We Don't Fight; We Use Our Words

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-21T13:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm truly blessed with a whole week off for Thanksgiving! This has been a VERY busy year, and I am really needing the break! Within the last month I've been sick at least twice, tested 10 kids (and all of you with experience in the schools know EXACTLY what all paperwork that entails!), and have picked up a second job. Jennifer and I both work for a home health company that contracts through other companies. Unfortunately I've only eval'd one patient, but with everything else going on I'm still exhausted!
Whether you have a week, 3 days, or just Thursday off, enjoy your time off and spend it with the ones you love!

Erin's Updates

2008-10-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. So I think I have posted on here once, but I really can't remember. This year I changed school's. I am still with the same district, but wanted to try something other than middle and highschool. I am now 2 days a week at an elementary school, seeing mostly artic kids and some language kids. Which we are starting to implement as a part of RTI, a speech improvement class for Artic kids that only have 1 to 2 sound erros, this way we can get those kids off IEP's and save ourselves so many meetings and paperwork! Oh the woes of IEP paperwork!!
One day a week I have been assigned what they call "Non-Public Schools" which, is what I thought they were calling "private schools" until I got two days a week assigned to the "Private School Team". These I found out quickly were two totally different things.

So the Non-Public assignment is for kids that the district has paid to place at "specialty" schools for their disorders, like Autism or MR, or if they are more involved kiddos with CP etc, where they coudln't function in our most severe classrooms at the public school level. So I only do assessments for the students and then present the info at their Triennial's or 3 year reviews.

Then for the "Private School Team", this is where parents have chosen to privately place their kids, but their kids still qualify for special ed. So under the IDEA law, we have to legally provide service plans for these students, which includes testing every 3 years for their triennial's and having an annual IEP for them to. So I see some kids, but its consult only on these two days, it's mostly going to meetings and deciding parent's areas of concern and then testing and holding more meetings to share results.

So my life in a nutshell is artic therapy, driving all over San Diego to assess heavliy involved students, meetings, and more assessments. Fun stuff!

My hopes are for next year to keep the "Private School Team" placement 2 days a week, and then go into working for this center for 3 days a week, where it's sorta like private practice but not. I have several SLP friends doing it and loving it.

I wanted to share a website that I found and did a 30 day free trial, and it is amazing! Definitely check it out, but be warned, if you are doing therapy with the elementary population you will want to print everything out! www.therasimplicity.com

I miss you guys and would love to hear updates from all of you. This summer I got to see Kay, Kellie and Amber all for a little bit in Abilene. So good to see you guys. This summer the highlights were a cruise to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, and enjoying the beach here in San Diego, going home to Texas to visit family, and moving apartments.

Ok that's enough, my carpel tunnel is kicking in from typing :)

E-mail...please

2008-09-21T16:59:00.000-07:00

Hello girls..hope this finds everyone doing wonderful..I just received an e-mail from Kim at ACU she wanted everyone to send her their e-mail address. I told her I would ask everyone to send it to her (she said Dr. Bender wanted them..scary huh?..she can't give us assignments AFTER we graduate can she?:) I think Kim's address at school is kimberly.cummings@acu.edu hopefully that's right I forgot to double check before blogging. Thanks and enjoy the upcoming FALL season.

Hi Everyone!

2008-09-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hi! Sorry I haven't posted before....but I have been reading when everyone else posts! I was just too lazy to figure out how to do this whole blog thing. So, I hope I get this right and it actually posts!
School has been crazy this year! But so much better now that I kinda know what to do. I'm still with Tri-County Education Co-op and I LOVE IT! I have Hamlin and Stamford again this year so it was nice to already know my kids and most of the teachers!

Nothing exciting has been happening with us...Shane switched jobs this summer and now works at Arrow Chrysler Jeep. So, if you need a car, he can get you a deal! :)

We did try to take a 2nd honeymoon (remember the 1st one? I was in the hospital for most of it!). We went down to Mazatlan Mexico for a week. When we got back, Shane spent a day in the ER and they determined that he had salmonella poisoning-the same strain that hit everyone in the U.S. But, he got his in Mexico! At least it wasn't me this time! I think we've decided that next summer we'll stay a little closer to home.

While we were gone, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. We did find out early enough so they think they've gotten all of it. She started radiation last week and will go every day for 6 weeks. She is in good spirits but is already starting to get tired. It was definitely a roller-coaster of events this summer!

