Dealing with Schools - pass the Excedrin

Why should it be so difficult to deal with schools, school districts, teachers, staff?

One would think that adults should be able to communicate in adult terms (not adult language, if you please) and be understood. Communicate should take place in respectful terms. And the parties might not always agree.

What happens when they don't agree? Why do noses get out of joint when a decision is questioned or when explanations are sought or reasons asked?

My experience is that too many teachers follow this method of life: "Do what I say. Do it. Do it right now. Don't ask questions. If you are questions, you are being insubordinate and there will be consequences."

So students learn to shut up. Sometimes they just go and do what they were going to do, anyway. And then they pay the price - they get "consequences."

We need to be teaching our kids to inquire, to challenge, to question, not to accept instantly everything that is said. In other words, ask questions and make up your own mind. And we need to help guide them in making good choices.

In the meantime, where is the Excedrin?

Special Ed Students in Woodstock

How many Special Education students are there in Woodstock?


As of December, over 1,000.


Results of the poll? Of the three votes cast,

---1-100: 1

101-500: 2

Parent Involvement Team

If you have a child with a known or suspected mental illness, you may find out about services and support by attending the monthly meetings of the Parent Involvement Team (PIT) of the Family Care Project of the McHenry County Mental Health Board.

The PIT, formerly known as the Family Council, meets monthly at the Mental Health Board on the second Wednesday (except tonight's meeting has been canceled). Tonight's speaker, who was to explain about legislative advocacy, would have come out from Chicago, but the weather is in the way. So this speaker will be with us in April.

There is a Youth Council that meets during the same time-frame.

For more information about either, call the Family Care Project at (815) 788-4360. The receptionist will steer you to the right person.

How many?

How many students in the Woodstock District 200 are classified as Special Education students?

Take a guess!