I hope everyone had a great summer & is doing well. 

I apologize, but I haven't been writing blogs as I once did when we first started our POPS website.  I guess I have had a little writer's block, because I just couldn't think of anything to write lately.  But today, I have exciting news to share..

Our POPS group & the story of how it all began, and about my son Brandon, is now featured on the website of the Family Support Center Clearinghouse website.

You can read & listen to an interview that was taped in our home by Mrs. Alyne Ellis, an awesome freelance writer & a cousin of mine that lives in Washington, DC.  

I hope our story will inspire others in starting parent support groups around the globe, not to mention, in our own communities. The more we pull together & learn from each other, the better we can help our children succeed & be successful. 

Remember: Knowledge is Power.. The more knowledge you have, the better you will be able to help your child & others..  

So, Please share this link with all your friends,

http://www.familysupportclearinghouse.org/stories/Pages/BridgetteBrandonReeves.aspx#brandon

I guess that's all for now.. I hope you guys have a wonderful day...

Bridgette 

If you missed the OCR-Office for Civil Rights workshop provided by the PROParents organization today in Columbia, then here are the highlights. 

Ms. Gaymon, Brandon, & I arrived at the William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute at 9am. We were greeted by PROParents staff & signed in as we entered the auditorium. We noticed Mr. Alexander Choi was already speaking, so we seated ourselves down in seats toward the front.  There were only a few people attending when we first arrived, but after about 30mins. several people started flowing in. The PROParents staff gave each of us little index cards to write down any questions we may have, so they held question & answer until the end of the presentation. 

Now for the information that was shared....

The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), is a part of the US Department of Education, has headquarters in Washington, DC.  They also have 12 enforcement offices across the US:  

            Boston, MA, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA (Eastern Division) 

            Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX (Southern Division) 

            Chicago, IL, Cleveland, OH, Kansas City, MO (Midwestern Division) 

            Denver, CO, San Francisco, CA, Seattle, WA (Western Division)  

OCR has jurisdiction over programs and activities that receive financial assistance from the Department of Education. These may include, for example:

            --State education agencies 

            --Elementary and secondary school systems 

            --Colleges and universities 

            --State vocational rehabilitation agencies

OCR also has jurisdiction under the Title II of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990, which prohibits disability discrimination by public entities whether or not they received financial assistance. 

OCR's Mission is to:

            --Ensure equal access to education programs and Promote educational excellence throughout the nation.

            --Enforces several civil right laws. Together, these laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age, as well as discrimination against certain patriotic youth groups.   OCR accomplishes its mission through vigorous enforcement of civil rights. 

If you have a complaint against the school district or any other entity, Please make sure you file a complaint within 180 days of the alleged incident.  They will investigate if you can show flaws in the procedural placement of your child or if there has been a discrimination against your child.  Also, OCR will initiate some cases on their own if they see a pattern of things going on within a district. They will then investigate a particular district to find incidents where they did not dot their i's or cross their t's, so to speak.  It only takes one case to investigate within a district. 

One thing that Mr. Choi stressed to us heavily is: Please make sure that if ever someone tells you something from the district or any other entity that you just don't agree with, Please make sure that you always ask for it in writing...

A complaint of discrimination can be filed by anyone who believes that an education institution that receives Federal financial assistance has discriminated against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age. The person or organization filing the complaint need not be a victim of the alleged discrimination, but may complain on behalf of another person or group.

An important responsibility of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability against students with disabilities. OCR receives numerous complaints and inquiries in the area of elementary and secondary education involving Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, 29 U.S.C. § 794 (Section 504). Most of these concern identification of students who are protected by Section 504 and the means to obtain an appropriate education for such students.

Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Section 504 provides: "No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States . . . shall, solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance . . . ."

OCR enforces Section 504 in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance from ED. Recipients of this Federal financial assistance include public school districts, institutions of higher education, and other state and local education agencies. The regulations implementing Section 504 in the context of educational institutions appear at 34 C.F.R. Part 104.

The Section 504 regulations require a school district to provide a "free appropriate public education" (FAPE) to each qualified student with a disability who is in the school district's jurisdiction, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. Under Section 504, FAPE consists of the provision of regular or special education and related aids and services designed to meet the student's individual educational needs as adequately as the needs of nondisabled students are met.