I saw Erin this summer and told her I would send her a list of websites that I've found helpful in planning therapy/printing materials. So, here it is!
http://www.dltk.com/
http://www.speakingofspeech.com/
http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster2/sptherapy.html
http://www.speechtherapygames.com/ (this site offers great games for you to print off your computer. They're really cheap and my kids love them! She also has a Yahoo group that you can join for free and users share their own ideas)
http://www.netrox.net/~labush/colrpres.htm (great for early learning)

Hope some of these are useful for those of you in the school!
I talked to Kim the other day and she said that Dr. Bender is needing all of our email addresses for something. She asked that we send them to her at kac00f@acu.edu

Is anyone coming for Homecoming?

Seems everyone is doing it... =)

2008-09-01T18:32:00.001-07:00

Hey guys! I'm not fortunate enough to be done with my CF yet, but I'm anxiously anticipating the day that happens.

I had the chance to spend the summer working for EBS in Los Angeles. It was so completely amazing. I really enjoyed my kids but of course I enjoyed the beach, the Cali boys and the fun little touristy things the most! =) I had the chance to experience most of what LA had to offer: from enduring an earthquake, to living in Hollywood, to swing dancing with Bill Nye The Science Guy. Hahaha. It was all quite memorable and I can't wait to go back next year!!!

Anyway, I've had quite the summer and being back at school and working again is really going to be great. I now have a job through EBS with Dallas ISD. I'm a little worried because it seems like it's going to be really challenging compared to my last assignment. I have one school with a largely hispanic population and I'm also taking on a private catholic school especially for kids with special needs. Am I concerned about this? Actually, yes. I don't know quite what to expect yet and as we all know, the unknown is almost always the most daunting. But I have a great supervisor for this last part of my CF and I'm pretty sure everything will work out. It all usually falls into place after a while, doesn't it? =)

Anyway, love to you all and good luck on your respective jobs!!! It's great to hear from you through this venue =) =) =)

I have changes too!

2008-08-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

I am glad everyone is doing well! Congratulations on all those starting new jobs! Congratulations on building a house Kay! I am still at the same school in San Antonio, but I have new coworker. She just graduated in May and is starting her CFY! I am now the seasoned SLP for our school! We have been back to work for a week and a half and I am experiencing what it must have been like when I was asking my coworker so many questions last year! I hope I can be a good example for my coworker.

I had a little trouble getting my CCC's. My CFY was supposed to end on the 6th of June, but my supervisor and I met and signed papers on the 3rd. They sent the papers back and I had to call my supervisor up on her summer break (just days before we were to both go out of town) and meet her to resign them! After that everything went fine.

I also have moved to an apartment! I am no longer living with my parent! You were right Kellie, I have been learning a lot by myself and enjoying living alone! It is a two bedroom nicely wooded area just seconds away from grocery stores and shopping and only 10 to 15 minutes from work!

a whirlwind!

2008-07-28T17:43:00.000-07:00

i, too, am now a ccc-slp! (or is it ccc/slp? sad- i still don't know!) anyway, i signed on for another year with the waxahachie district. my plan for the summer to find some prn work when my paperwork went through was a bust because the paperwork just went through a couple weeks ago. but that ended up just fine- i have thoroughly enjoyed my summer "off".
i worked with the special olympics swim team twice a week, spent some much needed time with friends and family and my boyfriend, Mark. I know, I have failed to mention this piece of information! Long story short- it's the same guy i dated some last summer for those who remember. we've been together (again) for over 5 official months, plus 2 dating months. we weren't looking for each other AT ALL but have now found ourselves in a somewhat serious relationship and who knows what the future holds for us!
i start back to work august 18, and once i get into the swing of things i am thinking about finding some prn work.
thanks for all of your updates, and hope all is well with those of you who haven't updated!

Kellie's Updates..

2008-07-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

I am so glad I am able to keep track of how (and what) everyone is doing on here. I am happy for those of you who are beginning new adventures..that is exciting! I thought it would only be fair to report my latest happenings. I am still at Hendrick Outpatient Rehab and absolutely love it..I have the most amazing work environment and get to see some very special kids (and occasionally as my schedule permits neuro patients). Brandon, Chance and I moved into the new house about 3 or 4 weeks ago..I have already lost track. I am still trying to figure out what I want where and all of that fun stuff. We absolutely love it out here we have the most amazing views of the city lights at night, the mountain (note: it is called Steamboat Mountain, however, those of you who looked around while you were living in Abilene realize it is more on the hill side) and we are at the end of a street leading into two private drives so it is extremely peaceful. It is a wonderful area-beautiful homes-wonderful neighbors. However, we are finding out that taking care of so much property is a serious chore. We planted 14 palates of Tiff sod and the lack of rain ought to be interesting come water bill time! I promise I am planning on posting house pictures soon-hopefully tonight on our blog- bkfischer.blogspot.com. In addition, we are leaving for Disney World soon! I have never been and I am extremely excited. Oh, I almost forgot..the best news...I received my Texas license and my CCCs several weeks ago- I can't believe I have finally finished all of that! I don't know about y'all but I remember being in undergraduate and graduate school thinking that it would be forever (if ever) until I was finished with all those requirements and now here we are...done! Hope everyone is doing well. Keep in touch.

