Warning: This story does not contain any sex. None of the characters are based on real people nor are they meant to resemble any living or dead people.
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** I just want to remind everyone this is a fictional story; nothing happens this fast, there I said my little disclaimer.
Blake's Saga
Book V -- Chapter 8 -- Part A
Collin's Teacher Worried
Collin's teacher; Mr. Foster, has been tracking Collin's work for some time. He has reason to believe that Collin is either critically behind on his math skills or there is some kind of learning disability hindering him. His reading, spelling, and all other academic skills don't seem to be affected by whatever is going on. If it is a learning disability, Collin would have plenty of help to make it through school and if his teacher is wrong, then no harm done. The hard part will be convincing Collin's dad's that there could be some kind of disability causing issues with the young man. Mr. Foster sits down makes a few phone calls, he sends out a few emails, and then he emails Ian and Trace. He doesn't want Collin to fall through the cracks, and he hopes that Collin's parents will feel the same way.
Later that day after dinner. Trace is checking his emails in the office, when he sees the email from Collin's teacher. He prints off the email and then goes off to find Ian. He finds Ian sitting down in the living room.
"Babe, did you see this email?"
He hands the email over to his husband.
"Dear Sir,
This is Mr. Foster, I'm Collin's teacher and I hope you are doing okay. I'm writing you to ask if we could have a meeting about your son; Collin. I've been tracking his work for the past two months after noticing a pattern in his math scores. In the last 5 weeks, I've noticed that Collin's math scores have been bad. I would like to have him tested for a possible learning disability. I'd like to set up a meeting with you and your husband along with the Educational Psychologist plus our principal. I don't want Collin to fall through the cracks. You can text me or email me on a with a good time to meet. I look forward to working with you to help your son."
Ian finishes reading over the email and then looks at Trace, but Trace isn't looking at him. Ian hates when Trace goes quiet because it makes it really hard to know what his partner is thinking.
"Ian, we've been seeing his math grades. I...I think we need to text him and set up a meeting date as soon as possible. I don't want this delayed. Our son deserves that much out of us."
Trace tells his husband. The guys are in agreement on this issue. They immediately text the teacher.
"We can meet on Friday just give us a time."
Ian takes Trace's hand and gives him a kiss. He knows that they've done the right thing. If their youngest son does in fact have an issue affecting his learning , they'll fight for him. Mr. Foster looks at the possible times the other people gave him. Sure enough there 2:30 on Friday.
"Would 2:30 pm be okay on Friday?"
He sends out the text again to Collin's dads. It doesn't take long for Ian to send a text to the teacher letting him know that the time will be perfect. Attached to the original email, there was spreadsheet of all Collin's math scores.
Trace goes back and prints out the records that Mr. Foster has sent and did send with the email. One by one they can see where Collin's grades started off showing signs of needing serious help at the beginning of the year. They can see where Mr. Foster has made notes about contacting the parents about the grades. They see where Mr. Foster contacted them about switching up Collin's math to see if there might some improvements in his scores. They are looking at his scores and then trying to look into the future.
"Ian, it's pretty clear that our kiddo needs some help. But isn't kindergarten a little early for all of this?"
Ian can understand Trace's feelings, but he knows an earlier intervention would mean earlier help for their son. A win for the school, a win for them as parents, and a win for Collin.
"Look he could have a learning disability, and his scores do seem to point to him having an issue. I think we would be doing a great disservice to Collin and his future. We need to see this through."
His husband's words light up his heart. They agree to going forward with the testing, so they decide to text back to Mr. Foster with their decision. It going to be an interesting journey to say the least. The meeting will be interesting that is for sure.
Everyone is gathered at the meeting. Collin's teacher is very concerned that this could end up being one of those meetings where the parents refuse to go forward with testing because of the worry about labeling the kid. What Mr. Foster doesn't know is that neither one of the dads is looking at this as an attempt to label their son rather, they are concerned that he might end up struggling with math, and learning to hate it. The meeting goes smoothly with the dads agreeing to the testing which will begin next week. After shaking hands with everyone, Ian and Trace meet with the LRE teacher who will be working with Collin on his math and providing any other support that might be needed. Collin's parents come away from the meeting hopeful that their son will triumphant over math.
The next week, Collin is pulled from his classroom to undergo testing with Ms. Charlotte. She makes the young man feel comfortable and does her best to keep it that way. She strikes up conversation with him as she carries out testing. Collin did very well in some parts of the testing and in other areas, he did very poorly. She wraps up the testing for the day.
"Ready to go back to class?"
She has been with him for the entire forty-five minutes that Collin's class was working on math.
"Yeah, Mr. Foster is going to do an art project with us."
Collin says to Ms. Charlotte.
He is obviously excited to get back to the classroom. They walk together to the class. She opens the classroom door and looks at the student.
"Go sit down Collin, and have fun with art project. Mr. Foster, can I see you for a minute?"
While Collin is taking his seat, Mr. Foster approaches the door. When he reaches the door he turns to his class, and then turns back to his co-worker.
"Well, how did testing go today?"
He wants to know so he reward his student with some points.