If you need more information about the Office for Civil Rights, Please contact them at www.ed.gov/ocr

U.S. Department of Education
Office for Civil Rights
Customer Service Team
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-1100

Telephone: 1-800-421-3481
FAX: 202-245-6840; TDD: 877-521-2172
Email: OCR@ed.gov

Hi everyone. Hope that all is well with everyone. I am going through rough times ahead within the next few weeks. My oldest son, who is 16, is going to have to go for an ambulatory EEG this Friday. He has to wear this device until the following Monday. He will probably have a restless weekend.

I have written a booklet of poems entitled "Reflections of A Holy Life". it was publsihed by Wordclay. I have copies available for anyone interested in obtaining a copy. The cost of the book is $10.

We all need to be supportive of our special needs children. The things that they put us through. I have a child that if I have to correct him for anything, he will go after me with anything he can find. He went to Mental Health and is taking Wellbutrin and Abilify, these medications are helping but not alot.

They seem to wear off by evening or late night.

I am available to talk to any parent that might be new to this area of Special Needs. My children are ages 13 and 16.

It is very important to learn about all the resources out there that are available to you.

One that I recommend to every parent is applying for SSI. This has been a lifesaver for my family.  I have not worked since 2000. The reason that I have not worked is due to the behavioral issues with one of the children, which prevents me from being able to work, because I need to be with this child 24/7.

If you missed attending the Wills & Trusts workshop at USCL on April 4th provided by the Family Connection of SC, then here are the highlights. 

It was truly a great day for having a workshop, the sun was shinning the birds were chirping & it was really a beautiful morning.  The kids & I arrived at USCL & noticed only three cars in the parking lot. I wondered to myself, "How come there are only three! It was time for the workshop to begin & no one was hardly here." 

As I walked into the building, I was greeted by Ms. Vanhook, a Family Connection program assistant.  She showed us to two rooms that were reserved for the workshop. One was for the children & the other one was for the parents. The kids went into one room & I, on the other hand, went into the other. I sat down at one of the desk & noticed that I & another parent were the only ones who attended. I guess since this workshop involved talking about death & your arrangements, maybe this is why no one came.

Anyway, Mr. Terry Hair, a MetLife representative, came into the room & presented a wonderful powerpoint presentation of Special Needs Trust Funds & Wills. It was truly an eye opener for me.. I had no idea of all the information that's involved with trust funds.

I also learned that if something should happen to me & my husband together, my kids would be in a big pickle. I never knew that since Brandon is on TEFRA Medicaid that after my husband & my death occurs, Medicaid could come into our estate & take a portion of that claim.  This is why it is so important to have a Special Needs Trust Fund set up. This way, the children are protected & your estate is too.

Here are the links of some of the information that he provided during the workshop.. Please click on them to learn more...

http://www.metlife.com/individual/life-advice/life-transitions/special-needs-child/index.html?SCOPE=Metlife&MSHiC=65001&L=10&W=child%20dependent%20for%20needs%20or%20other%20planning%20special%20with%20your%20&Pre=%3CFONT%20STYLE%3D%22background%3A%23ffff00%22%3E&Post=%3C/FONT%3E

http://www.metlife.com/business/benefit-products/voluntary-benefits/planning-for-children-with-special-needs/index.html?SCOPE=Metlife&MSHiC=65001&L=10&W=child%20dependent%20for%20needs%20or%20other%20planning%20special%20with%20your%20&Pre=%3CFONT%20STYLE%3D%22background%3A%23ffff00%22%3E&Post=%3C/FONT%3E

Please also attend our May meeting to talk to Mr. Hair personally about your family.  He would love to talk to you.

If you missed attending the State House press conference introducing the new school choice bill S520-SC Education Opportunity Act- into the SC House, then here are the highlights.

Brandon & I arrived pretty early before the starting at 12:15pm. We walked around the State House building & located the brass marker stars that represented Sherman's cannons, which damaged the building only slightly, that were placed on the west and southwest walls of the building to show where the shots had landed.   Brandon was so eager to find each one of them, before we entered the building.   

After finding all the pretty brass stars, we then proceeded to enter the State House building. The press conference was held upstairs on the second floor.  As we walked up the stairs, we noticed two walking tours that were taking place.  We were excited to join one of the tours & followed them into the House & Senate Chambers.   This was really exciting to Brandon as the tour guide explained information about both chambers. This was truly a great day for homeschooling.

