A whole page of discussion came in in the time I composed my last message.

If I had seen this I would say, that this is also a great place to share our frustrations as well as our joys!

To keep this board safe, I think we do a lot of self-policing, making sure that people keep their posts kind, even when we disagree. This is often done very gently. When people feel really frustrated, angry, or threatened, they tend to be less gentle. Obviously, this thread has hit a nerve!

Thanks, my post sounded logical to me, I didn't realize it came across as unkind.
Again, sorry.

incogneato, it's not that sorrows divide us; it's when a sorrow is shared that we feel it is made smaller because we don't carry the load all by ourselves.

I see(smoothing down unduly ruffled feathers).

I read it too fast.

Thank you.

Oh, Neato, you can relax. I was actually commenting on a general trend within the thread. I can't imagine that you were the only one who felt a little "ruffled." As a counselor, I am trained to "comment on the process." LOL!

I wanted to come back to this, because it got lost in the shuffle, I think.

I agree wholeheartedly that parenting is hard enough without feeling like other people are judging your choices. I think it comes out of insecurity--if your way is good, then mine must not be--and that's a shame. Human, but a shame.

Complaining is usually socially acceptable, even about advanced behaviors, at least in my "everyone is GT" area. (i.e. "Oh, little Johnny is already walking, and it's just SO exhausting for me.") That's usually how people announced what their kids were doing in our playgroup, actually. They griped about how early their kids were doing things and what a pain it was. It's sort of backwards bragging, so that you are able to talk about what your child is doing, but without seeming like you're bragging.

Personally, I like hearing real bragging or real complaining better. Either one is more honest, and I like honest.

I love to hear the good here, and I'm happy to help as much as I can with the bad. I think that's what this forum is all about.

Well, too much RE on my part. I am off to channel my inner spock.

Have a good day, all.



Neato

Interjection: Bianca mentioned that Davidson aid is available. I know how difficult it can be and truly sympathize with incog's efforts, but I know many people have started charter schools here.

I do not know what the process is, but could Davidson help you, incog, in starting a program? I say this, because maybe there is a track here that someone else has started and worked with Davidson in starting gifted programs?

Ren

Not to speak for 'Neato, but since I know she's not here, I'll give a place-filler answer...

'Neato's kids just missed the DYS cut-off when they were tested, and she hasn't retested them. If she wanted to start a charter school--and I don't think she does--I'm not sure DYS would be in a position to help her right now.

'Neato has worked her tail off to get her DDs' school to give her kids what they need. It was a really, really challenging and frustrating year for her. That's why this thread was so hard on her, I think. Nothing was easy. Everything she got accomplished required lots of hard work. And it may still not be enough for her DDs. She's feeling pretty beaten up, I think. I really feel for her!

Even so, with all the trouble she had this year and all the pushing she had to do, I'm pretty sure that trying to start a charter school is not in her future. It's just not where she's likely to direct her efforts. Getting an education for her own kids has been hard enough!

Feel free to correct me if I'm misspeaking, 'Neato. I don't mean to speak out of turn. I just didn't want this to become the "How 'Neato can start a charter school" thread. I know you don't need that! You're doing enough as it is without that pressure!

I can feel Neato's pain. I think we are in a similar kind of school situation but about half way through the year I threw up my hands, gave up, and thought we're homeschooling next year (which is still a bit up in the air). I have the utmost respect for those who have the resources, drive, and energy to start a charter or make wide a sweeping changes in a school or a district. But as a parent, at least for me, my first consideration is getting a reasonable fit for your child ASAP in whatever form I can get it.

Anyway - I was also going to throw in since I was late to this discussion, I definitely have no issues DOK either. I do like to hear what's working and what's good out there. That kind of info can only help me. I can relate to frustration as well though.