Re: school ager with brace

[Guest guest]

I work in a school and it seems ridiculous. Just a personal opinion BUT I don't think the gym teacher should do it. The nurse should. If that isn't possible, which it should be and none of the kids would have any idea where he was going, his teacher or someone in sped dept should be able to remove it if he has any kind of iep anyway. If he does put something in it about the brace. Futher more your kid is 5 so what's the gym tchrs problem? Who cares if he's in a brace or not at 10? Wearing the darned thing for scoliosis is the worry not his underwear! Weather or not he has an IEP I would think about meeting w special services dept. He could probably qualify as other health impaired and then you could get paperwork stating specifics that were law. I cannot imagine the gym tchr at my schl doing that? Who is watching the other kids while she's removing the brace? Sent from my iPhoneOn Oct

5, 2011, at 10:21 AM, Haviland <stacy.haviland@...> wrote:

I need some advice. I realize that this group is comprised mostly of parents of babies in casts, but in the off chance that there are other like me, with school agers wearing an all day brace, I thought I'd check here.

My son is in kindergarten and has just started wearing a boston brace...I think we're still in our 2nd week...so it's fairly new. I had the Dr. write a note for the school stating that he is allowed to remove it for gym class, knowing that you need a note for everything these days. I'm getting pushback from the school system. They're apparently ok with removing the brace and putting it back on (the straps are in the back and, even though he can remove it himself, he cant' get it back on properly by himself), but they're not ok with the wording of the note. It didn't specifically say "the brace", instead the Dr. wrote "it". So, I've been asked by the school to have it re-written stating "brace", and specifically when it is to be on and off, and that he needs adult help to put it on. Essentially they need the note to be much more specific, for liability reasons. Apparently this is

a big issue and has escalated from the school to administration higher up in the school district. The gym teacher is concerned that she will be accused of something if someone catches her with my son lying on the floor with his pants down as she's putting the brace on his.

I don't have an issue getting a more specific note from the doctor and have actually already requested one. My issue is in the way the gym teacher is treating this. I was able to talk to her in person this morning and she told me that because she has to take 's pants down to get to the brace, she sends all the other students into her office while she does this so he has some privacy. She told me that she realizes it's not so much an issue now but that if he is still wearing this when he's 9 or 10 years old, then he'll need some privacy if he's undressing. I understand this, but have never thought much about it. My son would just as soon run around the room in his underwear yelling "look at me!", so concerns for his privacy have never crossed my mind! Anyway, my single most concern with him wearing a brace at school is that he's not singled out and made fun of. Sure, it fits under

his clothes, but it's still obvious that he's wearing it. I feel like by her making all the other students go into her office and wait while she tend to him, she's making a bigger issue out of it than it really is.

I'd like to request that, since the gym teacher is seemingly uncomfortable with this, that he goes to the clinic before and after gym class and has the nurse do this. This way the other students aren't doing anything out of the ordinary on his behalf, and he will be undressed in the clinic rather than the gym. By doing this, I suppose we're setting a precedent for then next 12 years while he's in the school system. I think it makes sense that it would be a nurse rather than a teacher to handle this.

After typing all of this, I'm even more upset just in realizing it really isn't a big deal, but the school system is making it much harder than it needs to be. And if you only knew my son and could see his attitude towards wearing the brace...he's great with it. He doesn't have a problem with it, he just needs help.

Anyway, if any of you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. Have you gone to the school and explained the brace, dealt with teachers, the nurse, students? I'm just looking for the best way to make this easiest on everyone, without making it any bigger of an issue.

Thanks!

's mom (6 yrs old, 36* and 28*, and bracing)

[Guest guest]

I totally agree, your son should be allowed to have the brace put on in private. He should be quietly pulled aside, not put in the middle and have the rest of the class have to move to the "private" location. I would highly recommend that you have the school nurse be the one to put on the brace after his class. And really, for liability reasons, they should probably have to have 2 people present. If he has a long brace shirt on under the brace, no private areas should be seen anyway, but I would think its better safe than sorry.

I'm dreading this next year with Grace although right now she isn't in anything. I'm sure we'll go back to a brace or cast in January.

Keep us posted on how things turn out! Oh and as far as the wording, its basically the letter is a prescription and prescriptions have to be very precise when schools are involved.

Jane

From: Haviland <stacy.haviland@...>"infantile scoliosis treatment " <infantile scoliosis treatment >Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 8:21 AMSubject: school ager with brace

I need some advice. I realize that this group is comprised mostly of parents of babies in casts, but in the off chance that there are other like me, with school agers wearing an all day brace, I thought I'd check here.

My son is in kindergarten and has just started wearing a boston brace...I think we're still in our 2nd week...so it's fairly new. I had the Dr. write a note for the school stating that he is allowed to remove it for gym class, knowing that you need a note for everything these days. I'm getting pushback from the school system. They're apparently ok with removing the brace and putting it back on (the straps are in the back and, even though he can remove it himself, he cant' get it back on properly by himself), but they're not ok with the wording of the note. It didn't specifically say "the brace", instead the Dr. wrote "it". So, I've been asked by the school to have it re-written stating "brace", and specifically when it is to be on and off, and that he needs adult help to put it on. Essentially they need the note to be much more specific, for liability reasons. Apparently this is a big issue and has

escalated from the school to administration higher up in the school district. The gym teacher is concerned that she will be accused of something if someone catches her with my son lying on the floor with his pants down as she's putting the brace on his.

