Exclusion for medical reasons, do I demand an apology?

Question

Okay in my sons school they have whats called non stop running in PE. Friday all the nonstop runners got ice cream. Only 2 children were excluded in his class because they are late to PE everyday b/c school policy says inhalers must be kept in office. So because of a medical issue they were excluded from the party even though once they arrive in class they do thier running.No one else was excluded. I have yet to hear back from the teacher or principal on this matter and am trying to be as polite as possible.While I don't care if my son ever has ice cream again I want the PE teacher to apologize for excluding them for things beyond their control.Should I demand an apology or let it go?

Answer 1

Yes! She should apologize to your son and try to make it up to him. If they have to get their inhalers from the office, then it is a fair excuse. Anyway, that is ridiculous. The whole concept is absurd.

I would harass them every other day until you hear back too. They are ignoring you and hoping you'll let it go. Just leave nice messages. "This is .... so and so's mom. I still haven't heard from you so I thought I would try and check in again. You can reach me at x*x-xxxx." Be nice and polite, but demand their attention. If you can't get a resolution, go over their heads.

I would email every other contact attempt. That way you have a complete record. Like call 1 day, then in 2 days email them saying, I tried phoning both of you at (whatever time you called them) since I still haven't heard from you about xyz I wanted to email you both to let you know I still would like to talk about this. If I don't hear from you, I will try calling both of you at 4 pm (or whenever) in 2 days time. Then call them, wait another 2 days and send a forwarded email that has your last message on the bottom saying- I called you both when I said I would and have still not heard from you, I am emailing you to follow you up. I tried calling you both at such and such time. I will stop by the school at (whatever time) tomorrow (or in 2 days) to try and see you at such and such time. If I cannot get ahold of you, I will contact the school board to address my concerns by such and such date.

Then try to see them. If that doesn't work, send an email to principal, pe teacher, and copy someone on the school board. Make sure it is the forwarded email that has a record of all your contact attempts dated and everything else.

I wouldn't let it go though. It is unjust ect.

Answer 2

I would feel the same way. The PE teacher needs to admit his mistake in order to teach the boys to own up to mistakes.

Answer 3

I would demand an apology! It isn't like your child is skipping out on PE just because. He has a medical reason and shouldn't be excluded.

Answer 4

Stand your ground. What they did was not right and the children & parents deserve an apology. I can't imagine how sad the children were who were left out. I know it would have made me very upset when I was younger. It is not right to punish them because they have inhalers.

Answer 5

Let it go, its already happened but do ask that this kind of thing not happen again. Why punish the child due to things beyond their control? Just express how disappointed you were in the behavior of the teachers and it probably won't happen again.

Answer 6

I would not let it go.  You should write a letter to request that your son be placed on a Section 504 plan.  Check this website to learn more about Section 504 of the Individuals with Disabilities Act.

http://www.wrightslaw.com/info/sec504.in...

Asthma is a covered disability if it affects the child's ability to receive an equal education, which is the case with your son.  I would write a letter and definetly request this meeting.  You will need letters from the doctor saying that he is asthmatic, and what he can not do.  

This website tells some more about Section 504 and explains that asthma is covered.

http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/offices...

Do not let this go!  Your son deserves the right to everything else that the healthy children get...including the ice cream.

I just got my son approved for a Section 504 plan for another reason.  It is a fight.  I tried to get him an IEP but he was denied...then I came home and researched.  I requested another meeting and came prepared with packets for each teacher.  I got my son a 504 plan until they can get to know him better and give him an IEP.  He will be starting Kindergarten next year at the age of six.  He has bipolar disorder a diagnosis questioned by many because of his age.  He gets SSI for this, as it is a real diagnosis.  Good luck and do not give up on your son.

Answer 7

This is wholly innapprorpate on the part of the school and the teacher. While I do beleive we have to pick our battles, and I would probably be inclined to let this one go, for now, I do not like the exclusionary attitude of people who exclude due to their physical limitations.

I'd keep an eye out and get loaded for bear when appropriate.

Answer 8

I would definitely demand an apology. Thats is one of the most unfair things, and I child shouldn't have to feel left out because he has asthma. Ridiculous.

When my brother was a senior in high school a good friend of his was killed in a car accident. He was a few years older and out of school. Anyway the school arranged a bus to the funeral and told kids that was the only way they could go. My mom told my bro he could take the whole day off to grieve and spend time with family.

The school ended up not allowing him to participate in the graduation ceremony because of missing the whole day and not riding the bus. My mom called the school and got told there was nothing they could do.

School is important but sometimes I can't understand what the people who work there are thinking.