Mom vs. the Dot: Making it COUNT!

We received confirmation that our letter was received about a week ago.  Yesterday, a big yellow envelope arrived in the mail.  I can't wait to sign and return the consent form. It's really happening!  We're really doing it. The most amazing thing has happened since I posted To Test or Not to Test? and Signed, Sealed, Delivered .  People are sharing their stories with me.  Growing up with dyslexia, or having a child or relative who struggled in school and later found out they were dyslexic.  Adults who have struggled with dyslexia their entire lives, but have figured out ways to accommodate their needs so they can be successful in their fields despite difficulties.  Did you know Charles Shwab is dyslexic?  Yeah.  And many other famous people you would never have thought had a difficulty in their lives. Recently, I reconnected with a friend and was told that their school district refused to test her daughter until she was in 3rd grade...

After talking with some knowledgeable people and reading lots of blogs, state education websites, and Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D., I have decided sending the letter is the right thing to do. As my hubby and I were signing it the other night, I said I was still nervous about it.  He said, "Honey, you've been writing this letter for the last 6 months.  I have full confidence in you.  Send it!"  Okay - point taken (had it really been 6 months?  yep, it had.)  My sister and my cousin encouraged me to get the ball rolling, too.  It was time. And so, this morning, at the crack of 11:00, I loaded up my sickly crew (2 of the 3 have some sort of nasty cold - yuck!) and we trudged through the slushy snow and biting wind to the minivan.  We made the short drive to our local teeny tiny post office, rounded the block until a spot opened up (there are only 3 spots available), and led my 3 little ducks into the building.  Everythi...