"He behaved perfectly. I have not reviewed all the tests, we did today, but I think you are on the right track. I'll know more once the testing is done I am going to suggest that he receive support for all academic areas. At this point, I will be asking for 2 hours of support for him."
Mr. Foster shakes her hand and smiles as Ms. Charlotte turns and leaves the classroom. At least Mr. Foster knows what he needs to tell his student's
During the kids P.E. class, Mr. Foster gets on his computer to email Collin's dads.
"Dear Sirs,
I have spoken with the Educational Psychologist and she recommended at this point, that he receive two hours of assistance with an LRE teacher every day. I will schedule this support during math and reading. I don't want him missing out on specials. I believe, he needs time with his peers. If you are interested, I can arrange for him to have a tutor perhaps one of the high schoolers that work with us or one of the kids from class. I'm sure the Educational Psychologist will be in touch with you, But I wanted to contact you with what I know. I'm sure that I'll be in touch with you.
Signed,
Mr. Foster"
After writing and sending the email, Mr. Foster gets up to get his kids from P.E. He hopes that they'll be okay with the recommendations that he was given. If they don't it could impact their son. He knows that they won't do anything to hinder his academics. They want the best for their youngest son.
When Ian sees the email, he calls Mr. Foster immediately.
"Hi, how can I help you?"
Mr. Foster says to his student's dad. He's always willing to speak with all of his students' parents.
"I wanted call you for two reasons. One I wanted to say thank you for what you've done for Collin. Two, I wanted to ask you if you think the two hours is sufficient for Collin's time with the LRE teacher?"
Ian trusts the Educational Psychologist's suggestions. Her suggestions can only help their youngest son.
"I'm not an expert on the issues facing Collin, but I know our staff. I know Collin has some issues. I am willing to do everything I can for your son, and what I've done for him I would do for any of my student. He'll have academic support and we will do everything in our power to get back on track."
His words mean everything to Ian. He believes that they might be able to get his son back on track, so that someday, he might see a day when Collin won't need LRE support. Ian feels so much better about his son's future.
"Thank Mr. Foster, I'm going to try calling my husband. Thanks for speaking with me."
The kindergarten teacher smiles at the words that Ian has shared with him. Ian is happy that Mr. Foster has been so helpful. They say their goodbyes and then hang-up. Ian ends one call just to make another call.
"Hey Love, how are you?"
Ian loves when Trace calls him his "Love" and that means everything to him.
"I'm good Trace. Hey, the reason that I called was to let you know that Mr. Foster emailed us. The school's Educational Psychologist contacted him. She is suggesting that Collin receive two hours of remediation with the LRE teacher every day."
Words cannot express how happy Trace is to hear that his youngest son will get the help he needs.
"I think we need to celebrate or something."
Ian can tell that Trace is happy about the news, which doesn't surprise Ian at all. He's thankful for the love and support that he gives him and their sons.
"Well, I will let you get back to whatever you're doing. I'll see you in an hour Trace. When I get home, we can order pizza or decide what we want to do to celebrate? I'll get you go, Collin should be getting out of school pretty quickly, I love you!"
Trace tells Ian that he loves him and then says goodbye. With the call ended, he heads out to pick up his youngest son from school. After picking him, Trace decides to take him out for ice cream.
Ian and Blake are on their way home when Blake looks over at his dad.
"Any word from Collin's teacher?"
Blake is worried about his little brother. When that little guy joined the family, he got one heck of big brother for the most part any way. He wants his brother to do well in school.
"Well, we heard from his teacher, and the Educational Psychologist has suggested that Collin receive academic support via an LRE teacher. It appears he has a deficit, and in order to best correct it, he'll have two hours out of his classroom so they can help him out."
Blake's happy that his brother is going to get help. He's seen kids who are in similar situations and they get plenty of help from the staff there to support them. He also knows some of the kids who act as tutors for the younger kids and they are awesome. The lady who handles the special education program for the school district is an amazing woman. She does an end of the year party for all the kids who help out the students in her program, which includes Blake and the gang. When they get home, Ian and Blake help set the table, and then Ian takes his turn in doing the homework with Collin. After homework, Collin and Blake read together out of Collin's library book. By that time, it's time for the pizza and family time. Not sure that Collin understands everything, but hopefully with his dads and Blake by his side, he'll come out on top. Trace comes into the Collin's room to talk to him before bed.
"Hey Bud, you ready to call it a day?"
This is Trace's way to ask if he's ready for bed. Collin looks at Trace with a frown. As Trace sits down on in the chair near the bed.
"Daddy, am I going to have leave Mr. Foster's class?"
Collin's face goes from frown to a tiny tear. Trace can't do tears very well, so he does what he knows to do. He gives comfort the best way he knows how by being honest.
"Collin listen to me buddy. First off, you are not going to be switching classes okay?"
Trace tells his son. Trace hopes it's enough to quiet his son's fears. Collin grabs his teddy bear and then lays down.
"Thanks Daddy!"
A quiet voice says as Trace gets up to turn off the light.
"You're welcome Collin. I'm going to turn off the lights."
Collin closes his eyes and turns off the light. Trace leaves the room and goes to the office to see Ian. Ian can hear his husband entering the office.
