May 26, 2008 2:56 PM
Alex Barton - "Alex is Special" card campaign for kicked-out kindergartner
[6/30 update: When this campaign ended, we had mailed three boxes of cards and presents to Alex. Thanks for all you've done to make this a success! You can see pictures of Alex with his first box here.]
Alex Barton's mom says that since the day his kindergarten teacher encouraged his classmates to say everything they didn't like about Alex and then had them vote to kick him out of their class she has heard him repeating over and over "I'm not special."
Two of my readers have suggested that we mount a campaign to have our children make cards for Alex to tell him he is indeed a special person.
Let's show Alex we care.
To protect Melissa Barton's privacy, and since my address is public - please send all cards to
The card campaign is over - Melissa and Alex thank you for your support and prayers
I will gather them, notify the media, then put them all in a box and send them to his mom to give to Alex.
Posted in Alex Barton | Permalink
Comments
Great idea!!
Posted by: Stacy | May 26, 2008 8:26 PM
Thank you, Barbara! My seven youngest will be putting their cards in the mail tomorrow!
Posted by: Misty | May 26, 2008 9:30 PM
Thanks so much for doing this. Cards are on the way from us too!
Posted by: mamaclsn | May 26, 2008 11:14 PM
Great idea! I've no kids to recruit to the cause -- can grown-ups send cards too?
Posted by: Andrea S. | May 27, 2008 7:51 AM
this is great!What do these educators think this is "Survivor" That's 14 votes no, Alex bring me your books and leave the classroom area immediately"
Posted by: Charles Murray | May 27, 2008 8:08 AM
I am sickened to hear what happened to Alex. I have to children with Autism, and I have been lucky with the schools they have been in.
Should you need to move to a better district, come to Lake county Illinois. The Special Education District of Lake County have done wonders with my children and they are the BEST in my opinion.
I wish you the best of luck with Alex. He is a beautiful little boy and should do better than his peers.
Posted by: Tracey Young | May 27, 2008 9:01 AM
Hi Alex,
My little boy Jack looks like you!
Your teacher made a mistake and your Mom will handle the problem.
Ms. Barton,
My son, Jack, has Aspergers Syndrome as well. He struggles daily in one form or another but all research suggests the traits are very similar of all children suffering from the syndrome.
Obviously, the teacher should be dealt with swiftly. It should be left to her to train herself or seek a career change after she is fired from her present position.
Respectfully,
Scott Johnson, Illinois
Posted by: Scott Johnson | May 27, 2008 9:09 AM
My kids are indignant and making cards at this very moment. The all three have neurological issues that, praise the Lord, are helped by taking enzymes, but they remember what it was like to not be able to function and yet know what was going on. As a former special ed teacher (I home school my 3) I am am not at all surprised as I dealt with teachers like this often--it is one of the reasons we home school.
Posted by: Heather Young | May 27, 2008 10:09 AM
Card sent! I also linked back so my friends and family can send cards too. Thanks for doing this!
Posted by: Angela Wilhelm | May 27, 2008 10:30 AM
WOW, being the mother of two special needs children I can imagine how you feel. With all the problems these young people face we as parents are certainly blessed to have them in our life. My youngest son is adhd I know how difficult school life can be for him and he is 12 years old. Believe me not all teachers are as uncaring as this teacher. There are many out there that do care. My prayers are with you and Alex. Give Ales a big hug and kiss for me. Let him know that lots of people care. S.Wyant from Pennsylvania
Posted by: swyant | May 27, 2008 11:52 AM
I saw Melissa & her precious son on the Early Show, I have been sobbing for hours. I feel so badly for this sweet little boy. Did the teacher not realize the devastation of a child's self worth she attempted to cause? What about the hatred and bullying she was teaching Alex's class mates? What about the hurt this creature caused? I feel the laws are far to lenient for teachers. This woman acted in a very sadistic way. I feel that she should lose her job & spend no less than 3 years in prison for her actions. Alex, we love you, and Sweetheart, you are very special to so many people. God bless you.
I hope & pray that my little Grandson doesn't have a similar experience, he too has high functioning Autism.
