Page 2 of Draft Pick
“Will she have accommodations?” It’s the first question that comes to mind. I don’t want her to be singled out and feel like an oddball. I’d quit my fucking job and teach her myself if I ever found out she was made to feel like something was wrong with her.
Learning differences should be celebrated and understood.
I’m giving this school the benefit of the doubt before taking matters into my own hands.
“Absolutely,” Mrs. Sheffield interjects, finally entering the conversation on her own. “That little girl shines so brightly. Never in a million years would I want her to feel separated from the rest of her classmates. We will offer multiple accommodations that will be available at her discretion or yours, Mr. Briggs. Meaning, since all of her required evaluations have been completed, when Adeline wants or needs specific accommodations, they will be available to her. No questions asked.”
“And what are they?” I’m not trying to be so sharp and to the point, but I feel worthless knowing there’s nothing I can do to help my kid.
Mrs. Sheffield shares a look with Dr. Mayweather before continuing, “Well, although Adeline is still very young, she is showing signs of inability to focus. According to her diagnostic assessment, that is. Redirection is something I’ve had to use more often than our time in class typically allows. Although I’m happy to do it, I have nineteen other students who require my attention as well. The goal is to start small. Velcro tabs will be placed underneath her desk for physical stimulation. Think of it as a fidget. Anytime she feels distracted or scattered, knowing that texture is there will help re-stimulate the brain to focus. I’ve seen great success with this minute tactic.”
I’m on board with that.
I sigh, relief beginning to sink in. “That makes sense. We keep squishies and Rubik’s cubes in the car for entertainment. It helps.”
They both nod. “That’s great to hear, Mr. Briggs. Tactile engagement is wonderful for young minds,” Mrs. Sheffield reassures me before continuing, “we will also provide her with headphones. Once again, offered to be used at Adeline’s discretion. We don’t play music during learning hours, but for some students, something as simple as another child coughing or a chair screeching across the floor can be a distraction that inhibits their focus. These headphones are noise-canceling and will hopefully assist in keeping her mind on track.”
I can tell Mrs. Sheffield genuinely cares about Addie and not just the statistics of the school.
I find that comforting, because although I may not have the education the two adults before me do, I’m not an idiot.
Below-grade-level test scores equal less funding.
“What about when she gets overstimulated and none of those things help? At home, we go on walks. A change of scenery helps. Is it possible for that to be an option?”
Dr. Mayweather hums. “Certainly. Walks are one hundred percent doable. Do you think Adeline will be able to voice that need if necessary?”
Can she tell them when she needs something? My little ball of energy is more intelligent than anyone gives her credit for. She talks like a teenager most days.
“That won’t be a problem, Dr. Mayweather. As long as she knows the option is there, I’m confident she’ll utilize it. Maybe more than necessary at times.” Addie may be smart, but she also knows how to pull a fast one on you.
I know from experience, being the victim of her cute little schemes.
“Noted,” he states. “This will take a team effort, Mr. Briggs. Our goal here at Brownstone Elementary is to set every child up for success. I will offer my support, however deemed necessary, whenever Mrs. Sheffield needs me. I also want to make sure you are aware of the tools and resources available to you at home. Now, from my understanding, you travel for work?”
I nod. “I play professional baseball.”
“Home of the Atlanta Strikers,” Mrs. Sheffield adds, nudging Mayweather’s arm.
“Ah,” he quips. “A homegrown tomato. Not very often we find an athlete who is actively involved in their child’s academic progress. Most players typically send their nanny. I respect that, Mr. Briggs.”
If I had a dollar for every time I heard that. As if loving my child is a sacrifice. No. I’d lay down my glove right this second if playing meant missing a meeting as significant as this.
“Nothing is more important to me than Addie, Dr. Mayweather.” I turn toward Addie’s teacher. “Mrs. Sheffield. Iwill do my part. Addie may be young, but she is her father’s daughter and, believe it or not, reminds me a lot of myself. I struggled in school at a very young age. My attention span was…tested…and I never got the help I deserved and needed, making learning incredibly difficult. I refuse to let that happen to my daughter.”
Dr. Mayweather sets his pen and stack of papers down. I suddenly feel how small this ten-by-ten meeting room actually is. “Then I expect nothing but the best to come for your Adeline. I’m assuming you will be sure to relay this information to her mother?”
I rest back in the chair slightly, my chest calming, knowing progress has been made. “I will. She travels for work as well and couldn’t make it today. Would you mind emailing me a list of Addie’s accommodations, please? I’d like to try some of them at home.”
“Absolutely. I also want to make sure you’re aware of resources you can seek out for extra assistance if needed. Since we don’t ask for any type of written diagnosis before first grade, our options are limited. The goal is to stay away from medication in the future if possible. Some parents have found hiring a private tutor, after-school programs, or even seeking out their local pediatrician have been helpful.”
Written Diagnosis…what he means is—ADHD.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Talking in codewords means nothing to someone who has done their research and put in the work to best understand my daughter.
There’s zero shame in being different. No sense in pussyfooting around it.
But what’s up with this dark cloud that hangs over the idea of medication in today’s society? As if taking medication is a weakness and frowned upon. Obviously, I want to try everythingI can before resorting to that option, but come hell or high water, if meds are theonlyoption, I’ll make sure Addie knows she’s a fucking star.
