Hi I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. My daughter is 12 and in 7th grade. She was dig 2 years ago, and they are having their first school dance. Which is a big deal to her! So I e-mailed her school yesterday and asked how they have handled a student with diabetes that goes to the dance. The reply I received was that no one would be there to support her, but I was more than welcome to attend. Now in her 504 plan it states that someone would be available for extracuricular activites that the school sponsers. So now my question is, do I make a big deal with the school, or should I just let it go. Casie would have a fit if I were to attend the dance also. Casie is going through a little phase where she is done with diabetes, so I don't know if I can really trust her to do what she needs to do. Plus I know she will be out there dancing and messing around so I don't want her to drop to low and something happen. So do I go at it with the school or her?
Has anyone come across this, and how did you handle it?
Thank you!
Kathy
Hi Kathy,
My son is also is in 7th grade and attends the school dance. There is always a few teachers who chaperone (in fact parents are not allowed to attend because the kids would be humiliated ha ha). There must be a school chaperone there and my suggestion to you is to find out who that is. Then you can get in contact with them and ask them if they would be willing to spend 30 minutes with you to get a quick education about juvenile diabetes. You can give them one of those sheets with the warning signs of low blood sugar, a pack of skittles or juice and your cell/home phone number. If this isn't an option then yes, I would definately play the 504 card as a last resort. You have to keep your daughter safe and sometimes you have to push, fight and yell, but it's your job. My son doesn't tell anyone he has diabetes, only his closest friends. For some reason this is embarrassing to him and the less who know the better. If he only knew how I call coaches, friends parents & chaperones to ask them to meet with me for a quick introduction into our diabetes world, he would be horrified! Good Luck and I hope your daughter has a BLAST at the dance.
Nancy
Mom to Will diagnosed Feb 2007