Posted by: Grammy in Texas | May 27, 2008 1:25 PM
I believe it is the teacher, not little Alex, that needs to be sent out of the classroom. Perhaps, Ms. Teacher is in need of some community service hours at an abused children's shelter -- give her a firsthand look at the devastating scars that remain for a lifetime with the children who are verbally abused by bullies like her. The suggestion that she was "teaching" about prejudice
minimizes the very real scars that she left forever in Alex and all of his classmates... Will she be paying for their counseling?
Her consequence should include that she pay out-of-pocket to bring Challenge Day (see www.challengeday.org), to her school and to the children who have been taught by her words and actions that disrespect, a total lack of love and compassion, and taking away a child's dignity is not only okay but taught by their teacher in Port St. Lucie County, Florida with a mere slap on the wrist by school and board officials.
WOW... Ms. Teacher and School Officials -- Are you really certified to be near our children much less teach them?
Posted by: Rachael Scandarion | May 27, 2008 5:02 PM
I feel so much better seeing posts like these. Hearing about this last night really hurt; though I'm 20 years old now, I still shudder when I remember what a terrifying place school was, and how malicious kids could be. But the fact that this was facilitated by a teacher is absolutely sickening.
Alex will be receiving some cards from this end, for sure.
Posted by: Becky | May 27, 2008 5:52 PM
Alex,
You are a very special boy just remember that for the rest of your life and don't let anybody tell you any different. Nobody should be treated like you were and they were in the wrong. God bless you!!
Haley
Farminton, AR
Posted by: Haley | May 27, 2008 7:05 PM
The cruelty of our schools to kids has reached a new low. It's not just one teacher's doing; she's been trained her whole life by programs like "Survivor", latterly by conformity-building teacher's courses--and, after all, administrators hired her. What do our schools teach, after all, but to be hear-and-understand-no-evil conforming Americans? She's just "doing her job." Good for the two kids who took a stand and voted against kicking he little boy out.
Posted by: paula in Oregon | May 27, 2008 7:20 PM
I think this is such a fantastic idea. Will be sending you something from Maine very shortly.
Posted by: Den | May 27, 2008 7:21 PM
Hi Alex, I have a son who is now 15 and when he was your age he had so much trouble doing all the right things in school. In fact, he never even knew why he had the constant urges to do things that bothered his teachers. My son's name is Joshua and now he is a big strong boy who does really well in school and is even in a marching band. I wanted you to know that just because things are hard for you, it just means that you are even more special because not everybody works so hard like you do. You are special just as you are, and as you grow, you will shine like the stars in the sky. What your teacher did was wrong, and I think your classmates didn't want to say mean things to you. I hope they will all apologize. I wish you could meet my 3 daughters who would love to play games with you if you didn't live so far away.
Posted by: Carol Race | May 27, 2008 7:50 PM
Alex, you are very very special. You can do many things, and you are certainly loved. Somewhere in your heart, I hope you can forgive the teacher, and know, most people aren't like that.
Posted by: Sarah | May 27, 2008 7:52 PM
Melissa and Alex, Don't let that "teacher" hurt you. Things should be taken from whom they where sent, and she doesn't deserve to be a teacher or a single tear from you. Alex you have a beautiful smile. Let mommy take care of you and lets pray for this person to be away of the education system for good, before she keep doing more damage. Gabriela from New Jersey.
Posted by: Gabriela | May 27, 2008 9:00 PM
Alex,
You are so special and loved. God bless you. I wish I could be your teacher.
Harriet
Posted by: Harriet | May 27, 2008 9:09 PM
Dear Alex,
My family & I think you are a very special boy.
You & your family are in our prayers.
God bless you.
Pat
Port St. Lucie, FL
Posted by: Pat Cosentino | May 27, 2008 9:21 PM
Just so that we don't add salt to the wound, I wonder what he meant by "I am not special". If all he wanted is to be a "normal" kid, would the action you put on (that he is special) cause more stress on the little one?
Posted by: Sandy | May 27, 2008 10:46 PM
I saw the interview with Harry Smith online, and my heart broke over the barbaric treatment of Alex. My son, Matthew is HFA, and I now homeschool him because of the treatment he received not only from the students, but the faculty of his elementary school. Alex, Matthew thinks you are awesome and thought you were cool 'cause you had a stuffed animal too! He is almost 10 and collects them.
