School decisions

Let's face it, school for kids with TS is tough. It comes with all of the usual situations that are tough for kids, but it comes along with a whole slew of other issues. One of the things that I have continually reminded myself throughout this that makes us "lucky" is that we have one school in town for K-2. One school in town for 3-5. One school in town for 6-8. One school in town for 9-12. For a kid with TS this is ideal. There is no point in time where Liam will feel as though he needs to explain his TS to a whole new set of peers. Liam's older sister Diane is in 8th grade this year, and will be moving on to North Smithfield High School next year. We moved to this town partly because the school system has such a great reputation and we've been very happy with it so far. She will do great in a traditional college prep atmosphere, that's her thing and that's where she thrives.

So it probably comes as a shock to many that I'm researching high schools for my fifth grader. I think North Smithfield High School will be the perfect place for Diane, but I'm not so sure for Liam. I think he'd strive in a more creative personalized setting.

To this end, we went to an open house at Beacon Charter School last night. Liam's whole face lit up when we went into the theater room and he saw the set that was being built. He asked if the students get to build the set and questioned the teacher about the materials the students used to make the columns that were in the current set. I was floored by the visual arts department.As much as I loved my art teachers in high school- this was akin to the art education I received in college.
The decision for me came in the math room. Liam had obviously been holding in his tics. There were three kids giving us the tour. In our tour group was a mom and daughter. the daughter was looking to transfer from another high school. Also in our group was one of my friends and her son who are looking at high schools for next year. Liam let out a HUGE vocal tic. One of the kids giving the tour said "dude, why'd ya do that". Liam very matter of factly said "I have Tourette Syndrome. It's a neurological disorder. I can't help it." The kid giving the tour just shrugged, said "oh" and they continued talking about whatever the discussion was about before he ticced. I thought "yep, he can handle this just fine". 

Liam and I sat down at one point while we were waiting for our friends that we drove with to finish up with some questions they had. Liam turned to me with a big grin and told me he wanted to be put into the lottery to go there when he's in eighth grade. So while my eighth grader is traditional education bound and some of her friends are looking at other high schools (we saw several of Diane's friends from school, dance, etc), I'm thinking about high school alternatives for Liam. I think we'll also look into the MET, which uses an individualized learning approach with internships as well. And while I know I'm eschewing the safe and easy zone of having Liam be with kids he knows because it will be comfortable, I want him to be in a supportive creative environment where it's not about his TS but developing his unique potential.