To the editor:

Well, here I am again, the great-grandmother who is raising her challenged 12-year-old grandson. I am determined to get him and others the education they deserve.
The innocent children cannot help that they were born with issues from various causes such as alcohol consumption by the parents, drug usage and heritage. They need more special education with the one-on-one setting. I know there are other parents out there that will agree with me. We need to get an education for our children before they go out into the world. I fear that if they are not given the basics to be gainfully employed most of them will end up out on the streets and have no one that will care. Other parents like me should contact whoever they think will care enough to get the schools and teachers who will provide the education our children need.
I am stubborn; just ask Brandywine schools about getting transportation for James to get back and forth to school. I believe they get tired of seeing me and get the required buses. I had been waiting to hear from Michelle Wruble, the supervisor for special education at Brandywine School, to get back in touch with me since Sept. 13. She said she would set up an IEP meeting with James’ tutor to see if he had improved while getting the one-on-one from his tutor. She finally called back only after my letter to the editor was published. If there are people out in the district to help those who are in need, why didn’t she tell me anything about it?
These IEP tests that are given don’t quite seem fair to children with disabilities. They are slower and need more time to complete the testing. My request has been for financial aid in paying for a tutor for James who will come to the house and work with him. It is a shame it has to come to this. Our schools should be providing what the less fortunate children need.

A great-grandmother who cares,

Elaine R. Gray
Niles