Changes for Everyone

2008-07-28T06:14:00.001-07:00

Thanks for updating Kay! I was thinking the same thing yesterday! I'm so excited for you and your new job! I know it's something that you've wanted to do for a long time. Things on my side of the world have gone so well. If you read my blog you probably all know what's going on but just in case you don't here it is. First, I actually liked working for EBS but of course it has it's downfalls. I knew that if I stayed in that position I would never grow as a therapist. I began hoping for a way out! In November, I was offered an assistant coaching position for my old cross country team. I was so excited and knew I found that way out! So I looked around and found nothing. I finally called the SLP who is contracted with the school I was going to coach for and only hoped that she needed someone else. It turned out that she did and I took a job with her. I'll be seeing some kids in the morning until 10:00 and then head over to the school and stay there until 3:00. Oh, this is also the school Dave works at so we will be together. We are really excited and anticipating the new change! On the side I've been applying for PRN work in long term care facilities! I just hope the get some experience this way (since we all know I didn't get any in grad school!) and transition over completely when I feel it's time! I walked inside a nursing home the other day and just got so excited. I thought, "This is where I belong!" I can't wait but I really don't feel like it's time now so I'm trying to be patient with God's timing!

On a side note, I couldn't believe how easy it was for me to get my certification from ASHA and my licensure. The state board is meeting August 16th to discuss all the new applicants for licensure so I'm just hoping things will continue to go as smoothly as they have been. Is there anyone else who has changed their job placement after the first year? Or does anyone have any nightmare experiences with certification and licensure stuff? Fill us in!

A Year Later

2008-07-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

Hey Girls! I can't believe it's been over a year since we graduated and parted ways. It seems like time has flown by and things aren't slowing down! It's been a while since everyone posted updates, so I'm curious about how everyone is doing?!?

Things here in Abilene for Chris and I are definitely different than they were a year ago. We are in the process of building a house which is so exciting! I've been trying to blog about the experience and post pictures. If anyone is interested, you can check the progress at http://www.gibbsnation.com/chrisandkay. On the job front, I'm no longer a school SLP...I'm now working in long term care in Merkel. I wasn't planning on changing jobs, but an unexpected phone call from a rehab company changed my mind. The opportunity to try something new was too overwhelming so I took the job! I've been in it two weeks. The first two days were a whirlwind complete with tears and asking myself "What in the world was I thinking?" But, things have settled down, and I've begun to make the transition from seeing elementary students to geriatric patients. If anyone has any tips, tricks, and ideas, please send them my way!

So, if your life has changed like mine...or even if it hasn't, please reply to this post so we can all catch up! Miss you girls!

the last lap

2008-06-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know when most of y'all get out of school, but in Waxahachie we have one staff work day-tomorrow- and then we're done! I can't believe how fast time has flown! And- now REALLY comes time to swim in paperwork! Some of you may have already turned yours in and are a step ahead of the game. But for those that haven't, I THINK this is what we need to turn in to ASHA:

Report & Rating Form
Application for Certification and Membership, $336 fee, and make sure you include the "Application Form" that Dr. Bender signed last May
KASA form
Official transcript
Praxis scores (for those like me who forgot to have them sent when we took it!)
Journal Selection Form

For TEXAS gals I think we need:

Report of Completed Internship Form
Application Form, $163
Transcript
Praxis Scores

IF ANY OF YOU KNOW OF SOMETHING ELSE I'M FORGETTING PLEASE TELL ME ASAP! I'm planning on mailing my stuff in the next few days and really hope I've got it all together. Kinda scary, but REALLY exciting! Hope everything is going great for each of you; miss you all!

Hello Everyone!!