May the appropriate action be taken against Alex's school administration, and swiftly!! Godspeed and Bless you!!
Posted by: Jane Z. | May 27, 2008 10:50 PM
Thank you so much for doing this! My family and I will be getting something together for Alex!!! I was in tears reading this story, imagining if it had happened to my princess. I'm putting a link to this post with the image on my site to spread the word! (and making a separate post about it!
Posted by: Sarah | May 27, 2008 10:52 PM
As someone who works in special ed, I might also point out that this episode is also possibly indicative of a teacher who was not getting appropriate support from special ed staff and administration. The teacher chose an inappropriate way to vent frustrations - not only did she set a bad example for the children she is supposed to teach, but she blamed the most innocent of all: the child with autism, who struggles every day to be the best that he can be! I hope this story sends a clear message to teachers, administrators, and staff. (And perhaps the government, to up IDEA funding to the level at which it SHOULD be funded... 100%!!!!)
Posted by: SMC | May 27, 2008 11:42 PM
You are a special person and don't let anyone tell you any different. I have 7 daughters and each of them are special in their own way.
Sarah,Becca,Leah,Morgan,Mary Kate,Tori,and Jocey all say HELLO.
We love you,
The Youngs
Posted by: Michelle Young | May 28, 2008 12:03 AM
Dear Melissa and Alex..........Hi from Minnesota! I just heard about this on Sunday night...........I turned 31 on Monday, and I was diagnosed with Asperger's only 2 years ago. It broke my heart to know that your "teacher" did that to you, Alex. I hate hearing news like that already, but being an Aspie I felt even more angry about it, if you know what I mean.......I will be making a card after work tomorrow so I can mail it Thursday......Love, prayers, and hugs to a VERY SPECIAL boy!
Posted by: Susie | May 28, 2008 12:07 AM
This is so sad. I would get a lawyer and sue them; however, since the teacher is black, Al Sharpton would would be down along with the ALCU to help her not you. It is so wrong that our gov't will support a child abusing teacher and keep her in a "roll model", mind shapping, and "some what" care giving status. Remember she is black and because would be filling a law suit against her it would be racist and that is the only reason your filling it and against the school board.
Alex is a special little guy. When I was in the Navy I worked with the Special Olympics. They gave all the love in the world from their heart. It was great. I had the best time in my life while working with them. The love they gave was over whelming. SO yes Alex....YOUR VERY SPECIAL.
Just like in Tx and the FLDS, the children have been so hurt and scared by what the TX child welfare has done to these children. The hurt has been far more harmful and damaging then what the FLDS could have even done. These children will carry the scars just like Alex will for the rest of their lives.
May the Great Spirit look upon you Alex and help you and your family. Your a very special little boy Alex and we all love you.
The Edmondson Family
Posted by: James H. Edmondson, III | May 28, 2008 8:49 AM
This is a great idea! I have 4 kids on the spectrum and I would hate for anything like this to happen to them. I am sending a card over today for this little guy. He so deserves this and more!
Posted by: Krystal | May 28, 2008 10:25 AM
Hi Alex,
I just want you to know that if we lived closer (we are in WA state) I KNOW my son would love to be your friend. You are very cool! Hang in there, not everyone is like that!
Posted by: Christine Bruckner | May 28, 2008 10:27 AM
Thank you so much for doing this. My son has autism, is also in Kindergarten in an inclusion class, so this story hits close to home. We are fortunate that he has had wonderful and caring teachers who teach their students respect and acceptance of others. I posted your card campaign on my blog with a link back here. We are making and sending cards too!
Katherine
Posted by: Katherine | May 28, 2008 10:50 AM
I've linked this post on my blog. We'll be sending cards as well as our prayers for this little guy and his family. How very sad that someone who is supposedly dedicated to the education of children would do something so detrimental to a child's well-being.
Posted by: burg | May 28, 2008 11:18 AM
Thank you for this article. I was a "special "kid" growing up with a hole in my heart, which caused my skin to turn blue when i was tired; the other kids chose me last, if at all. It was a degrading experience, not one to be endured by any kid.
Is anyone interest in CASA...They make a substantial connection to children...you might find their work inspiring.