"Is Collin in bed?"
Trace pulls up a chair so he can talk with his husband.
"Well Dad, he asked if he would have to leave his classroom. I think he is worried about it. Something maybe to keep an eye out for. Do we need to mention it to his teacher?"
Ian considers his husband's words for a second.
"You know, I don't think it would hurt. If nothing else he'll be ready in case there are tears at school. We don't want this to be painful for the kiddo."
Ian knows that the his partner in crime is on the kids' side, so he closes on the book on the question.
"I'll send out an email to him now."
He pauses his work, and brings up his email account.
"Mr Foster,
Hi this is Collin's Dad, Ian. Hey just wanted to let you know that Collin asked my husband at bedtime, if he was going to have to leave your classroom. He told him no. We thought, we should warn you in case he gets upset at school.
Thank you,
Ian"
Ian sends the email off to his son's teacher. Then he stretches, and looks at Trace, he gives him a smile.
"How about we have some quiet time without kids and then call it a night?"
His husband is all for it.
"Let's close up shop!"
Ian and Trace go to their bedroom and close the door.
Mr. Foster is concerned that Collin should have been in pre-school or that he should have had help from the start of kindergarten. His mother may have had some hand in his issues. The teacher isn't sure exactly where the problem stems from to begin with, but he still hopes that once everything is put into Collin's schedule, that they might see a turn around in the kid's grades. There seems to be something missing in his background. The question is what exactly is missing in his educational background. It doesn't matter because, Collin has a family who will see that anything done at school is backed up at home.
After on the thirds day of testing, Collin breaks down during testing. The testing is paused so that Collin can be calmed down. The staff member working with him contacts Mr. Foster, who asks her to end the testing for the today and bring him up to the office. He ends the call with his co-worker, and then calls up to the office. He has them call Trace to help calm him down. Collin isn't crying right now, but he is very anxious.
"Hi, this Ms. Grey, I'm calling from North elementary school. I have Collin in the office. He break down during testing and his teacher wants him to speak with you. He needs a bit of encouragement Should I put him on the phone?"
Collin looks a little bit more upset now that he realizes that the secretary is speaking with one of his dad's. I don't think he realizes that he isn't in trouble.
"Yes please!"
The secretary looks at the young man.
"Come here Collin. Your dad wants to speak to you."
Collin gets up slowly and walks up behind the counter. He is handed the phone.
"Daddy, can I come home?"
Trace can hear the fear and the sadness in his son's voice, and it kind of makes him sad too, but he can't let it get to him.
"No Collin, you can't come home. How about you tell me what's going on?"
Trace hopes that if he can get to the issue at hand.
"I don't want to do testing any more. It's boring."
To Trace it sounds like his son is feeling a bit frustrated. Maybe, he needs to do a push.
"Collin listen to me. I know the testing isn't fun, but if you finish your testing we will celebrate okay. This testing is really important, so Mr. Foster can help you out."
The little guy gets it, and he smiles. He feels better about the ordeal.
"Daddy, can I go now?"
Trace can hear the excitement in his son's voice. He decides to let him go back to whereever he is going.
"Okay kiddo, you can go back. Give the phone to Ms. Grey. I love you!"
Collin's smile gets bigger as he heard what his dad said.
"I love you Daddy."
Ms. Grey smiles too as she hears the student tell his dad that he loves him. Collin hands the phone back to the lady in the office.
"Hello!"
She says to Trace.
"He's good to go back to wherever he needs to go. Thanks for calling me!"
He is always glad to hear from the school so he can help out whenever possible.
"Thank you for helping out! I am going to send your son back to class. Thank you again!"
"You're welcome! Let me know if you need anything else."
Trace ends the phone call and the secretary calls down to the classroom to let him the teacher know that Collin will be returning to class. She gets the principal to walk the student back to his classroom. Student and principal walk back to class together making small talk the entire way down the hall. Upon returning to the class, Collin takes his sit and with a little help from his teacher starts right into the lesson.
Once again, Trace and Ian arrive at Collin's school to go over the plan for this school year. Attending the meeting is Mr. Foster, the LRE teacher that will be working with their son, the principal, and the Educational Psychologist. The educational psychologist starts off the meeting.
"So at this point, we are for sure getting Collin into the LRE classroom. We will be getting Collin into the classroom twice daily. Mr. Foster is allowing Collin to leave the room during Math and right after lunch for
reading. We are also going to give him more time to do work. If there are tests in the classroom, we would ask that the test be read to the student. Mr. Foster you wanted time to speak."
She gives up her time for right now. Mr. Foster looks at Ian and Trace in the eyes before he starts to speak.
"I want the two of you to know that I will work with the IEP and your son to support his academic support. I want him to succeed in my classroom. I'm going to do everything I can support your son. I'm willing to do whatever is needed."
Collin's dads know that the teacher will do everything he can to support their son. They know that they'll have the staff's support for their son. Everything is looking good. They wonder how everything will go for their son in the future. The last thing, they want for their son is for him to be teased because of his disability. It doesn't matter though because they will love their son and they know that all will be well with him.
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