Did I do what was right....

This is my hand wrapped in Keaton's hand. He loves his hands rubbed.

This is the first time in my life, other than being a Mom, that I have loved nurturing, encouraging, and engaging with children. When I got the job at Kennedy High School, in the Severe and Profound Room, I was elated. Everyday I made a difference to these kids and have grown to hold them dear to my heart.

In April, after obvserving verbal and physical abuse, since day one of my employment. Reporting it to the Teacher and Administration and investigation was ordered. Since April 23, I have been threatened, given the silent treatment by Staff in my room and all over the school, from Staff who shouldn't even know what is going on. I have been called into the Office, to be cited for using my cell phone during work hours, in which I never had and had proof of that via reports from Verizon. Told that I didn't call, my supervisor, to let him know I would be leaving for a Physical Therapy Apt. and I was given his card at a meeting he had with all of us. Guess what, I wasn't at that meeting because I was doing my job and had Allie in class.

From the very beginning this was NEVER about me. I thought I was a mandatory reporter. Aren't you supposed to report abuse? These poor kids are non-verbal and can't speak for themselves. I tried for 8 months to get someone's attention. If this happened in a General Education Class, it would not be tolerated and I can guarantee you parents would be notified. The Teacher, in the classroom, would not be working there any longer.

Well, to put all of your minds at ease about our School District. I am the only one who lost there job. The Teacher, who I and others witnessed her abuse, is still employed, in the same classroom along with the other 4 Para-Professionals. I was warned from the beginning to keep my mouth shut and don't go to Administration on anything. So, who is the voice for these children now......

I battle everyday with this because I know the parents weren't even notified. They got rid of me so they could just sweep it under the rug. I have talked with other Para-Professionals, at other schools, and they say "Amy, we or I just turn my head to it, because I need this need this job."

I am not saying all programs are like this BUT it is happening more than you know out there.

So, what is next.....