Thanks for all you do for the sake of children.
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 28, 2008 12:41 PM
I just blogged about this story and sent out a bulletin to online friends about it after hearing news of it this morning. I can't tell you how disappointed I was to hear that someone who has been granted a teaching credential (I still have two more classes myself :)) could EVER in a million years think what she did was even REMOTELY acceptable. Never mind the common sense aspect of it which should have been a HUGE red flag to her, but if her training on inclusiveness in the classroom is even 1/10th what mine has been, she would have known in an instant that what she was doing was wrong in sooooo many ways! I'm not only sensitive to this as a future educator, but also as an aunt to a nephew with still unclassified emotional/behavioral disorders. I just cannot fathom any reasonable adult allowing any version of what happened...so disheartening.
And Alex, my dear, after watching the video of you and your mom on CBS This Morning, I can see that you are one of the most adorable, and special kids out there. You be whoever you want, my dear. Tons of hugs to your mom for her love of you and her determination to make your story be heard, and kudos to Barbara for spearheading the card campaign. :)
Posted by: SoCal Muchacha | May 28, 2008 4:06 PM
My card's on its way. Let a flood of love and support lift up Alex and his family!
Posted by: Linda | May 28, 2008 5:12 PM
My card's on its way. Let a flood of love and support lift up Alex and his family!
Posted by: Linda | May 28, 2008 5:12 PM
Alex,
You are a very special little boy, you teacher is the one with the problem. To Melissa, keep up the good fight, and know that you have a LOT of support in this! I have 2 little boys with high functioning autism myself, and if this had been my boys, that teacher would have found herself on the wrong end of a lawsuit, not to mention the
butt ripping she would have gotten from me first!
Posted by: Rachel | May 28, 2008 5:18 PM
My card is on its way. Thank you for making it possible to try to comfort this poor kid who was so cruelly treated by that so-called 'teacher'.
Posted by: Jennifer Tomlinson | May 28, 2008 5:28 PM
I just want to say that this teacher no matter what colour, race, ethnicity or religion, should be held responsible for her treatment of this little boy. I don't want to sound racist, because I'm not, but if this were a black child, hispanic or latino, asian or any kind of minority, there would be picket lines at the school calling for her sacking and charges would be laid. Its just sad that Alex had this happened. I have 2 "special kids" too. I feel for you Melissa and I hope that Alex and the rest of your family can get through this and I really hope more than anything, that Alex becomes so successful and mature when he grows up so he can throw that in the faces of all those who doubted him.
Posted by: Rebecca | May 28, 2008 6:28 PM
Melissa and Alex-
This story sickens me to the point of tears. How can someone be so heartless, cruel and outright mean?
Fortunately from the posts above, the cards being sent and I am sure by the emails and calls you have received that you know that this 'teacher' is an oddity.
Alex - "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent". This was from a famous woman in our history, Eleanor Roosevelt. You are special. You are special because you have a mommy that loves you, protects you and will do anything to ensure you know that you are special; not because you have special needs, but because you are you.
There are millions of people that see you are special in every way!
Posted by: Mark | May 28, 2008 6:40 PM
That teacher should be FIRED. I live in Montgomery County, MD and have a 17 year old son with Aspergers. NO teacher, under any circumstances, should be allowed to treat ANY child like that, much less a special needs child. I don't care what kind of excuse is offered up, if she could not deal with it, or was unqualified she had NO business in front of a class, PERIOD. I hop his parents go after her.
Posted by: Clearbluedaze | May 28, 2008 6:52 PM
Thank you do doing this. You can bet I'll be posting a card.
Posted by: Lis Garrett | May 28, 2008 7:15 PM
Alex you are the cutest little boy! You are an Agel from the sky and God is looking at you and blessing you from above! We all Love you!
I have posted already and As I said I am Outraged I think that Barbara or Alex's Mom should do an online petition and everyone sign and take this to the school board and like I mentioned this teacher should be taken away from any and all children,and the School Board should pay, for such an anguish this little angel trying to start life and someone just throwing him down like that but Alex you little angel do not be down God and all of us are with you.
My Card will go in the Mail tomorrow.