2008-04-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

I am so sorry I have not been posting any information but I promise I have been checking on everyone. You see I deleted the e-mail with our password (go figure) and had I not run into by dear friend Chanan at Outback I still would just be an observer. Thanks Chanan! I really enjoy reading how everyone is doing, I miss you all very much. Update on what is going on with me: I am now working at Hendrick Outpatient Rehabilitation Center and before you gasp, the transition (aka: CFY paperwork) it all actually went very smoothly. Although I probably shouldn't speak before I actually have my CCCs in hand! Brandon and I are closing in slowly on finishing our house. I know it will be wonderful when it is finished it has been more work than I ever could have imagined. We are out there every evening and all weekend long working away. Speaking of the house, amazingly I have a blog! It was at the request of relatives who wanted to get updates on the house building process. I would love for yall to check it out-it is at bkfischer.blogspot.com. I must say I need to update it because the brick and rock is being put on the outside and we have a roof-but you will get the idea (plus you can see pictures of my son/dog) Well, I hope this find all of you doing very well and taking care of yourselves. I wish we could all plan a weekend to try and meet-wouldn't that be fun! (because we all have SO much spare time:) PS: I haven't even thought about by CFY to CCC paperwork but I guess it is time to start doing that..If I figure anything out I will let yall know.

On Our Way to Certification

2008-03-07T07:11:00.000-08:00

I cannot tell you how fast time has flown. Things are definitely moving at a quicker rate than when we were in school. We are on our way to getting those wonderful C's at the end of our names! So, does anyone know the exact process we have to go through? I've read the ASHA website about it but I just feel like I'm missing something. Of course I'm probably the last person to start thinking about it and I'm probably starting a little too late!! Oh well! So, if anyone doesn't mind sharing with me the process that would be wonderful! Here's what I think we're supposed to do:
1. Turn in Grad transcripts, KASA stuff, CFY/mentor stuff (report and rating form)
2. Sign up for ASHA membership, if you haven't done it already... if you haven't do you sign up under recent graduate?
3. Is there something to do with the state you are practicing in or did we do that before our CFY?!! I can't remember!!!! SAD!

Now, I've heard from a friend here that the process is painful and long. But from what this looks like it doesn't seem bad at all!!! I'm guess they'll send us more paper work when we apply and send in our CFY things! Anyway, hope that someone can help and that I'm not the only one out of the loop! Thanks and miss you guys!!

2008-02-24T15:49:00.000-08:00

It was good to see you guys at TSHA. I enjoyed talking about our different jobs and hearing how everyone is doing. Thanks for the encouragement in my job. Only about three months left of our CFY! Can you believe it has gone that fast!?

nothing to do with speech..

2008-02-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

My brother and sister-in-law (Hab & Samantha Adkins, both work for ACU) had their baby girl!!!! Ainsley Elizabeth Adkins was born Monday morning, weighing in at 7 lbs, 8 oz, 21 inches long. This is my first niece and I'm SOO excited to buy pink stuff for this precious angel baby!

Craziness

2008-01-19T12:28:00.000-08:00

I saw Chanan yesterday and she reminded me about this blog..so here I am again. I cannot wait until TSHA. It will be so exciting to see everyone again. It will be a nice break from all of the craziness at school. One of my campuses houses all of the pre-k and kindergarten classes in Waxahachie. At the beginning of the school year, my supervisor informed me that we had to screen every kid in that school. We finally got through it, sent home notices for those 40 something kids that needed further testing, tested the kids and then the greatness that was my life turned into the craziest, most stressful part of my life. I have done almost 30 ARDs between the end of November until now and I still have tons of kids to test and ARDs for those kids and ARDs for other kids that I tested. I have to say, I was very frustrated to find out that even though it was my supervisor's idea, I ended up doing 95% of the testing and ARDs by myself and they have all been added to my case load including a few that he tested. I did find out that it turned out to be okay and I love my kids, I was just frustrated at the time. I do have to add that he sees both PPCD classes and all of the private kids. Still, irritated would be my state of mind through this whole process, especially knowing that the head of special education hated the fact that we did this because it made our numbers going through the roof. I am relieved, however, that it is slowing down just a little bit but then I had to attend a workshop that basically said that I have to do this progress type form for all kids that entered the school district ages 3-5 and then have to do an exit form for those kids that turned 6. Luckily, not all of those kids are mine, but all of those 30 something kids I just added to my caseload do fit the criteria. The stress has returned. Needless to say, I still love my job, but I am so looking forward to TSHA just to get away from all of it. I hope everyone is doing great and I look forward to seeing you guys next month.

2008-01-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

I know it's been a long time since I've been on here, but I just wanted to let you know I am still so glad to have this blog. I love reading about everyones experiences even if it is not as much as I would like. I have really been missing you guys lately. The other speech pathologist at my school has a graduate student working with her right now. I talked to her today about her school and how much longer she has left. It was so weird to think about how I was in her place last year! I can't believe I've finished working a whole semester and what a crazy semester it was! This semester is off and running. I have several kids to test and do progress testing on. It seems like everyones ARDs are due in the next three months and I will be sitting in them all the time! Somwhere in all of that I have to see my kids! Craziness!

