Communicating Hope by Davis Christine;

Author:Davis, Christine;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Published: 2016-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Positive Changes

What an eye-opening conversation! After talking with Alan, Mr. Camelini, and Peggy about their reflections about the focus group, I’m very interested to see what happens in our next team meeting.

That next team meeting is rushed. “We only have 30 minutes for this meeting,” Nancy announces to the group. “Mr. Camelini has to get back to class. I’ll put the school stuff on the agenda first.”

Most of the same team members are here, plus Alan, who is now a member of this team. Warren is missing. I’m disappointed; I had hoped to schedule our interview.

Nancy goes over her written agenda, then moves to the first item—strengths. “Mom is dependable. She returns my phone calls, she keeps appointments. Mr. Stewart shows concern.”

Mrs. Stewart interjects, “He’s taken on responsibilities of children that aren’t his. A lot of men wouldn’t do that.” She turns to him and says with emotion, “you’ve got a heart as big as this entire state!”

The conversations turns to Kevin. “He really wants to change, but he doesn’t know how,” Mrs. Stewart says. “I’m not sure how to help him. Yesterday, he stopped Gary from arguing with him. He’s trying to change.”

“He can be very friendly,” Nancy adds.

“He can be sweet as pie,” Mrs. Stewart agrees.

“He’s capable of making good choices,” Nancy says.

“He’s on Day 16 of Level 4,” Jane adds. “That’s the hard one,” she says, acknowledging the progress he’s made in his behavior at school.

“So, he’s making some effort and we’re seeing a change,” Nancy affirms.

“If we make it all the way through Level 4, we start to think about a change in placement,” Mr. Camelini suggests.

Nancy turns to Jane. “You mentioned on the phone that there are positive changes at school, but you also said that Kevin is see-sawing with Mr. Camelini.”

“His grandfather died this week,” Mrs. Stewart interrupts. “That could be affecting him. They used to be very close.”

“I’m glad you told us that,” Jane offers. “We’ll keep that in mind.”

The team expresses support for Mrs. Stewart, whose step-father was the grandfather that died.

“What’s working for you?” Nancy asks Mr. Camelini.

“Our staff is now on the same page with his behavior,” Mr. Camelini responds. “The plan is really working. Firmness and consistency. We refuse to let him leave the classroom.”

“Yesterday he was playing football with another kid nine times his size. It was great!” Jane mentions.

“He used to feel out of place,” Nancy says.

Mr. Camelini comments, “Not anymore. He’s making great progress in socialization and getting along with the other students.”

“It used to be that unstructured time was a problem,” Nancy adds.

Mrs. Stewart interjects. “At home, during unstructured time, he plays checkers, chess, cards with Gary and Karla. It’s the chores he has a problem with! Their arguing is good natured now!”

“That’s music to my ears,” affirms Alan. “Before, you were having a hard time seeing that.”

“Last week, we went to the movies,” Mrs. Stewart continues. “The kids saw Scooby Doo, and we saw The Passion of the Christ. Afterward, we discussed it with the kids.

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