I don't have an issue getting a more specific note from the doctor and have actually already requested one. My issue is in the way the gym teacher is treating this. I was able to talk to her in person this morning and she told me that because she has to take 's pants down to get to the brace, she sends all the other students into her office while she does this so he has some privacy. She told me that she realizes it's not so much an issue now but that if he is still wearing this when he's 9 or 10 years old, then he'll need some privacy if he's undressing. I understand this, but have never thought much about it. My son would just as soon run around the room in his underwear yelling "look at me!", so concerns for his privacy have never crossed my mind! Anyway, my single most concern with him wearing a brace at school is that he's not singled out and made fun of. Sure, it fits under his clothes, but

it's still obvious that he's wearing it. I feel like by her making all the other students go into her office and wait while she tend to him, she's making a bigger issue out of it than it really is.

I'd like to request that, since the gym teacher is seemingly uncomfortable with this, that he goes to the clinic before and after gym class and has the nurse do this. This way the other students aren't doing anything out of the ordinary on his behalf, and he will be undressed in the clinic rather than the gym. By doing this, I suppose we're setting a precedent for then next 12 years while he's in the school system. I think it makes sense that it would be a nurse rather than a teacher to handle this.

After typing all of this, I'm even more upset just in realizing it really isn't a big deal, but the school system is making it much harder than it needs to be. And if you only knew my son and could see his attitude towards wearing the brace...he's great with it. He doesn't have a problem with it, he just needs help.

Anyway, if any of you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. Have you gone to the school and explained the brace, dealt with teachers, the nurse, students? I'm just looking for the best way to make this easiest on everyone, without making it any bigger of an issue.

Thanks!

's mom (6 yrs old, 36* and 28*, and bracing)

[Guest guest]

,

My son is little & gets his first cast in 2 wks so I don’t know anything

about bracing, BUT my husband is a special education teacher & a

basketball coach so we do know a thing or two about how schools " think " or

maybe I should say " over react " in these types of situations. Don't take

it personally! It is ENTIRELY a liability issue & they are just making

sure they cannot get into trouble in the future; believe me you would be

amazed at what my husband has to go through sometimes being a special ed

teacher (not being alone EVER with certain female students, documenting

everything, behavioral situations, you name it ) If you keep the lines of

communication open with the school they will eventually stop spinning

around in circles & find the right way to handle it. I would absolutely

have the school nurse handle the brace. For one she is more qualified in

the area then the gym teacher & it does make it more comfortable for

everyone else including your son. The gym teacher is obviously

uncomfortable with the situation, don't ask why & make it a bigger deal.

Its just a red flag that you don't want that person helping your son. I

am actually shocked that the school would even suggest having a teacher do

it? In almost every case of health/medication issue my husband refers to

the nurse, the child’s individual Para, or the school counselor. The

nurse has most likely handled other situations in the past & if your son

wears a brace long term he will be able to develop a routine with the

nurse. Keep it low key so that the other students do not see him singled

out & so that your son keeps that beautiful confidence! Best of luck!

Amber

mommy to Levi

gets casted in SLC in 2 weeks

> I need some advice.  I realize that this group is comprised mostly of

> parents of babies in casts, but in the off chance that there are other

> like me, with school agers wearing an all day brace, I thought I'd check

> here. 

>  

> My son is in kindergarten and has just started wearing a boston brace...I

> think we're still in our 2nd week...so it's fairly new.  I had the Dr.

> write a note for the school stating that he is allowed to remove it for

> gym class, knowing that you need a note for everything these days.  I'm

> getting pushback from the school system.  They're apparently ok with

> removing the brace and putting it back on (the straps are in the back and,

> even though he can remove it himself, he cant' get it back on properly by

> himself), but they're not ok with the wording of the note.  It didn't

> specifically say " the brace " , instead the Dr. wrote " it " .  So, I've

> been asked by the school to have it re-written stating " brace " , and

> specifically when it is to be on and off, and that he needs adult help to

> put it on.  Essentially they need the note to be much more specific, for

> liability reasons.  Apparently this is a big issue and has escalated from

> the

> school to administration higher up in the school district.  The gym

> teacher is concerned that she will be accused of something if someone

> catches her with my son lying on the floor with his pants down as she's

> putting the brace on his. 

>  

> I don't have an issue getting a more specific note from the doctor and

> have actually already requested one.  My issue is in the way the gym

> teacher is treating this.  I was able to talk to her in person this

> morning and she told me that because she has to take 's pants down to

> get to the brace, she sends all the other students into her office while

> she does this so he has some privacy.  She told me that she realizes it's

> not so much an issue now but that if he is still wearing this when he's 9

> or 10 years old, then he'll need some privacy if he's undressing.  I

> understand this, but have never thought much about it.  My son would just

> as soon run around the room in his underwear yelling " look at me! " , so

> concerns for his privacy have never crossed my mind!   Anyway, my single

> most concern with him wearing a brace at school is that he's not singled

> out and made fun of.  Sure, it fits under his clothes, but it's still

> obvious that he's

> wearing it.  I feel like by her making all the other students go into her

> office and wait while she tend to him, she's making a bigger issue out of

> it than it really is. 

>  

> I'd like to request that, since the gym teacher is seemingly uncomfortable

> with this, that he goes to the clinic before and after gym class and has

> the nurse do this.  This way the other students aren't doing anything out

> of the ordinary on his behalf, and he will be undressed in the clinic

> rather than the gym.  By doing this, I suppose we're setting a precedent

> for then next 12 years while he's in the school system.  I think it makes

> sense that it would be a nurse rather than a teacher to handle this. 