Those of us going to TSHA should get together.

2008-01-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a fabulous break because I sure did!
When we got back to school I asked my students what they did over the break. One of my first graders informed me that they took out her uncle's throat and put in a new one...

"What was dat?"

2007-12-19T07:56:00.001-08:00

So, I totally agree with Chanan and my body is needing the rest and relaxation of the break! I can't wait! However, I have until Friday to be done and am so jealous of those of you who are finished! Working has flown by way faster than school. I can't believe that we've all be out of school and actually working for an entire semester! I still miss you girls and have moments that I wish we were back at school together... learning... because sometimes I feel like I have no clue what I'm doing! So here's a funny story from today. I have to share it.....

Today's a crazy day because the transportation system is all messed up and when my kids arrived this morning one of my drivers didn't know whether or not he should pick a girl that is way on the other side of town. I was trying to make phone calls for him and figure some stuff out and decided to let my kids play first instead of the end of therapy like I normally do. When I've finally figured things out, I help the kids clean up so we can begin. All of a sudden I hear this really low funny sounding noise below me and wondered, "Was that what I thought it was?" I wasn't the only one thinking that because a girl asked, "What was dat?" The precious boy nonchalantly chimed in and said, "That was my body, okay. My body was talking and I tooted. My mom and dad do it all the time. It was just my body." I laughed really hard and no one made a big deal about it! It's funny what parents teach children about the things that happen in life. It's little things like this that keep me going throughout my day!
Have a Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!!

2007-12-19T05:50:00.000-08:00

Today is my last day before the break! My body is SOO ready for the relaxation, but at the same time, I can't believe the semester is already gone!
I also didn't realize how much eating and gift exchanging teachers do! I have found myself in several awkward situations in which I was given a present and had nothing to give in return! I've even gotten some presents from some of my students!
I hope y'all are all having the blessed, challenging, fun, learning experience that I am having! AND~ I hope you all have a blessed, relaxing break! Miss you ladies!

Hello Everyone!

2007-12-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

So Chanan gave me the scoop on this whole blog thing. I think it's a great idea. Hope it's ok that I joined! I've been reading some of the blogs (avoiding that final paper I have to do-sigh!) Anyway, I think this is a brilliant idea!
For those of you who don't know I've accepted a job in the schools and I'll be living in The Colony (North Dallas). Yes it's true... I'm staying in Texas. It shocked even me. I'll be working with two middle schools and a high school. Needless to say I'm kind of scared to work with the older ones since my school experience is pretty much limited to the little ones. Any tips would be awesome! I start shortly after the new year. Trying to get right into it as long as my license will go through. Anyway. Hope you are all well. Have a great day!

P.S. I know Erin and Kristen were wondering. The job is through EBS. I'm excited to be working for them!

It's not your fault...

2007-12-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

This week has definitely been the longest week of my CF yet! I flew in from California very late on Sunday night and have been trying to catch up on my sleep ever since. On top of sleep deprivation, I've been sick since I got off the plane. So, needless to say, I haven't been at the top of my game.

On Tuesday of this week, when I was feeling absolutely terrible, I arrived at one of my schools to do some testing on a child. To my surprise, the normal testing room was occupied by an entire classroom. After some investigating, I learned that a gas leak and subsequent lack of heat in an entire wing of the school had caused several classes to be displaced. There were kids and teachers everywhere! I needed to have this child tested by the end of the week, so I had no other option than to test in a tiny, tiny closet! Not only is this room small, but it has a large server-type thing hanging from the ceiling that makes all kinds of noises. Normally, this wouldn't have been such a big deal. However, because of my sinus infection, my ears were not functioning at full capacity. As I attempted to give this child a language and articulation test, I frequently had to ask him to repeat his answers because I couldn't hear him. As I said, "Sorry, please say that again" for the millionth time, the boy said in a sweet voice, "It's not your fault. I'm still in speech!" He'll never know how many times I thought about that moment this week to help me survive!

"God was the first student of the month"

2007-11-28T13:24:00.000-08:00

Today the students of the month were announced. My 1st graders were fighting about who was the first student of the month in their classes when one student, who always has to have the biggest and best story of all, said "i was the 1st student of the month ever," without her r's, as NONE of my artic students can say that sound! Another student chimed in- "Nu-uh! God was the first student of the month!"