Now for the exciting news concerning the school choice bill press conference: 

Shortly after noon, State Senator Robert Ford and Representative Eric Bedingfield entered the foyer and stepped up to the podium. They both introduced the S520 bill and explained why they are in favor of this bill. They were joined by Representative Tracy Edge.  

As the conference continued, it was getting very diffucult to hear the speakers from all the noise from the many parents, public school educators, & numerous reporters that were in attendance. But, somehow we managed to listen & even took some great photos. You can view the photos on our Photos page, so check it out. 

Also, I somehow I ended up behind the podium with the senators on WLTX news. I don't really know how it happened, but you can catch me at the tail end of this entire video coverage, actually the last 44 seconds, but I was there. LOL!  

http://www.wltx.com/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=4f848b783b4fd2e835932f2cf2e7e7b08e54eb26&maven_referralObject=1067264055

After we arrived home & we watched the news on tv, I noticed that WISTV news reported that this particular bill is a Voucher bill.  This is NOT, & I mean NOT a voucher bill. This bill has NOTHING to do with vouchers at all. This is just another lie to influence public officials & others to sway away from school choice. If you guys would go to our POPS Facebook blog, you will see the entire bill. It does not mention anything about vouchers. This is simply a Tax Credit & Student Scholarship bill, NOT a voucher bill.  If you view some of the news feeds down below you will find that alot of the media coverage shows a very biased opinion towards public schools. You guys know me; I am not anti-public school at all. My daughter, Brittany, graduated last year and even was in the honors program in the public school system.  So, I'm not saying this to be mean, but I am just stating a true fact.  

Please go to the sites down below to view for yourself. Then, please contact your local officials & ask them to get onboard in helping our children receive more school choice options to help them succeed.

You can also email your law makers regarding the new school choice bill, by simply using these sample emails provided by Laurie Pineda at www.palmettoadvocates.org. Just copy and paste but DON'T FORGET TO FILL IN THE BLANKS! 

A.) Dear ------------, I was greatly encouraged to see your name among those sponsoring school choice legislation in the  ( insert House or Senate here) this year. This bill will provide the help that so many parents need to give their children access to a quality education. Thank you for supporting this important legislation, and I look forward to seeing you continue to work for these desperately needed educational choices.

B.) Dear------------, I know that in the past you have supported school choice legislation in the ( insert House or Senate here), and I wanted to thank you for advocating real educational choices for families. In reading over the school choice bill that has been introduced in the ( insert House or Senate here) this year, I noticed that your name was not currently listed as one of the bill's sponsors. I believe this legislation is desperately needed in South Carolina, and I urge you to show your support by co-sponsoring the bill. There are many needy families in your district that would be extremely grateful for your support of their need for educational options.  

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=71760#comments 

WISTV: 

http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10062647 

P.A.C.E. - The Grassroots organization we created to gather support for our children. 

www.palmettoadvocates.org 

S.520 - Proposed Legislation (NOT A VOUCHER PROGRAM) 

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess118_2009-2010/bills/520.htm  

I just received a newsletter in the mail today concerning the affects of Heavy Metals in our children.  It talked about Lead, Mercury, & others being given to our children through vaccines & are added to our foods that we eat.  After reading the newsletter, I thought this would be a great blog for our website..  So, I found this article on the web today.  I find it very interesting & I hope you will too..

http://www.ziggityzoom.com/parentsguide/content/cause-concern-heavy-metals-our-kids-developmental-delays

This is also some information that I gathered about Lead poisoning & how it affects our children.... 

Lead Poisoning:

Lead poisoning is a result of exposure to lead in the environment.  Although lead is no longer used in paints, gasoline, water pipes and other products, some lead based products still exist and may pose a health hazard, especially to children.  

Lead is toxic to many of your tissues and enzymes. Children are more susceptible to lead poisoning because lead can accumulate in their nervous system as they grow and develop. Death by lead poisoning is uncommon, but dangerous levels of lead in children may cause serious health problems, including lower intelligence and poor school performance.  

Children are exposed to lead by eating or breathing lead-contaminated substances.  Lead poisoning can be caused by a single dose of lead, although it is usually the result of exposure to small amounts of lead over a long period of time.

Lead is slowly eliminated from the body in urine, bowel movements, and, to a very small extent, sweat. When the body is exposed to more lead than it can get rid of, it stores the extra lead in the blood, organs, bones, and teeth, and lead poisoning results.  Lead can damage the kidneys, central nervous system (brain & spinal cord), and reproductive system, and cause high blood pressure.  Lead is especially harmful to a child's developing brain. 