>  

> After typing all of this, I'm even more upset just in realizing it really

> isn't a big deal, but the school system is making it much harder than it

> needs to be.  And if you only knew my son and could see his attitude

> towards wearing the brace...he's great with it.  He doesn't have a problem

> with it, he just needs help. 

>  

> Anyway, if any of you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it.  Have

> you gone to the school and explained the brace, dealt with teachers, the

> nurse, students?  I'm just looking for the best way to make this easiest

> on everyone, without making it any bigger of an issue. 

>  

> Thanks!

>

> 's mom (6 yrs old, 36* and 28*, and bracing)

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

We too have a 6 year old in a brace, he is in the first grade. I'm so sorry that you are having to deal with this, it does suck!! This was one of our concerns to for sending our little man to school, however we have chose a Private School, but it has really not been an issue at all. I'm not sure if Noah took his brace off even one day at Kindergarden, he wears it in gym class and hasn't had any problems. I would talk to the gym teacher and see if there is any reason that he needs it off in gym, and maybe only the days that it interferes with class they could take it off. I also agree with you requesting that he goes to the Nurse to do so. I don't think that should be a problem. I think the kids are little enough now that they don't see anything different with them wearing the brace. Cute story, I went on a field trip with Noah a couple of weeks ago, and one of

the kids asked me why Noah had the 'Armor', I said Armor? and he lifted Noahs shirt and said 'Yeh, this Armor. I want some." I thought it was so cute, and the little guys dad just looked and smiled. I explained to the kid why Noah has to wear it and what it does (in 1st grade tearms) and he said 'It's so cool, I want one.' Kids will surprise you, good and bad, but be open. From the time Noah was 14 months old and got his first cast we have never hid it from anyone. Majority of the time he goes around with his shirt off and if people look and ask we tell them.

Good luck to you and , please let me know if there is anything else I can help with

Much Love~

Noah 6yrs 3mo, 80 degrees to 2 in brace, treated in SLC

From: Haviland <stacy.haviland@...>"infantile scoliosis treatment " <infantile scoliosis treatment >Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 9:21 AMSubject: school ager with brace

I need some advice. I realize that this group is comprised mostly of parents of babies in casts, but in the off chance that there are other like me, with school agers wearing an all day brace, I thought I'd check here.

My son is in kindergarten and has just started wearing a boston brace...I think we're still in our 2nd week...so it's fairly new. I had the Dr. write a note for the school stating that he is allowed to remove it for gym class, knowing that you need a note for everything these days. I'm getting pushback from the school system. They're apparently ok with removing the brace and putting it back on (the straps are in the back and, even though he can remove it himself, he cant' get it back on properly by himself), but they're not ok with the wording of the note. It didn't specifically say "the brace", instead the Dr. wrote "it". So, I've been asked by the school to have it re-written stating "brace", and specifically when it is to be on and off, and that he needs adult help to put it on. Essentially they need the note to be much more specific, for liability reasons. Apparently this is a big issue and has

escalated from the school to administration higher up in the school district. The gym teacher is concerned that she will be accused of something if someone catches her with my son lying on the floor with his pants down as she's putting the brace on his.

I don't have an issue getting a more specific note from the doctor and have actually already requested one. My issue is in the way the gym teacher is treating this. I was able to talk to her in person this morning and she told me that because she has to take 's pants down to get to the brace, she sends all the other students into her office while she does this so he has some privacy. She told me that she realizes it's not so much an issue now but that if he is still wearing this when he's 9 or 10 years old, then he'll need some privacy if he's undressing. I understand this, but have never thought much about it. My son would just as soon run around the room in his underwear yelling "look at me!", so concerns for his privacy have never crossed my mind! Anyway, my single most concern with him wearing a brace at school is that he's not singled out and made fun of. Sure, it fits under his clothes, but

it's still obvious that he's wearing it. I feel like by her making all the other students go into her office and wait while she tend to him, she's making a bigger issue out of it than it really is.

I'd like to request that, since the gym teacher is seemingly uncomfortable with this, that he goes to the clinic before and after gym class and has the nurse do this. This way the other students aren't doing anything out of the ordinary on his behalf, and he will be undressed in the clinic rather than the gym. By doing this, I suppose we're setting a precedent for then next 12 years while he's in the school system. I think it makes sense that it would be a nurse rather than a teacher to handle this.

After typing all of this, I'm even more upset just in realizing it really isn't a big deal, but the school system is making it much harder than it needs to be. And if you only knew my son and could see his attitude towards wearing the brace...he's great with it. He doesn't have a problem with it, he just needs help.

Anyway, if any of you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. Have you gone to the school and explained the brace, dealt with teachers, the nurse, students? I'm just looking for the best way to make this easiest on everyone, without making it any bigger of an issue.

Thanks!

's mom (6 yrs old, 36* and 28*, and bracing)

[Guest guest]

but they're not ok with the wording of the note. It

didn't specifically say " the brace " , instead the Dr. wrote " it " . So, I've

been asked by the school to have it re-written stating " brace " ,

***Oh brother! Thats so ridiculous, its almost funny. I havent read other

cast members replies yet, but I think they will all concur that he should

not be singled out like that! He should be able to go to gym class 5 mins

early for brace removal. And, leave gym class 5 mins early to get it back

on.

Liv couldnt participate in most gym activities because she had a brace

with neck support (ugh), but when she could we (the teachers & I) made

sure that she wasnt singled out in any way.