I have also sent this to everyone I know in my Place of employment and to anyone I know and I have let everyone know to pass on the word so that you we could see that you are such a very special little Angel!
God Is with you and your Mommy and your family to be strong and fight against this cruelty I think this School's name should be exposed so that all of us could unite and send our thoughts to this school's administration or to the School Board or to the media.
Esther Fernandez
Miami,Fl
GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU!
Posted by: Esther Fernandez | May 28, 2008 7:30 PM
Hi Alex,
I also have an special boy like you and I will love to let you know that you are extraordinary, wonderful, amazing, remarkable, you are a great kid. You are a champ!
We love you.
Marianela Alvarez and Family
Posted by: Marianela Alvarez | May 28, 2008 8:36 PM
Alex,
My name is Liz and I live in Princeton, New Jersey. My son is 14, his name is Raanan and he struggled in kindergarten just like you and had very light blonde hair and a smile just like you. It was very hard for him to sit still (that was his problem) and to find good, understanding friends.
Raanan and I are so sorry for the way you were treated in school! Your teacher was very wrong to make you feel bad. You are obviously a lively, good boy who is changing and growing and improving every day. ANYBODY will be so very lucky to have you for a friend. If you and your Mom are ever in New Jersey, come to Princeton and ask the principal at JW middle school to tell you how to get to our house. Trust me, he will know who you're talking about! You are always welcome to be our friend!
We love you and support you and your beautiful Mom,
Liz and Raanan M. :)
Posted by: Liz | May 28, 2008 10:22 PM
I am so upset about what happened. We have a 10 year old boy with high functioning autism, and I can't believe a teacher could be so cruel and ignorant. I hope that you legally pursue this, and Melissa, feel free to come to the community of autism families for help. Just call out--we are out here! Carla
Posted by: Carla | May 28, 2008 10:41 PM
I think it would be a very good idea to request UNSEALED cards. This horrible excuse for a teacher has proven that there are very cruel people out there-I'd hate to see someone follow her poor example and have a nasty card get through! While it would be horrendous for someone to do something so low, vile and despicable, just look at the low vile and despicable teacher that caused this to begin with and do not trust that everyone will be kind. Just remember the awful cards that were sent to some Iraq veterans in hospitals. The VA hospitals no longer allow anonymous cards because of this type of cruelty.
Posted by: Krista | May 28, 2008 11:50 PM
He'll be getting a card sent all the way from New Zealand, when I choose and post one first thing tomorrow.
This boy is special, not least because he has a family who loves him more than anything in the world.
Alex - you're special, and wonderful, and don't you ever, ever let anyone tell you any different!
Posted by: Leanne | May 29, 2008 12:41 AM
Melissa,
An interesting experiment might be putting the teacher in the midst of a group of parents whose children have special needs and see how many of them vote to keep HER on the island!
Alex, remember, you are a swan, not a common duckling. Love to you and your beautiful mom.
The Kerecman Family
Posted by: Linda Kerecman | May 29, 2008 9:15 AM
No one can tell you that you are not special. You are - everyone is in a different way.
We have a wonderful grandson who is very much like you. He's a little older and has done some fantastic things already although he's only 14.
He brings joy to his parents and all 4 grandparents. We are so happy to have him in our life and I know your parents and grandparents are happy to have you.
Posted by: Florence Barnett | May 29, 2008 9:35 AM
Thanks for organizing this. I linked on my blog and we'll be sending cards as well.
Posted by: De'Etta @ Choosing Joy | May 29, 2008 10:24 AM
I'm personally frustrated and outraged to hear of this incident in florida. As a father of two wonderful young kids around Alex's age it didn't take but a second to put myself and my kids into that situation and think about how i'd react to this.
I'm mad, fired up, and frustrated to even see this happen.
I run a website that had a HUGE discussion about this yesterday and I witnessed many points of view, I even opened my mind a little bit.
I've re-posted the card shower campaign and referenced this site as well. We should let the lawyers and the good people in florida figure out what to do about the teacher, but we as a nation of parents need to let this family know that she was wrong, and alex is a good kid, and people love him, and as a victim of the most inappropriate school yard bullying ever imagined this kid has a HUGE gang of people standing in solidarity behind him, his mom, and his family.
