All Worth It

So yesterday started off my IEP's. I had only one - a senior exit IEP. Now, this is a girl (we'll call her T) wanted nothing to do with the special ed department during her freshman year. It was that whole stigma of our room being the "stupid" room. She struggled immensely during 9th grade. So much so that for her sophomore IEP meeting, we contemplated - based on T's actions - dismissing her from services since she refused them. However, mother and daughter talked and T agreed that she would be scheduled with us during her study hall and get help from me. From that point on, T embraced her need for help and even, I think, enjoyed coming to our room - even when she didn't need assistance. During her junior year, she excelled even further - she was scheduled into my study hall again and I also went into her Algebra II class so that I could help all the students taking it. This year, she didn't need us so I've barely seen her. It hasn't mattered. She has straight A's.

Anyway, when we had signed all the paperwork yesterday (about 10 pages of crap), her mother pulled out a gift for me. It was a cookbook (how perfect - she didn't even know that I liked to cook) that she had put together (not shabby either - over 200 pages and the recipes look awesome). There was also T's senior picture attached in front with the following inscription - written my Mrs. T (that's funny!):

"Dear Mrs. Hanke,
How does one thank someone for rescuing their greatest possession - their child? I hate to think of how T's high school years may have turned out if you had not come into her life her sophomore year. From failure, defeat and shame her freshman year, she again experienced success academically with her self-confidence returning. Part of it came from somewhere within T the minute she accepted she had to have help but it was your guidance, your willingness to help her in the way she needed it, your enthusiasm, and your persistence that helped her succeed. I am giving you this humble gift in hopes that when you look at it, you will be reminded of this one child desperately sinking downward that you lifted up to acceptance of her need for help and then success."

I'm nearly weeping now. I don't expect thanks from my parents - I'm doing my job but every once in a great while I get a thank you and it definitely keeps me going. What a great way to start IEP's!!! (Of course now, my next meeting will probably be horrendous. Me: always the pessimist!)

K - must skittily scat. I have a long day today - it's our last "conference" night at school so I'll be there until 7:30. Sucks!