We made sure the state mandated 504 plan was in place at the beginning of

each school year and that made all the difference. Sort of got all

teachers/staff on board with her very limited needs.

Go get em!!

HRH

> I need some advice.  I realize that this group is comprised mostly of

> parents of babies in casts, but in the off chance that there are other

> like me, with school agers wearing an all day brace, I thought I'd check

> here. 

>  

> My son is in kindergarten and has just started wearing a boston brace...I

> think we're still in our 2nd week...so it's fairly new.  I had the Dr.

> write a note for the school stating that he is allowed to remove it for

> gym class, knowing that you need a note for everything these days.  I'm

> getting pushback from the school system.  They're apparently ok with

> removing the brace and putting it back on (the straps are in the back and,

> even though he can remove it himself, he cant' get it back on properly by

> himself), but they're not ok with the wording of the note.  It didn't

> specifically say " the brace " , instead the Dr. wrote " it " .  So, I've

> been asked by the school to have it re-written stating " brace " , and

> specifically when it is to be on and off, and that he needs adult help to

> put it on.  Essentially they need the note to be much more specific, for

> liability reasons.  Apparently this is a big issue and has escalated from

> the

> school to administration higher up in the school district.  The gym

> teacher is concerned that she will be accused of something if someone

> catches her with my son lying on the floor with his pants down as she's

> putting the brace on his. 

>  

> I don't have an issue getting a more specific note from the doctor and

> have actually already requested one.  My issue is in the way the gym

> teacher is treating this.  I was able to talk to her in person this

> morning and she told me that because she has to take 's pants down to

> get to the brace, she sends all the other students into her office while

> she does this so he has some privacy.  She told me that she realizes it's

> not so much an issue now but that if he is still wearing this when he's 9

> or 10 years old, then he'll need some privacy if he's undressing.  I

> understand this, but have never thought much about it.  My son would just

> as soon run around the room in his underwear yelling " look at me! " , so

> concerns for his privacy have never crossed my mind!   Anyway, my single

> most concern with him wearing a brace at school is that he's not singled

> out and made fun of.  Sure, it fits under his clothes, but it's still

> obvious that he's

> wearing it.  I feel like by her making all the other students go into her

> office and wait while she tend to him, she's making a bigger issue out of

> it than it really is. 

>  

> I'd like to request that, since the gym teacher is seemingly uncomfortable

> with this, that he goes to the clinic before and after gym class and has

> the nurse do this.  This way the other students aren't doing anything out

> of the ordinary on his behalf, and he will be undressed in the clinic

> rather than the gym.  By doing this, I suppose we're setting a precedent

> for then next 12 years while he's in the school system.  I think it makes

> sense that it would be a nurse rather than a teacher to handle this. 

>  

> After typing all of this, I'm even more upset just in realizing it really

> isn't a big deal, but the school system is making it much harder than it

> needs to be.  And if you only knew my son and could see his attitude

> towards wearing the brace...he's great with it.  He doesn't have a problem

> with it, he just needs help. 

>  

> Anyway, if any of you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it.  Have

> you gone to the school and explained the brace, dealt with teachers, the

> nurse, students?  I'm just looking for the best way to make this easiest

> on everyone, without making it any bigger of an issue. 

>  

> Thanks!

>

> 's mom (6 yrs old, 36* and 28*, and bracing)

[Guest guest]

Really good post and great advice, Amber.

> ,

> My son is little & gets his first cast in 2 wks so I don’t know anything

> about bracing, BUT my husband is a special education teacher & a

> basketball coach so we do know a thing or two about how schools " think " or

> maybe I should say " over react " in these types of situations. Don't take

> it personally! It is ENTIRELY a liability issue & they are just making

> sure they cannot get into trouble in the future; believe me you would be

> amazed at what my husband has to go through sometimes being a special ed

> teacher (not being alone EVER with certain female students, documenting

> everything, behavioral situations, you name it ) If you keep the lines of

> communication open with the school they will eventually stop spinning

> around in circles & find the right way to handle it. I would absolutely

> have the school nurse handle the brace. For one she is more qualified in

> the area then the gym teacher & it does make it more comfortable for

> everyone else including your son. The gym teacher is obviously

> uncomfortable with the situation, don't ask why & make it a bigger deal.

> Its just a red flag that you don't want that person helping your son. I

> am actually shocked that the school would even suggest having a teacher do

> it? In almost every case of health/medication issue my husband refers to

> the nurse, the child’s individual Para, or the school counselor. The

> nurse has most likely handled other situations in the past & if your son

> wears a brace long term he will be able to develop a routine with the

> nurse. Keep it low key so that the other students do not see him singled

> out & so that your son keeps that beautiful confidence! Best of luck!

> Amber

> mommy to Levi

> gets casted in SLC in 2 weeks

>

>

>

>

>

>

>> I need some advice.  I realize that this group is comprised mostly of

>> parents of babies in casts, but in the off chance that there are other

>> like me, with school agers wearing an all day brace, I thought I'd check

>> here. 

>>  

>> My son is in kindergarten and has just started wearing a boston

>> brace...I

>> think we're still in our 2nd week...so it's fairly new.  I had the Dr.

