Random Thoughts of the Day

I was struck by 2 things the past few days. We were at a farm feeding sheep the other day. There was a white donkey in the pen too. Another family came by and the mom remarked "Look at the albino donkey." I just found it interesting that she said that and Frankie was right there and she did not even know he had albinism. With his hat on, you can't even see his hair. Plus most people can't tell anyway. Sometimes things we say effect people in ways we have no idea! Today we were at a science museum and there was a pendulum drawing station. Frankie swung the table and then the marker drew a cool design based on how the table was moving. He was getting really close, of course, to try and see the design being made. The curator asked him to move back behind the line, not realizing his vision. He did, of course, and I did not say anything. I don't always want to make a big deal that he can't see, but want him to be able to access everything, at the same time! He had a great time on both of these days and was totally unaware of what I was feeling. He had fun!!

Mr. Cromie

Dear Mr. Cromie, As I read over the countless posts on the Dear Mr. Cromie facebook page, I am struck by how much you were loved by all! So many of your students, spanning 40 years at Pequannock Township High School, wrote similar lines about first hearing the choir perform at their elementary school, seeing you and knowing that they wanted to be in the choir in high school. It is also a vivid memory for me being at North Boulevard School and having you and the choir come, and us coming to the high school one year! You were so welcoming then, I couldn't wait to join your class. Students also remember how caring, funny and musical you were. You taught us how to be kinder to each other with humor and expecting the most from us. Of course you were a gifted musician, as well. Your class was fun, yet we learned and took music and singing seriously. You were always kind and cared about each of your students. A highlight to us all was the singing of "O Holy Night" each Christmas. I remember my senior year and the beauty of everyone singing. It is a night I will never forget. Inviting graduates back each year was so special, we were still a part of this wonderful high school experience. To this day, I listen to my choir Christmas tape, and think of you and it is one of my favorite parts of Christmas! Not many people are loved by all, but you, Cromie, are, forever! We love you and miss you! Susan (Nocella) Bunker, Class of 1994

Bowl-a-thon 2012

On Saturday we hosted out 5th NOAH bowl-a-thon! We had over 70 people; children and adults enjoyed bowling, games, pizza and dessert. We had raffles for the first this year and people were eager to buy tickets and win prizes!

Two children with albinism attended, Frankie and his friend Riley; and 2 adults, Serena and Carmen. We met Carmen and her family for the first time this year!

I want to thank everyone for their support and donations, and for coming to bowl with us on this special day! It is great to have so many family and friends together supporting Frankie and people with albinism! Looking forward to many more bowl-a-thons to come! : )

Why Do IEP Meetings Make Me so On Edge?

Today was Frankie's 3 year re-evaluation to see if he qualifies for services. Wow, did those 3 years fly, it seems like just yesterday he was 2 1/2 and we were having his first meeting. How far he has come!

All of his teachers and specialists were glowing about him; academically and his happy, laid back personality. He needs more work on asserting himself to play with other kids and approach them. He does learn primarily through his vision, and needs to learn to use it even more. So he still qualifies for O&M, vision services and OT. He does not need the school psychologist working with him anymore or the special education teacher. They were all amazed about the progress he has made, and I can see it too! It makes me happy and proud!

Part of me still just has a hard time with these meetings, though. It is emotionally draining and it gets me thinking about the future and issues he may have. I know I need to focus on the present and I will feel better, but I do feel nervous for a few days, even after these meetings. Do other sped. parents feel this way??

Great story, though, we were discussing the Carroll Kids summer program at the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, and the school has to find out more to see if he qualifies for services there. Frankie's TVI said if he does not qualify, she would go to the Westwood Lions meeting to see if we could get some assistance, as the camp is quite expensive. Tonight, I get a call from someone who is a member of the Westwood Lions Club! I was so shocked when he called! So I gave a donation and he gave me the information of the person to contact about meetings and assistance. I am still smiling how it all worked!

So, all in all, a good day!