Children who have been exposed to Lead before birth may be underweight and have low intelligence, attention-span problems, and other signs of nervous system damage.  A recent study showed that declines in IQ can be seen in children with blood lead concentrations below 10mcg/dL, the level of concern defined by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. 

What increases your child's risk?

Age and environment determine a child's risk for lead poisoning.  Young children who live in housing built prior to 1978 are at risk, and those living in homes built before 1950 are at greatest risk.  Recent or ongoing home renovation can also increase the risk of lead exposure if lead-based paint is being removed. Very young children are more likely to ingest lead by touching or playing in lead-contaminated soil or dust and then putting their hands in their mouths.  They may also chew on or lick toys or woodwork, such as windowsills, painted with lead-based paint.

Babies, toddlers, and young children are more likely to have problems from lead poisoning because of their behaviors of exploring their world by handling, mouthing, chewing, or tasting whatever they find, which may include paint chips or dirt with lead in it. Children also play close to the ground, where they may breathe in lead-contaminated dust. They are also affected because of their small body size and because their brains and bodies are growing and developing rapidly. In fact, children absorb 3 or 5 times as much lead as adults do.

Symptoms & Behaviors:

Lead Poisoning may be hard to detect at first, because children who appear healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. The accumulation of lead usually is gradual, building up unnoticed until levels become dangerous and cause signs and symptoms.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning in children may include:

v  Irritability   

v  Loss of appetite

v  Weight loss

v  Sluggishness

v  Abdominal pain

v  Unusual paleness from anemia

v  Learning difficulties

v  Possible learning problems

v  Hearing & speech problems

v  Slowed growth

v  Headaches

v  Nervous system problems

v  Severe stomach cramps

Health problems in children caused by elevated blood levels may include:

v  Nervous system and kidney damage

v  Learning disabilities

v  Speech, language, and behavior problems

v  Poor muscle coordination

v  Decreased muscle and bone growth

v  Hearing damage

Exposure to even low levels of lead can cause damage over time, the greatest risk is to brain development, where irreversible damage may occur.  Very high lead levels may cause seizures, unconsciousness and possibly death. Death by lead poisoning is rare, but it can happen. 

Although children are primarily at risk, lead poisoning is also dangerous to adults. Signs and symptoms of lead poisoning in adults may include:

v  Pain, numbness or tingling of the arms or legs

v  Muscular weakness

v  Headaches

v  Abdominal pain

v  Memory loss

v  Mood disorders

v  Reduced sperm count, abnormal sperm 

Screening and diagnosis:

Many clinics ask parents to complete a risk questionnaire for lead exposure and test those children identified as at risk, rather than screen every child.  The CDC recommends having your child tested for lead poisoning at 6 months of age and then yearly if your home contains lead paint, or if a parent is exposed to lead at work or use lead in a hobby. 

To test for lead is simple. Doctors use a blood test to detect lead poisoning. A small blood sample is taken from a finger prick or from a vein. Lead accumulates in the body and can cause brain damage, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorders, behavioral problems, stunted growth, impaired hearing, kidney damage and even death. It can be removed but only if you know it is there. Call your doctor and ask if a lead test for your child has been performed. If not, schedule one. Even babies and toddlers should be tested.  

Lead levels in the blood are measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL). An unsafe level is 10 mcg/dL or higher- a guideline set by the CDC.

Lead levels in the blood are categorized into classes 1 through 5. Class 5 is the most severe and constitutes a medical emergency.  The classes are as follows:

Treatment:

The primary treatment for mild lead poisoning is to stop the exposure. Removal of the source of lead is critical to reducing blood lead levels.

If you can't remove the source of lead from the environment, you may have alternatives to reduce the likelihood that lead will cause problems. For instance, sometimes it might be preferable to seal in, rather than remove, old lead paint. Your local health department can recommend resources to identify and reduce lead in your home or in your community.

For Classes I through III, ceasing exposure to lead may be sufficient to reduce lead in your body. Children in this case may need to be retested a month after being removed from the source of the lead.

For more severe cases, your doctor may recommend treatment called chelation therapy in addition to removal from lead exposure. In chelation therapy, the medicine (chelating agent) you take binds with the lead so that it's excreted in your urine. Doctors may treat some Class III cases and many Class IV cases with the oral drug succimer (dimercaptosuccinic acid).