>> write a note for the school stating that he is allowed to remove it for

>> gym class, knowing that you need a note for everything these days.  I'm

>> getting pushback from the school system.  They're apparently ok with

>> removing the brace and putting it back on (the straps are in the back

>> and,

>> even though he can remove it himself, he cant' get it back on properly

>> by

>> himself), but they're not ok with the wording of the note.  It didn't

>> specifically say " the brace " , instead the Dr. wrote " it " .  So, I've

>> been asked by the school to have it re-written stating " brace " , and

>> specifically when it is to be on and off, and that he needs adult help

>> to

>> put it on.  Essentially they need the note to be much more specific, for

>> liability reasons.  Apparently this is a big issue and has escalated

>> from

>> the

>> school to administration higher up in the school district.  The gym

>> teacher is concerned that she will be accused of something if someone

>> catches her with my son lying on the floor with his pants down as she's

>> putting the brace on his. 

>>  

>> I don't have an issue getting a more specific note from the doctor and

>> have actually already requested one.  My issue is in the way the gym

>> teacher is treating this.  I was able to talk to her in person this

>> morning and she told me that because she has to take 's pants down

>> to

>> get to the brace, she sends all the other students into her office while

>> she does this so he has some privacy.  She told me that she realizes

>> it's

>> not so much an issue now but that if he is still wearing this when he's

>> 9

>> or 10 years old, then he'll need some privacy if he's undressing.  I

>> understand this, but have never thought much about it.  My son would

>> just

>> as soon run around the room in his underwear yelling " look at me! " , so

>> concerns for his privacy have never crossed my mind!   Anyway, my

>> single

>> most concern with him wearing a brace at school is that he's not singled

>> out and made fun of.  Sure, it fits under his clothes, but it's still

>> obvious that he's

>> wearing it.  I feel like by her making all the other students go into

>> her

>> office and wait while she tend to him, she's making a bigger issue out

>> of

>> it than it really is. 

>>  

>> I'd like to request that, since the gym teacher is seemingly

>> uncomfortable

>> with this, that he goes to the clinic before and after gym class and has

>> the nurse do this.  This way the other students aren't doing anything

>> out

>> of the ordinary on his behalf, and he will be undressed in the clinic

>> rather than the gym.  By doing this, I suppose we're setting a precedent

>> for then next 12 years while he's in the school system.  I think it

>> makes

>> sense that it would be a nurse rather than a teacher to handle this. 

>>  

>> After typing all of this, I'm even more upset just in realizing it

>> really

>> isn't a big deal, but the school system is making it much harder than it

>> needs to be.  And if you only knew my son and could see his attitude

>> towards wearing the brace...he's great with it.  He doesn't have a

>> problem

>> with it, he just needs help. 

>>  

>> Anyway, if any of you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it.  Have

>> you gone to the school and explained the brace, dealt with teachers, the

>> nurse, students?  I'm just looking for the best way to make this easiest

>> on everyone, without making it any bigger of an issue. 

>>  

>> Thanks!

>>

>> 's mom (6 yrs old, 36* and 28*, and bracing)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My daughter is a second grader and I had this issue about a month and a half ago. I wrote a letter stating that my daughter was required to wear a brace 23 hours a day for scoliosis. In an effort to maintain and encourage long term compliance no restrictions on activities were being placed and that she herself would be the one to place limitations on any activities that she felt she was uncomfortable doing. There were no specific times for the brace to be removed or replaced however in order to maintain her comfort she would be allowed to request temporary brace removal for short periods of time (15 minutes) or activities like PE or recess if necessary after which the brace would be put back on. I was also to come in and instruct the nurse and select front office staff on how to remove and replace the

brace. Finally, should there be any problems with replacing the brace, I as the mother should be notified immediately by phone of any issues that might come up so that I might give further instructions to school staff as to what to do next. I wrote this letter for my doctor's office, they put it on their letterhead and faxed it to the school office. I never had any problems since. My kids attend public school in Broward County, FL which is a very huge school district where everything is CYA and PC and they were ok with it.Good luck and hope that helps!From:

"heather@..." <heather@...>infantile scoliosis treatment Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 2:31 PMSubject: Re: school ager with brace

Really good post and great advice, Amber.

> ,

> My son is little & gets his first cast in 2 wks so I don’t know anything

> about bracing, BUT my husband is a special education teacher & a

> basketball coach so we do know a thing or two about how schools "think" or

> maybe I should say "over react" in these types of situations. Don't take

> it personally! It is ENTIRELY a liability issue & they are just making

> sure they cannot get into trouble in the future; believe me you would be

> amazed at what my husband has to go through sometimes being a special ed

> teacher (not being alone EVER with certain female students, documenting

> everything, behavioral situations, you name it ) If you keep the lines of

> communication open with the school they will eventually stop spinning

> around in circles & find the right way to handle it. I would absolutely

> have the school nurse handle the brace. For one she is more qualified in

> the area then the gym teacher & it does make it more comfortable for

> everyone else including your son. The gym teacher is obviously

> uncomfortable with the situation, don't ask why & make it a bigger deal.

> Its just a red flag that you don't want that person helping your son. I

> am actually shocked that the school would even suggest having a teacher do

> it? In almost every case of health/medication issue my husband refers to

> the nurse, the child’s individual Para, or the school counselor. The

> nurse has most likely handled other situations in the past & if your son

> wears a brace long term he will be able to develop a routine with the

> nurse. Keep it low key so that the other students do not see him singled

> out & so that your son keeps that beautiful confidence! Best of luck!

> Amber

> mommy to Levi

> gets casted in SLC in 2 weeks

>

>

>

>

>

>

>> I need some advice. I realize that this group is comprised mostly of

>> parents of babies in casts, but in the off chance that there are other

>> like me, with school agers wearing an all day brace, I thought I'd check

>> here.

