failing grades
Tue, March 12, 2013 8:56 AM
Hi, I'm new to this. I have a 13 year old son who was diagnosed with Crohn's disease on 11/30/2012. We noticed steady, gradual weight loss approx 3 wks after the loss of his grandfather. long story short, and lots of doctor visits- we had a dx. Now, I don't know how to help him stay on track with school work. He is failing half of his classes and does not seem to have the motivation to do his work or even turn in what is done. We have talked to the school and he is on a 504 plan, but we have not had an IEP evaluation done. I looked for support groups in my area and there are none. I am afraid he will be repeating the 7th grade.
Joined Mar 12, 2013
Mon, April 22, 2013 2:13 AM
Reply posted for confusedmom.
Hi! I've been doing this for 5 years now with my son diagnosed with Crohn's.
If you have a 504 in place, make sure that it contains a clause that he will be allowed extra time to finish his work, etc. On this ccfa web site, there is an excellent template for a 504 plan and an informational booklet for teachers on what they should know about Crohn's. I usually copy that booklet for the teachers and administrators and set up a meeting with the school administrators and teachers at the beginning of the year. If the 504 is already in place, and there is no clause that he would be allowed extra time to complete work / assignments, call the principal and ask to meet with the counselor and principal to add that to the plan. It can be revised at any time as needed. I have had to do that myself. My son had been failing some classes, but needed extra support when he was first diagnosed. Some of the classes, he needed extra help, and I was able to have a few teachers stay after school on certain days to allow him to make up work. Also, the time for assignments was pushed back so that he would be able to make up the failing grade. Take some time to read the template and also your son's rights under the Section 504 law. If need be, the teachers can work together with you to offer alternative assignments that will comprise his grade. I would suggest you push for them to allow him extra time, to make-up or re-take assignments he needs for his grade, or even offer extra credit if need be to help boost the grade. Each teacher can have different options to offer. Be persistent in explaining your son's rights under Section 504 that it is federally mandated that they make accommodations for him because of his disease.
Joined Apr 22, 2013
Sat, March 16, 2013 12:52 PM
Reply posted for confusedmom.
Wow, I'm sorry to hear what your family is going through. Sounds like the stress from his grandfather's passing forced his condition to the forefront. It is good that you are working with his school and getting him the 504 in place. There are a number of reasons his attitude towards his grades has changed; the passing of grandpa, the dx, he may feel ostricized from his friends/peers. Let's face it, at any age these things are tough. You may want to see a social worker. Our pedi gi has one on staff and sometimes it just helps talking. Maybe even go to bereavement classes if the was very close with his grandfather. As far as grades, sometimes simple bribery goes a long way. I do have one suggestion that I think was the single best thing I've done so far. My daughter Liz was dx at 4, she's now 13 too. Anyway, she goes to Camp Oasis every summer. It is through CCFA you can type it's name in the "search" box above and there are even videos he could check out on youtube. It is a fantastic 1 wk. sleep away camp where kids can be kids. Everybody there has IBD, its a requirement! It's a great way kids can connect with others.
Joined Sep 9, 2009
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