Completely Forgot

2007-11-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

Hey Girls,

Happy Thanksgiving first of all. I just wanted to say that I had completely forgot about this whole blog thing until Kay and Chris came to San Diego and we were hanging and Kay reminded me. I was so bummed that I had been missing out! But I read all the posts and you guys have some great stories. Kay got to hear a few of my stories. For those of you who don't know I am at a High School and another school they call and "Academy of Learning" which is 6-12 graders....and its more like a zoo full of high level autistic kids who haven't been able to function in any other setting in the district....this sounds exciting right??? not Most recent update is that a student I dreaded working with 2x week finally got arrested for punching a teacher 3 times. We all knew he was a ticking time bomb. So yeah its been eye opening and I can't wait to not go back next year! But as for everything else things are great and I love my job. I like that we can share tips on here. My one things is that I use the students homework all the time! I feel like a glorified tutor, but all the students goals were written pretty much to where I have to use their school work. Neways it works well.

Reflecting on my job & life.

2007-11-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

So I had been thinking lately about whether or not I really like working in an elementary school. I know most of you are shocked after that statement. You never thought I would say that, but I really think I would enjoy working with just the preschool age children. I don't know how to do that in an elementary school. After a couple of weeks of thinking this way, I was really blessed by one of my fourth grade groups. They started to show interest in learning and asking questions and being involved in the therapy sessions. One even asked what being a Christian means! What a ministry opportunity! Now I am not sure where I want to work.

What do you guys think? Do you like working for the schools after wanting to have worked in other places? Do you think you'll change after this year?

Did you hear a pig?

2007-10-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

For the therapy dimension of my clinical fellowship, I have been helping out with language lab at a preschool four days a week. This is without a doubt the highlight of my day. There is nothing more rewarding than stepping away from the hustle and bustle of the real world and stepping into the life a preschooler. As you well know, you can never predict what will come out of the mouth of a three year old or, in this case, what will come out of the nose. During snack time today, one of the little boys sneezed. With snot hanging from his nose, he looked at me as if to say "What now?" Normally, I would make the boy use his words to request a tissue, but this was a special case so I handed the boy a kleenex and told him to blow his nose. I watch as the boy puts the tissue to his nose, blows, and proceeds to loudly SNORT as he sucks air back into his nose in preparation for his next blow into the tissue. The sound caught everyone off guard. One small girl said it best with a questioning look on her face as she searched the classroom...."pig?" At least we've taught her something!

you can't escape tongue thrust!!!

2007-10-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

I thought my extensive experience with tongue thrust was over, but boy was I wrong! I have a student that has been in speech for 3 years for probably every sound that can be produced with a lisp. No one has worked with her on it, or informed her (until me) that she is thrusting! Just when I thought I wouldn't work with tongue thrust in the schools... good thing I kept a copy of the program I used in school!
Miss all you ladies, and who all is going to TSHA?!?

TSHA Convention

2007-10-10T15:25:00.000-07:00

If you still live in Texas...Chanan and I are trying to decide which hotel we are going to stay at for TSHA Convention. We are taking a poll...Where are you guys staying?? It would be kind of like old times. Let us know :)

But I love speech....

2007-09-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

Behavior situation is a nice way of putting it! I am assigned to two schools. One school, who are all children who are either in kindergarten or pre-k, are your typical artic/lang. kids. The other school, however, I see all kids who are in self contained classrooms. Monday, I went to the school with the self contained kids and was to the part of my day where I see the "behavior unit" kids (most are high level autistic). Might I add that I have never had an issue with these boys, they have always been good with me. One of the students was having issues that day. When he came to speech, he refused to do anything. I heard phrases like "make mupe" and "what are you gonna do about it?" I proceeded to take away one of his sticks (each child has 5 tongue depressors with their name on them. If they do not have all of their sticks at the end of session, they do not get a sticker that helps them get to the treasure chest later). I put it in my pocket and the next thing I knew, he was coming around the desk after me to get his stick. He said, "give me my stick back!" This child is large enough where he could actually do damage. I redirected him back to the other side of his desk and threatened to take another away and take away an incentive in his classroom. He was still a terror! It was the end of session and one student was able to go to the treasure chest. He took a finger trap thing out of the box and I quickly got it back. Next time I turned around, he did it again and then it broke in half. I was angry and he knew it. I turned around and ignored him. Do not ever do this!!! I turned back around and he was turning over desks....heavy ones. My brand new materials were flying everywhere. He broke my Token Towers from Super Duper. I was furious. I had to get my 2 studens..who have major issues themselves to go down the hall and get their teacher. Thank God they did what they were told. While waiting, I told him to do things like "stop!" to which he replied...."Make Me!" After the principal was called, pictures were taken(which made him furious) he finally calmed down and started cleaning up the mess. He asked the principal if he was expelled and she said not this time but next time this happens I will have to expell you. He then asked if he could come back to speech and the reply was the same...if you do this again you will loose your privilage to come to speech. His reply was "But I love speech." That moment is what keeps me going. It's moments like those that keep me going back every day.