Doctors treat lead levels greater than 45 mcg/dL of blood, which fall into Class IV or V, with a chemical called ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). EDTA is administered through injections in your veins (intravenously) and may be combined with the drug dimercaprol (BAL). Depending on your lead level, you may need more than one treatment. The therapy may not reverse damage that already has occurred in cases of severe lead intoxication.

Children with lead toxicity may also be iron deficient. Such children are usually tested for iron deficiency and treated with iron supplements, if needed.

If you would like more information about Lead, please contact www.webmd.com ,  www.mayoclinic.com , www.usw.org  or contact your local SC Health Department or contact your family doctor.

I was speaking to a parent yesterday concerning the signs and symptoms of Autism.  We have so many parents and caregivers in our POPS group that have children who have been diagnosed with Autism, so I know they probably could write a better blog than me on this particular subject.  However, I thought I would blog some of the basic information that I have found concerning this particular diagnosis.. 

So here it goes:

• Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. 
• Autism interferes with the normal development of the brain in the areas of reasoning, social interaction and communication skills.   
• Children and adults with Autism typically have deficiencies in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and leisure or play activities. 
• It is often discovered when parents become concerned that their child may be deaf, is not yet talking, resists cuddling, and avoids interaction with others. 
• The preschool age child is generally withdrawn, aloof, and fails to respond to other people. Many of these children will not even make eye contact. They may also engage in odd or ritualistic behaviors like rocking, hand waving, or an obsessive need to maintain order. 
• The severity of Autism varies widely, from mild to severe. Some children are very bright and do well in school. They may be able to live independently when they grow up. Other children with Autism function at a much lower level. Occasionally, a child with Autism  may display an extraordinary talent in art, music, or another specific area.  
• The cause of Autism remains unknown, although current theories indicate a problem with the function or structure of the central nervous system. What we do know, however, is that parents do not cause Autism.  
• Children with Autism need comprehensive evaluation and specialized behavioral and educational programs.   

What are some common signs and symptoms?  

Communication Skills:  

• Language develops slowly or not at all 
• Communicates with gestures instead of words 
• Short attention span 
• Not responsive to verbal cues; act as if deaf 

Social Interaction:  

• Spends time alone rather than with others  
• Acts as if has little interest in making friends 
• Little or no eye contact 
• Seems to prefer to be alone 
• May not want cuddling or act cuddly 

Sensory Impairment:  

• Unusual reactions to physical sensations, such as being overly sensitive to touch or less than normally responsive to pain  
• Sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste may be affective to lesser or greater degrees  
• May exhibit self-stimulating behaviors, such as hand flapping or rocking 

Play:  

• Does not imitate the actions of others  
• Doesn't initiate pretend games  
• Sustained odd play  
• May spin objects inappropriately  

Behaviors:  

• May be overactive or very passive  
• Throws frequent tantrums for not apparent reason  
• May repeat focus on or use of a single item, idea, person, phrase or word 

   Although there is no known cure for Autism, appropriate treatment can have a positive impact on the child's development and produce an overall reduction in disruptive behaviors and symptoms.  

For more information on Autism, Please contact the SC Autism Society at (803) 750-6988 or toll free-(800) 438-4790 or their website www.scautism.org  or the Midlands Autism Division at 

(803)935-5090

It is a fact that NOTHING will change here in South Carolina for our children until some laws change. Laws that put parents back in charge of their children’s education and options to place the child where he/she is best served. Parents the answer to our problems is in our hands, we MUST UNITE and not back off until the laws are changed and our children are set free from this system that fails so many. If you do any research at all you will find that the 14 or maybe 15 other states that have improved education for our children is because they changed the laws and made it happen. Please visit www.palmettoadvocates.org and go to the links page to check out Georgia and Florida’s laws as an example. Florida has the McKay Scholarship program that is working and has had a major impact on the lives of several thousand children there already. You can even view a section with testimonies from parents that say they were lost until the laws changed there. If it's good enough for Georgia & Florida kids it's good enough for ours! We can not allow geographic lines to determine worthiness of a free & appropriate education.

There are only a few weeks left for our voices to be heard at the capital this session.  Please come in groups, individual or with your family but COME WITH US TO MEET AND SPEAK directly to the Senators & Representatives in March or April.  Again you can visit our web site listed above or email me at office@palmettoadvocates.org to schedule your visit.  If you want change and want it bad enough come join us in the battle for our kids education here in SC.

