEY need to go back to fifth grade. Those children whose parents just refuse to send them back end up failing their first year of middle school, and getting to repeat sixth instead of fifth. In middle school, if you don't do the work, you fail!

Good luck. No matter what the source of the behavior, it's trying!

 

[Mr. J]

Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts is something NEVER to take lightly. No matter what age the child is, on or off medication, he needs to be seen regularly by a school counselor, or if you have one, a psychologist. I think mom needs to come in and all 3 of you can have a conference, explaining why it is necessary for him to stay in during recess.

Utilize your school counselor for this child! He really needs help if he is really having these thoughts! Just don't wait until it's too late.

 

[TLC]

It' in the news

We got a letter from insurance saying there were reports of people having suicidal thoughts with Stratera. so they were removing it from their approved list. Well, the thought of NOT having that drug available made me feel a little suicidal. It has been a lifesaver at our house. My daughter lives in a much better world because of it. We fought the insurance and won, otherwise it would have been $100 a month, and worth it.
Perhaps the parents had the drug taken away by insurance and have to figure out a new one. It must be a frustrating nightmare for you! My sympathies.

 

[pauly]

living in teaching HELL

Parents......HAHAHA!! Same old song and dance of no student responsibility.....The student is always right and you are always wrong.......I have never drank so much as this year teaching.....You just have to plug on and keep smiling - if not YOU might commit suicide....

 

[pauly again]

shoot myself

You cant make chicken salad out of chicken ####