"GET ME OUT OF HERE"

2007-09-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like me, you get tired of doing therapy inside a room all day! I really get tired of it! So, one day I decided to take two of my kids outside. I thought they would love it. We were walking around playing games and talking and then all of a sudden I could tell that one of the little boys was getting extremely nervous. I looked around, saw nothing, and kept on going. Luckily we were right by a door when everything else started happening. I see the boy backing up against the doors and I asked, "What's wrong?" His reply was, "A b-b-butterfly!" I looked around and saw one on the ground, which by the way was no where close to us! I was a little confused because I think butterflies are so pretty and I responded by saying, "Oh yeah, a butterfly, isn't it pretty?" Then the butterfly decided to fly. It was coming towards us and the little boy started screaming, "Get me out of here." Since we were by the door everything the boy was screaming was echoing. It wasn't just screaming. I mean this boy was terrified. It was the loudest thing I have ever heard! I started panicing and ran over to him, took his hand, and started to ring the bell to let us back in the building (it's so crazy how schools have to be locked down these days). It takes forever for the lady to let us in and then to top it off the door always gets stuck. So, I'm pulling on the door as hard as I can to get it open while this child is screaming for his life. I felt so bad for him. He was so scared. I'll think twice now before I ever think about taking a kid outside!

I'd love to hear some other funny stories anyone has to share! I know you have them... especially you Jessica!!! Thanks Kay for letting us know about the personal user account! As you can see at the bottom of my post it says "the sessions"... it's by where you can comment if you can't find it! Hope everyone is doing well! I miss everyone!

Yes, I Live with a Computer Geek

2007-09-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd pass along some knowledge that I gained from my husband related to our blog. Typically, I tend to smile and nod when my husband gives me a computer suggestion, but here's a tidbit of information that is actually useful! (I love you, Chris)

Steps to Setup A Personal User Account on the Blog:

1) Sign in with the information that Kristin provided us in an email.
2) Click on Settings
3) Click on the Permissions tab
4) Click on Add Authors
5) Type in your personal email address
6) Click Invite

If you follow these steps, you will be able to sign into our blog with your personal email address. When you post to the blog or make a comment, it will automatically put your name at the end of your message rather than putting the standard 'acuslps.' Try it out!

2007-09-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

I still haven't seen any kids. I start with them on Monday! I have been going to training for a month now and learning all the processes of my school. I have participated in many ARDs and tested a child, but I am so ready to begin therapy! I feel so young and inexperienced. I constantly ask questions of others around me. They all call me sweetie and honey and make me feel like a little kid. I want to be seen as a professional.

I'm glad to hear that you are all doing well and enjoying your jobs.

2007-08-26T12:49:00.000-07:00

I've really enjoyed reading the posts about the first days! I've already been working for two weeks and last week was my first week to see kids! Unfortunately, after all my hard work the week before planning and scheduling, my school district decided to cut our week into half days. It's been so hot here that kids are getting sick at school and on the buses, and since the buses aren't air conditioned they've been releasing kids at 11:30. I'd show up to my schools and have no idea where any of my kids were because the schedules were so different. But I'd eventually find a few, pull them aside, and work with them. I'm surprised with how "normal" it feels to be working. Even though I feel lost a lot of the time, I'm getting the hang of it! I'm having to adjust to making sure I see the kids the days and times they need to be seen a week, month, or year. Being able to keep up with that and staying organized is another question. I keep changing my system... I just have to find the perfect one! The paperwork just from the school district alone is crazy and different for each school! And I don't even have to write the IEPs! It's just been so neat to walk through halls and introduce myself as the Speech Therapist to the teachers. I get some funny reactions... mostly they say, "You kids just keep looking younger!" I take it as a complement! I don't know about anyone else but my confidence level has increased just over the past few weeks! I've changed my mindset and actually see myself as a Speech Therapist now instead of a "student." It's fun and I hope everyone else is having fun too!!! Take care!! Love you guys
Kristin

Chanan's first day

2007-08-20T11:50:00.000-07:00

Today I started inservice at my elementary school. I was bombarded by MANY new faces who ALL knew me- I'm the only new face on campus this year besides a student teacher! I decorated my room, and yes, I do have a room about the size of 1/2 a classroom! I will have some students at the jr. high and have been told they "possibly" have a place for me there! And now, as it approaches 2:00, I have 2 more hours to just sit here. All my student folders are at another school after being cleaned out over the summer so there isn't much left to do!
Hope y'alls first days are going well! I pray for peace in your hearts and minds, especially if y'all are becoming as overwhelmed as me!