From one parent to another, be strong, hold your head up high, and do everything you can to make sure you child KNOWS this was wrong and he IS loved and he IS special and he DOES matter.
I hope you find the card shower overwhelming and you see the love this planet DOES have for children of all walks of life.
Posted by: Michael in Denver | May 29, 2008 10:26 AM
Dear Alex,
You don't know me, but my name is Rebecca. I heard that you were sad and wanted to tell you not to believe people who say mean things, even if they are grown ups. Believe your Mom and know that you are special. I think God sees everything - how the teacher and kids were being mean and how it made you sad. I believe God takes care of us when we get hurt and that He has something good waiting for you. He has given you special talents - you are the best at some things. I bet you are very creative!!! Remember that you are liked and you are loved by your family, God and so many other people! Good friends are sometimes hard to find, but you will find a best friend who likes everything about you. Even though I can't see God,I know he is always close by and I can talk to Him when I feel sad. He always understands. I hope you can imagine Him right next to you, like an invisible friend.
Yours truly,
Rebecca
Posted by: Rebecca | May 29, 2008 10:53 AM
what a fantastic idea! i posted about this on my blog, linking back to you here so that others can join in on this wonderful effort. thank you for your brilliance!
Posted by: kyra | May 29, 2008 11:02 AM
Alex and Melissa, I also have a eight year old child with Autism. I saw the news clip and have cried off and on since I read it. I am outraged. The fact is that all we want is to live every day to the fullest. Autism effects every aspect of our life we are well aware our differences and don't need others pointing it out.
Alex, you are a wonderful little boy and very handsome. You are no doubt the love of your mother's life. You are perfect and no one will ever change that. You are in our hearts!
The Hodges
Posted by: Liz Hodges | May 29, 2008 11:04 AM
Dear Alex..My son Max would love to be your friend..he loves hot wheels and spinning in circles. Max is 6 and also is Autistic..he has a helper in his classroom in Kindergarten and says he will share Mrs Granger with you so other boys and girls are not mean. That is terrible what the children did to you. They really didn't mean it..I think the mean teacher helped them in saying those mean words to you. YOU are very special and very important,and don't let anyone tell you any different...Big Hugs to you Alex..from cindy and Max in Seneca Falls,NY
Posted by: CINDY CRITCHFIELD | May 29, 2008 1:04 PM
I agree, in thinking what happened to Alex was ATROCIOUS! And I think that this campaign/effort is wonderful, tremendously worthwhile and beneficial to Alex and his family, but a word of caution.
Be careful with the use of the word "special". Alex's quote "I'm not special" is out of context. Everyone seems to have assumed that he was told that he was "not special" and that his repeating of these words is a self affirmation of "not being special".
It is possible though, that he was called "special" with a negative connotation due to his "special needs". And that he understood this label to be negative and is now repeating "I'm not special" as his own internal self defense. Think how damaging it would be to receive a overwhelming number of well-meaning cards that used the word "special" in them.
Just another possibility.
Posted by: Map Man | May 29, 2008 1:06 PM
Melissa and Alex -
My eyes have not been dry since reading this story this morning. I cannot begin to express how sorry I am that you were treated this way. My little boy Spencer is 3 and a half and also has Aspergers Syndrome. We have been thus far blessed with a school district who seems almost too understanding to be true, but my first thought was how easily this story could have happened to my son or one of his classmates. When I shared this news with the director of his school this morning, her response was "He should come here so we can take care of him." Hopefully the outpouring of support I can see on every page that mentions this story will help Alex know how truly special he really is. He may not know it, but he has lots of friends, as do you.
Posted by: Jessica Schrager | May 29, 2008 2:02 PM
Dear Alex,
What a beautiful little boy you are. Everything about you is special!!! I wish I could give you a great, big, hug.
Your friend,
Dannielle
Posted by: Dannielle | May 29, 2008 6:14 PM
Alex IS special!!! We are sending him a card today!!
Thanks so much for this great idea. So many times I hear stories like this and have no idea what to do. I thank you for the chance to help!!!
Posted by: Alina | May 29, 2008 8:29 PM
Alex,
You hang in there buddy! You are an awesome kid who will grow into a great young man!
