Help to get Madison back into school...

 My name is Angela Buckmaster; my daughter is Madison and she was born 9/24/2003. I know every parent thinks their child is the smartest, cutest, and the best at everything.  But I have to tell you Madison flourishes when it comes to her want to learn.  She has some issues with separation from me.  I am a stay at home mom and a child care provider.  She has spent time with family but never in a structured program, with someone else in charge.  I feel she may have a few issues with her Social development because of the attachment she has to me.

In March of 2007 I had made contact with the Board of Education for Calvert County in regards to the possibility of considering my daughter for early entry.  The reason for early entry is she would not have turned four until twenty-three days after the cutoff date of September 1.  Every child develops at different rates some are potty trained by two, others not until five, some can walk at eight months others at fourteen.  The cutoff date should not be set in stone, if the child is academically ready then why not.  Testing with a specialist should be available.  The results of the communication in March was surprising, there was no mention of not being of age.  It was stated that she wouldn't be able to start because my husband and I make too much money.  I didn't know that the public school system now had income requirements for education.  I was then told by Debra Harris the coordinator for Pre-K that if there are slots available come August, Madison would then be considered. 

August came and went; I received no call from Debra Harris.  I went ahead and contacted Dr. Shisler, Principal at Beach Elementary, and asked about enrolling Madison.  Dr. Shisler told me to come on in and fill out an application and it would then be forwarded to Debra Harris who is still going through some other applications.  A few days later I contacted Ms. Harris to determine the status of the application.  She then proceeded to question if Madison has speech delays or developmental concerns.  I told her there is a little concern with speech but nothing major.  It was then told to me the only way she could get in at this point is if there was a referral from Child Find. Again there was no discussion of her not being of age.

On September 26, 2007 my daughter then had her four year old physical with her pediatrician.  Her pediatrician had recommended for me to have her speech evaluated and gave me the information to contact Child Find.  After a couple of meetings with Child Find they felt there was no real concern with her speech, however there is a concern with Madison exhibits difficulties in the area of social skills.  Wow now I have my referral as Debra Harris requested. 

The referral was then sent to Beach Elementary school and then forwarded once again to Debbie Harris.  Two days later, on November 14, 2007 Ms. Harris contacted me stating Madison can start Pre-K at Beach I just need to go and register her.  She listed the items I needed for registration.  Unfortunately I was unable to get to the school that day and made arrangements for a substitute to sit with the daycare children so that I may go to register her on the 15th.  The evening of the 14th my husband and I went shopping purchasing school supplies and a couple of new outfits for her to start school with.  The morning of November 15th Madison and I went to Beach Elementary to register, as you know there are many papers to complete.  Madison then was able to take a quick tour, met her teacher, saw her classroom and was told she could go in the PM Pre-K class.  Madison then has her first day of school, pictures taken, first bus ride, and then first time in a school (without mommy).  Her big brother Zachary is in fifth grade at Beach, it eases her mind to know she may see him there. Her Aunt and her aunt's boyfriend, her Grandmother and her daddy (came home from work) all came to see her get off the bus for the first time.  They brought gifts to celebrate her first day at school.  She was so excited.  We sat down and did homework, laid out her clothes for the following day all ready to go again. 

Approximately 8:30am on Friday, November 16, 2007 that all came to a halt.  Debra Harris, with the Board of Education, who had just call me two days ago is now calling me saying it was an oversight Madison can no longer attend, she isn't of age.  She will have to wait until next fall to start Pre-K.  I will have to fight again next year because it will be the same issue of income and then what? 

The Board of Education needs to get it together, first of all a little flexibility on the date would be nice.  And to base a majority of those qualified to enter Pre-K off of income is ridiculous.  It should be call Head Start and not held in a public school, I pay taxes just as well as any other hard working person in Calvert County.  And to let a child start school and then rip it away a day later, come on now.  Who is the one having to wipe away the tears? It wouldn't be the person who had the oversight for eight months.  UNEXCEPTABLE!!

Please help me to get Madison back into school so she doesn't end up being held back academically!! Please help this nonsense not to happen in the future to another little girl or boy and there excited family.

Thank You, 

Angela Buckmaster

PO Box 1067

Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732

410-257-3614

Fax 410-257-9267

Cell 443-975-4235