Diarrhea, Dancing, and Diagnostic What?

2007-08-16T17:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a few snapshots of my first official day at the office:

Although I thought I would be the most nervous person at work today, I was severely mistaken. Minutes into the workday, I overheard another new hire (a 40+ year old woman who had just received her master's and was hired as a diagnostic SLP) speaking with a seasoned veteran about how she was feeling on this first day. When asked if she was overwhelmed, the woman responded abruptly," I've had diarrhea for weeks just thinking about today!"

As the clock approached noon, I was feeling completely overwhelmed. I had spent the entire morning staring at a list of names and dates of upcoming ARD's and evaluation dates. With only minutes until an hour of freedom for lunch, a few fellow SLP's came into my office and asked if I wanted to join them for lunch. I had just spoken with Chris and agreed to meet him for lunch so I casually said, "No thanks, I'm having lunch with my husband." To my utter shock and amazement, one of the SLP's began to shake her money maker and announced at the top of her voice...."Kay's having lunch with her husband ladies. We all know what that means!!! She'll be coming back into the office with a smile this afternoon!"

At the end of the day, I was required to attend a meeting with the Superintendent of the school along with all the special education staff. The Superintendent began to announce all of the new employees and got to my name and title. Upon reading "Diagnostic Speech Pathologist" he said," What is that? I've never heard of that...Is that a new certification? As I sat down, I was met by a simultaneous eye roll by my fellow colleagues.

All in all, I'd have to say it was a good day. I didn't have diarrhea; I laughed hysterically; and I realized that at the end of the day I should just enjoy myself because ultimately.... no one really knows what we do!!

Hope all of you had a great first day!

That pesky ASHA form

2007-08-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many of y'all already knew what to do with the ASHA form Dr. Bender gave us at the end of the year but I sure didn't so I asked! Here's what she said:

"That is your certification and membership application form. You MUST send it in when you are applying for certification which you will not receive until after you finish your CF. You can choose to send it in at the end of your CF (along with your CF paperwork) or you can send it in a little bit before you finish your CF.
If you send in all the paperwork at once, application and CF paperwork, it may take a little bit longer to process your certification (6-8 weeks). Especially if they do not receive a transcript or your NESPA scores. If you send in your application a couple months before (say in January) your certification may not take as long to complete (less than 6 weeks). In the meantime, you will receive notification of any missing documentation for your application and can submit it before you complete your CF process.
Your CF supervisor must continue in a supervisory role until you receive official notice of certification."

However, my other question (that I didn't ask yet, thought maybe one of y'all would know) is do we need to be members of ASHA during our CF year...

Just the Beginning

2007-08-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! It's so exciting that there are so many different ways of keeping in touch! I'm glad that someone thought of this before we graduated. I think it'll be especially helpful since we are all starting new jobs in the SCHOOLS!!!

I am so incredibly weirded out by the idea of not going to class in a couple of weeks. I am overwhelmed with this feeling of, "I don't know what I'm doing." I'm sure it's normal but I'm especially scared because I never had a "normal" school placement. I know I'll be fine... maybe a little confused but I'll make it. I went by my schools the other day just to see what they looked like. I was actually pleasantly surprised. I have three schools... one high school and two middle schools. The high school and one of the middle schools are in relatively new buildings and the other is not. When I went by the older school building, I asked if they knew what room I would be in. She really didn't know and said possibly the clinic! She took me to this room that had a small desk and one bed in it! I wasn't really shocked. I've kind of prepared myself for situations like that but seriously? A clinic? What am I going to do when there's a sick kid in there? Hold a trashcan for the sick one and tell my kid to say the /s/? No... I probably just won't use that room that day but then what? I guess I'll be in a closet! It's exciting, though, to not know what the next day will have in store for you. I like organization but I'm also glad that I won't always be in the same building and same room all day. I do however think those of you who do have one room are incredibly lucky!

I have orientation in a couple of days and then Monday is the big day. I have no idea what my caseload will be or how I'll do my scheduling on the very first day of school. I'm just surprised that I'm having this laid back attitude about it. I just keep thinking, "I'll deal with it when I do know." It's funny because I'm not usually like that. I would normally be calling and harassing people to tell me what's going on. The problem is... the school district doesn't even know. I just found out my schools last week! I'm just glad the Lord is calming my spirit and giving me strength to not panic! Anyway, I hope everyone is having a positive experience. I can't wait to hear about it!

Here's my question for this blog... does anyone have any good ideas of get to know you games or something interesting to start the first therapy session with? I have some but I don't think they're creative enough! Have a great day!!! Love you!!!
Kristin