>>

>> My son is in kindergarten and has just started wearing a boston

>> brace...I

>> think we're still in our 2nd week...so it's fairly new. I had the Dr.

>> write a note for the school stating that he is allowed to remove it for

>> gym class, knowing that you need a note for everything these days. I'm

>> getting pushback from the school system. They're apparently ok with

>> removing the brace and putting it back on (the straps are in the back

>> and,

>> even though he can remove it himself, he cant' get it back on properly

>> by

>> himself), but they're not ok with the wording of the note. It didn't

>> specifically say "the brace", instead the Dr. wrote "it". So, I've

>> been asked by the school to have it re-written stating "brace", and

>> specifically when it is to be on and off, and that he needs adult help

>> to

>> put it on. Essentially they need the note to be much more specific, for

>> liability reasons. Apparently this is a big issue and has escalated

>> from

>> the

>> school to administration higher up in the school district. The gym

>> teacher is concerned that she will be accused of something if someone

>> catches her with my son lying on the floor with his pants down as she's

>> putting the brace on his.

>>

>> I don't have an issue getting a more specific note from the doctor and

>> have actually already requested one. My issue is in the way the gym

>> teacher is treating this. I was able to talk to her in person this

>> morning and she told me that because she has to take 's pants down

>> to

>> get to the brace, she sends all the other students into her office while

>> she does this so he has some privacy. She told me that she realizes

>> it's

>> not so much an issue now but that if he is still wearing this when he's

>> 9

>> or 10 years old, then he'll need some privacy if he's undressing. I

>> understand this, but have never thought much about it. My son would

>> just

>> as soon run around the room in his underwear yelling "look at me!", so

>> concerns for his privacy have never crossed my mind! Anyway, my

>> single

>> most concern with him wearing a brace at school is that he's not singled

>> out and made fun of. Sure, it fits under his clothes, but it's still

>> obvious that he's

>> wearing it. I feel like by her making all the other students go into

>> her

>> office and wait while she tend to him, she's making a bigger issue out

>> of

>> it than it really is.

>>

>> I'd like to request that, since the gym teacher is seemingly

>> uncomfortable

>> with this, that he goes to the clinic before and after gym class and has

>> the nurse do this. This way the other students aren't doing anything

>> out

>> of the ordinary on his behalf, and he will be undressed in the clinic

>> rather than the gym. By doing this, I suppose we're setting a precedent

>> for then next 12 years while he's in the school system. I think it

>> makes

>> sense that it would be a nurse rather than a teacher to handle this.

>>

>> After typing all of this, I'm even more upset just in realizing it

>> really

>> isn't a big deal, but the school system is making it much harder than it

>> needs to be. And if you only knew my son and could see his attitude

>> towards wearing the brace...he's great with it. He doesn't have a

>> problem

>> with it, he just needs help.

>>

>> Anyway, if any of you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. Have

>> you gone to the school and explained the brace, dealt with teachers, the

>> nurse, students? I'm just looking for the best way to make this easiest

>> on everyone, without making it any bigger of an issue.

>>

>> Thanks!

>>

>> 's mom (6 yrs old, 36* and 28*, and bracing)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

My child actually wears her brace during PE - her PT said that she can actually hurt or strain herself in PE if she didn't have the brace on for support. She is in 1st grade and didn't have any issues in Kindergarten with PE (the only issue we have them look for is overheating.)We also found that things have to be spelled out for the school, related to the liability - but we also found that if it is written down in her 'accommodation' plan they can't ignore it. The overheating issue is in her plan and her school used it to have the a/c in her classroom fixed immediately during a heatwave, the other classes didn't get fixed for a few weeks.From: Ursula

<ursula4349@...>Subject: Re: school ager with brace"infantile scoliosis treatment " <infantile scoliosis treatment >Date: Wednesday, October 5, 2011, 6:54 PM

My daughter is a second grader and I had this issue about a month and a half ago. I wrote a letter stating that my daughter was required to wear a brace 23 hours a day for scoliosis. In an effort to maintain and encourage long term compliance no restrictions on activities were being placed and that she herself would be the one to place limitations on any activities that she felt she was uncomfortable doing. There were no specific times for the brace to be removed or replaced however in order to maintain her comfort she would be allowed to request temporary brace removal for short periods of time (15 minutes) or activities like PE or recess if necessary after which the brace would be put back on. I was also to come in and instruct the nurse and select front office staff on how to remove and replace the

brace. Finally, should there be any problems with replacing the brace, I as the mother should be notified immediately by phone of any issues that might come up so that I might give further instructions to school staff as to what to do next. I wrote this letter for my doctor's office, they put it on their letterhead and faxed it to the school office. I never had any problems since. My kids attend public school in Broward County, FL which is a very huge school district where everything is CYA and PC and they were ok with it.Good luck and hope that helps!From:

"heather@..." <heather@...>infantile scoliosis treatment Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 2:31 PMSubject: Re: school ager with brace

Really good post and great advice, Amber.

> ,

> My son is little & gets his first cast in 2 wks so I don’t know anything

> about bracing, BUT my husband is a special education teacher & a

> basketball coach so we do know a thing or two about how schools "think" or

> maybe I should say "over react" in these types of situations. Don't take

> it personally! It is ENTIRELY a liability issue & they are just making

> sure they cannot get into trouble in the future; believe me you would be

> amazed at what my husband has to go through sometimes being a special ed

> teacher (not being alone EVER with certain female students, documenting

> everything, behavioral situations, you name it ) If you keep the lines of

> communication open with the school they will eventually stop spinning

> around in circles & find the right way to handle it. I would absolutely

> have the school nurse handle the brace. For one she is more qualified in

> the area then the gym teacher & it does make it more comfortable for

> everyone else including your son. The gym teacher is obviously

> uncomfortable with the situation, don't ask why & make it a bigger deal.

