ERHS or CMIT NORTH for SPED

[Anonymous]

Good morning, my child attends CMIT. We were considering taking a look at ERHS a few months ago, but was unable to setup a way to see the school. Last week we noticed we had a letter saying she had been accepted into ERHS and a choice had to be made by 3/20. We were completely caught off guard for this, however since the deadline got pushed back to 3/27 we were able to attend this weekend's open house tours and more. We liked the school, but our child seemed very overwhelmed by everything going on. She is considered 2e and although very intelligent, she hardly speaks at home, and doesn't speak much in school. She had an IEP, but was put on a 504 and her current accommodations are around her social skills and additional time. We would love to attend ERHS, but I'm extremely scared that she may end being swept away. I know she can do well academically at both schools, but I'm leaning to ERHS because I think she may be able to finally find some friends and other children like her that she can bond with. Sorry for the rambling, with time running out, I'm losing my mind at the moment. Any and all feedback is welcomed especially if anyone has experience at ERHS with their IEP and/or 504 supports. She received a score of 2750 if that matters or is helpful.

[Anonymous]

I am a ERHS parent and I suggest reaching out to the SPED coordinator or Science and Tech coordinator and see if they would be willing to talk to you.
It has been a great fit for my kid but it is a huge school and I can see how it might be overwhelming.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply! I did reach out to the S&T Coordinator and her correspondence didn't leave me with the best impression. I am assuming since sooo many things were happening during this week, she and the rest of the staff were overwhelmed. I was trying to see if we could get a tour on an off day this week so that my daughter would be more comfortable because I assumed the large crowds may make her uneasy. The tour ended up working out ok, but at the end of it all, when I asked my daughter if she had no questions, she said "no". We have an educational advocate who was able to reach out to someone who used to work at the school for help. In so many words my advocate said that this person suggested my daughter accept as the school is highly coveted and she is lucky to have the opportunity. I'm just a tad weary of putting my daughter into a situation she may not be able to keep up with. She is extremely meticulous and needs so much extra time until she is satisfied with her work, a lot of folks may not be so accommodating with that type of work. A

[Anonymous]

I think that ERHS teachers have a lot of experience with 2E kids. The parents I know with kids on 504 don't complain so I assume that it is better than average.

There are a lot of quirky kids in the Sci and Tech program and they all seem to find their people.

There are SO many after school activities, many of them fairly small, that could give her an opportunity to find a social group.
I know that several of the teachers allow kids to eat lunch in their classrooms if they feel overwhelmed by the cafeteria.

[Anonymous]

I love that! That was my line of thought and its reassuring to hear that experience from someone else. I really appreciate it!