Laurie Pineda

Palmetto Advocates for Choice in Education

Yesterday, I blogged about the School Choice bill that's on the Senate floor & about Senator Knotts, in my opinion, being so arrogant. But today, I want to blog about the wonderful experiences we had while we were at the State House..   

The kids, mom, & I left the State Board of Education meeting & walked over to the State House with a couple of parents.  We were met by a couple more parents as we prepared to talk to a few Senators that were in general session.  It was a glorious day, full of sunshine & warmth. 

As we walked into the State House & traveled up the stairs, we soon realized that more people were gathered that was either for or against the School Choice bill or they had other agendas on their minds.  We proceeded to fill out the "Call out" forms to call Senators out of the general session to talk to them about the School Choice bill. 

We called out Senator Davis, Senator Fair, Senator Bright, & Senator Bryant who were all in favor of the School Choice bill. They were extremely pleasant & we thanked them for supporting our special needs children.  Senator Fair even joked with my mom about placing his picture in her garden to scare away the crows.  He was truly an awesome guy.  

Being a home school mom, this was also the most exciting event in Brandon's homeschooling days.  He honestly got to meet & shake hands with some very fine Senators.  He also saw how Senator Knotts, also showed no interest in his well being as a special needs child.  This has really taught him to stand up & be noticed when it comes to fighting a cause in helping others.  Not only did it teach Brandon something, but it also taught Brittany something too.  She is now better aware of the political aspects of changing laws.  

You know, I think it even taught my mom something too. It made her understand that, with Senators like Knotts in legislative, this is why we have never gotten anywhere in the state of SC in helping our special needs children before.  Her eyes were opened for the first time. 

This is why it is so important for us as parents & grandparents to go meet these legislators face to face.  REAL CHANGE lies within CHANGING the LAWS in SC and to do that, we parents & grandparents must get involved in the legislative process & involve our children & grandchildren as well.  Invite others to come and go with us to meet their representatives or to show support for our children. 

Join us at the State House
Visit our Legislators and voice your support for School Choice in
South Carolina. Simply Email office@palmettoadvocates.org For the office of Palmetto Advocates to schedule your visit.

As most of you guys know, I am a BIG supporter of School Choice for our special needs children, as well as, other children across our state.  There is a new school choice bill that is currently up & ready to be voted upon. The Senate bill number is S520. It will be introduced into the House the week of the 24th of March.

This School Choice bill is called the "SC Education Opportunity Act". 

This bill isn't an "Open Enrollment bill", which means that you can take you child who is currently in public school in Lancaster County & transfer him to Kershaw County..This is not that kind of a bill at all. 

This particular bill, however, is a bill that will give more choices for parents who may want to home school their child or send them to a private school. It is really a STRONG bill for special needs children & homeschoolers.    

Today, the kids, my mom, & a few parents went to the State House to talk to a few senators that were in support of this bill & to talk to some who are not.  For the senators that we spoke to who are in favor of this bill, I appreciate your dedication to helping our special needs children. My family and I join the roughly 110,000 other parents of special needs kids across our state in thanking you for your support. 

Now, for the only senator that we spoke to that was totally against this bill, Senator Jake Knotts.

I just want to say that, in my opinion, I thought you were the most arrogant person I have ever met in my life. As a parent of a special needs child, a son who almost committed suicide from the abuse that the public school system brought upon him,  who is currently homeschooled because we have no choice in helping him.  I am stunned that you don't seem to have a clue about the real issues that we face as parents in our attempt to get our children educated in South Carolina. I was very taken aback by your abrupt and dismissive attitude toward our cause. 

When you came out to talk to us, the least you could have said was that at this point in time, I am totally against this bill. Now if you want to send me something or talk to me about it to change my mind, please do so.. Instead, you came out saying & I quote, "I am 100% against school choice. I will never vote on a bill that will take money away from public schools. You folks need to go back to the public school system & help change them concerning special needs, not support a bill that will tear the public school system apart." This shows your ignorance of our plight. We have all "gone back to the public schools" to no avail which is what brings us to this point.   

Now, I ask you Senator Knotts how you can say you are all for helping special needs children? To truly understand what we are asking for, you would need to walk a day in our shoes and get an idea of what we all face. 

For those of you who live in the District 23 area, Lexington area. I ask you to please contact Senator Knotts & ask him why he is against this bill in helping our special needs children.. 

We did, however, get a picture of him standing with us with our School Choice stickers on. Please take a look..