> Its just a red flag that you don't want that person helping your son. I

> am actually shocked that the school would even suggest having a teacher do

> it? In almost every case of health/medication issue my husband refers to

> the nurse, the child’s individual Para, or the school counselor. The

> nurse has most likely handled other situations in the past & if your son

> wears a brace long term he will be able to develop a routine with the

> nurse. Keep it low key so that the other students do not see him singled

> out & so that your son keeps that beautiful confidence! Best of luck!

> Amber

> mommy to Levi

> gets casted in SLC in 2 weeks

>

>

>

>

>

>

>> I need some advice. I realize that this group is comprised mostly of

>> parents of babies in casts, but in the off chance that there are other

>> like me, with school agers wearing an all day brace, I thought I'd check

>> here.

>>

>> My son is in kindergarten and has just started wearing a boston

>> brace...I

>> think we're still in our 2nd week...so it's fairly new. I had the Dr.

>> write a note for the school stating that he is allowed to remove it for

>> gym class, knowing that you need a note for everything these days. I'm

>> getting pushback from the school system. They're apparently ok with

>> removing the brace and putting it back on (the straps are in the back

>> and,

>> even though he can remove it himself, he cant' get it back on properly

>> by

>> himself), but they're not ok with the wording of the note. It didn't

>> specifically say "the brace", instead the Dr. wrote "it". So, I've

>> been asked by the school to have it re-written stating "brace", and

>> specifically when it is to be on and off, and that he needs adult help

>> to

>> put it on. Essentially they need the note to be much more specific, for

>> liability reasons. Apparently this is a big issue and has escalated

>> from

>> the

>> school to administration higher up in the school district. The gym

>> teacher is concerned that she will be accused of something if someone

>> catches her with my son lying on the floor with his pants down as she's

>> putting the brace on his.

>>

>> I don't have an issue getting a more specific note from the doctor and

>> have actually already requested one. My issue is in the way the gym

>> teacher is treating this. I was able to talk to her in person this

>> morning and she told me that because she has to take 's pants down

>> to

>> get to the brace, she sends all the other students into her office while

>> she does this so he has some privacy. She told me that she realizes

>> it's

>> not so much an issue now but that if he is still wearing this when he's

>> 9

>> or 10 years old, then he'll need some privacy if he's undressing. I

>> understand this, but have never thought much about it. My son would

>> just

>> as soon run around the room in his underwear yelling "look at me!", so

>> concerns for his privacy have never crossed my mind! Anyway, my

>> single

>> most concern with him wearing a brace at school is that he's not singled

>> out and made fun of. Sure, it fits under his clothes, but it's still

>> obvious that he's

>> wearing it. I feel like by her making all the other students go into

>> her

>> office and wait while she tend to him, she's making a bigger issue out

>> of

>> it than it really is.

>>

>> I'd like to request that, since the gym teacher is seemingly

>> uncomfortable

>> with this, that he goes to the clinic before and after gym class and has

>> the nurse do this. This way the other students aren't doing anything

>> out

>> of the ordinary on his behalf, and he will be undressed in the clinic

>> rather than the gym. By doing this, I suppose we're setting a precedent

>> for then next 12 years while he's in the school system. I think it

>> makes

>> sense that it would be a nurse rather than a teacher to handle this.

>>

>> After typing all of this, I'm even more upset just in realizing it

>> really

>> isn't a big deal, but the school system is making it much harder than it

>> needs to be. And if you only knew my son and could see his attitude

>> towards wearing the brace...he's great with it. He doesn't have a

>> problem

>> with it, he just needs help.

>>

>> Anyway, if any of you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. Have

>> you gone to the school and explained the brace, dealt with teachers, the

>> nurse, students? I'm just looking for the best way to make this easiest

>> on everyone, without making it any bigger of an issue.

>>

>> Thanks!

>>

>> 's mom (6 yrs old, 36* and 28*, and bracing)

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Using the doc/hospitals letterhead must have caught there eye! Great idea!

HRH

> My daughter is a second grader and I had this issue about a month and a

> half ago.  I wrote a letter stating that my daughter was required to wear

> a brace 23 hours a day for scoliosis.  In an effort to maintain and

> encourage long term compliance no restrictions on activities were being

> placed and that she herself would be the one to place limitations on any

> activities that she felt she was uncomfortable doing.  There were no

> specific times for the brace to be removed or replaced however in order to

> maintain her comfort she would be allowed to request temporary brace

> removal for short periods of time (15 minutes) or activities like PE or

> recess if necessary after which the brace would be put back on. I was also

> to come in and instruct the nurse and select front office staff on how to

> remove and replace the brace.  Finally, should there be any problems with

> replacing the brace, I as the mother should be notified immediately by

> phone of any issues that

> might come up so that I might give further instructions to school staff

> as to what to do next.  

>

> I wrote this letter for my doctor's office, they put it on their

> letterhead and faxed it to the school office.  I never had any problems

> since.  My kids attend public school in Broward County, FL which is a

> very huge school district where everything is CYA and PC and they were ok

> with it.

>

> Good luck and hope that helps!

>

>

> ________________________________

> From: " heather@... " <heather@...>

> infantile scoliosis treatment

> Sent: Wednesday, October 5, 2011 2:31 PM

> Subject: Re: school ager with brace

>

>

>  

> Really good post and great advice, Amber.

>

>> ,

>> My son is little & gets his first cast in 2 wks so I don’t know

>> anything

>> about bracing, BUT my husband is a special education teacher & a

>> basketball coach so we do know a thing or two about how schools " think "

>> or

>> maybe I should say " over react " in these types of situations. Don't

>> take

>> it personally! It is ENTIRELY a liability issue & they are just making

>> sure they cannot get into trouble in the future; believe me you would be

>> amazed at what my husband has to go through sometimes being a special ed

>> teacher (not being alone EVER with certain female students, documenting

>> everything, behavioral situations, you name it ) If you keep the lines

>> of

>> communication open with the school they will eventually stop spinning

>> around in circles & find the right way to handle it. I would absolutely

>> have the school nurse handle the brace. For one she is more qualified

>> in

>> the area then the gym teacher & it does make it more comfortable for

>> everyone else including your son. The gym teacher is obviously

>> uncomfortable with the situation, don't ask why & make it a bigger deal.

>> Its just a red flag that you don't want that person helping your son. I

>> am actually shocked that the school would even suggest having a teacher

>> do

>> it? In almost every case of health/medication issue my husband refers

>> to

>> the nurse, the child’s individual Para, or the school counselor. The

>> nurse has most likely handled other situations in the past & if your son

>> wears a brace long term he will be able to develop a routine with the

>> nurse. Keep it low key so that the other students do not see him

>> singled

>> out & so that your son keeps that beautiful confidence! Best of luck!

>> Amber

>> mommy to Levi

>> gets casted in SLC in 2 weeks

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>

>>> I need some advice.  I realize that this group is comprised mostly of

>>> parents of babies in casts, but in the off chance that there are other

>>> like me, with school agers wearing an all day brace, I thought I'd

>>> check

>>> here. 

>>>  

>>> My son is in kindergarten and has just started wearing a boston

>>> brace...I

>>> think we're still in our 2nd week...so it's fairly new.  I had the Dr.

>>> write a note for the school stating that he is allowed to remove it for

>>> gym class, knowing that you need a note for everything these days. 

>>> I'm

>>> getting pushback from the school system.  They're apparently ok with

>>> removing the brace and putting it back on (the straps are in the back

>>> and,

>>> even though he can remove it himself, he cant' get it back on properly

>>> by

>>> himself), but they're not ok with the wording of the note.  It didn't

>>> specifically say " the brace " , instead the Dr. wrote " it " .  So, I've

>>> been asked by the school to have it re-written stating " brace " , and

>>> specifically when it is to be on and off, and that he needs adult help

>>> to

>>> put it on.  Essentially they need the note to be much more specific,

>>> for

>>> liability reasons.  Apparently this is a big issue and has escalated

>>> from

>>> the

>>> school to administration higher up in the school district.  The gym

>>> teacher is concerned that she will be accused of something if someone

>>> catches her with my son lying on the floor with his pants down as she's

>>> putting the brace on his. 

>>>  

>>> I don't have an issue getting a more specific note from the doctor and

>>> have actually already requested one.  My issue is in the way the gym

>>> teacher is treating this.  I was able to talk to her in person this

>>> morning and she told me that because she has to take 's pants down

>>> to

>>> get to the brace, she sends all the other students into her office

>>> while

>>> she does this so he has some privacy.  She told me that she realizes

>>> it's

>>> not so much an issue now but that if he is still wearing this when he's

>>> 9

>>> or 10 years old, then he'll need some privacy if he's undressing.  I

>>> understand this, but have never thought much about it.  My son would

>>> just

>>> as soon run around the room in his underwear yelling " look at me! " , so

>>> concerns for his privacy have never crossed my mind!   Anyway, my

>>> single

>>> most concern with him wearing a brace at school is that he's not

>>> singled

>>> out and made fun of.  Sure, it fits under his clothes, but it's still

>>> obvious that he's

>>> wearing it.  I feel like by her making all the other students go

>>> into

>>> her

>>> office and wait while she tend to him, she's making a bigger issue out

>>> of

>>> it than it really is. 

>>>  

>>> I'd like to request that, since the gym teacher is seemingly

>>> uncomfortable

>>> with this, that he goes to the clinic before and after gym class and

>>> has

>>> the nurse do this.  This way the other students aren't doing anything

>>> out

>>> of the ordinary on his behalf, and he will be undressed in the clinic

>>> rather than the gym.  By doing this, I suppose we're setting a

>>> precedent

>>> for then next 12 years while he's in the school system.  I think it

>>> makes

>>> sense that it would be a nurse rather than a teacher to handle this. 

>>>  

>>> After typing all of this, I'm even more upset just in realizing it

>>> really

>>> isn't a big deal, but the school system is making it much harder than

>>> it

>>> needs to be.  And if you only knew my son and could see his attitude

>>> towards wearing the brace...he's great with it.  He doesn't have a

>>> problem

>>> with it, he just needs help. 

>>>  

>>> Anyway, if any of you have any advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. 

>>> Have

>>> you gone to the school and explained the brace, dealt with teachers,

>>> the

>>> nurse, students?  I'm just looking for the best way to make this

>>> easiest

>>> on everyone, without making it any bigger of an issue. 

>>>  

>>> Thanks!

>>>

>>> 's mom (6 yrs old, 36* and 28*, and bracing)

>>

>>

>>

>

>

>