Melissa,
My best friends son was wrongfully diagnosed at a young age of being A.D.D., so although not personally, I know your pain. Hopefully Alex's NEW teacher will have a better understanding of how to deal with children as wonderful as Alex!
And following this letter will be a complaint to the school district from me and my wife.
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon Perrow | May 29, 2008 9:16 PM
Hi Alex!
You are a beautiful young man with such a bright smile! Never let anyone get you down, sweetie. I'm so sorry that you went through that, it was very wrong. You hang in there and stay sweet!
Posted by: Sabrina Perrow | May 29, 2008 9:39 PM
Hello to Mrs. Barton and to Alex!
For Alex:
Sweetheart, I was teased very badly while I was growing up because I have something called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD for short). This means that my brain, like yours, works a lot differently than a lot of your classmates' might. The world needs people like you to show them that normal is okay, but sometimes seeing the world differently and thinking differently is really important. Your mom loves you lots, kidlet, and never forget that. And so does the rest of your family, and all the mommies out there who have kids with disorders love you, and you will be forever special to them.
To Ms. Barton:
I salute you for raising this child. He is smart in his own right and it wouldn't surprise me at all if he has an extremely high IQ for his age. Thank you for standing up to your child's teacher, because you have every right to do so, especially if you don't always know what is going on in the classroom. As I have said to your son, it is important for all those with mental and physical disabilities to exist so that others can see why being different is so important. I sure hope that that the digusting attitude is changed, either through dismissal or through some other method.
Best of Luck to you.
Posted by: Kirsten | May 29, 2008 10:38 PM
My roommates and I will be mailing the cards on Monday.
Posted by: Brittany Dion | May 29, 2008 10:54 PM
Hey-
I know these are tough times, if you are still looking to press charges here are a few possibilities for charges
Under the Universal Declaration For Human Rights
From what I believe to be right,
the teacher contradicted with articles, 1,2,3,5,and 12. So if needed use those in case
All of my wishes and prayers go out to Alex and your family. Best Of Luck
Dan..MN
Posted by: Dan | May 29, 2008 11:21 PM
i just told my 10 year old about this and having had personal experience with bad teachers including one this year that pretty much told him and myself that he was dumb because it takes him longer to process info than other kids. well he wants to make a card for alex but since we are stationed overseas it will take at least a week to get there
Posted by: terri | May 30, 2008 3:05 AM
I think this is a great way to show love and support for Alex and his mom, but I'd like to suggest the cards use phrasing other than pointing out that Alex is special, since that language is problematic for him. It's likely he feels that being "special" or different in some way caused the terrible situation. My 5yr old has ASP, as well, and I know that being made to feel self-conscious or overly self-aware as a separate person can be so hard for him... (which is what makes Portillo's action particularly cruel and inappropriate). At this age, our child really wants to blend in with us and feel part of a whole... not particularly "special." So, I wonder if perhaps what may be most healing for Alex right now is to feel "like everyone else" instead, since much of the damage in this situation involves being singled out and isolated from his peers. Cards and letters from all of us may help him feel accepted as part of a larger community, and be healing now or down the road when he's better able to understand but for now, perhaps words like "We love you" instead of "special"?
Posted by: Beth | May 30, 2008 4:25 AM
Alex, you are such a handsome little guy. You look a lot like my son, who is 4 years old, and is being worked up for Asperger's right now. Like you, he has a smile that lights up the whole room. He has challenges too, but is so funny and sweet, and is teaching me to look at the world in new ways. If you lived close, I bet you two could be great friends. He loves Cars and Batman. I'm so sorry your teacher was mean to you, and made the other kids say mean things. I'm sure that they didn't mean the mean things, but its hard to say no to a grown-up. Your mommy is right when she tells you what a great kid you are. She knows you best. Please don't let that one mean person make you stop smiling, the world needs more beautiful smiles like yours to cheer us up!
Posted by: Kerrey | May 30, 2008 1:41 PM
Alex's story had me in tears. I have a 3 year old with autism. I don't know what I would do if someone treated my baby like that! Now they should all get together and "vote" on the teacher...each stating what they don't like about her. I've got a comment.....SHE'S A "FEMALE DOG"!!! My card is on the way for that sweet, innocent little boy.
Posted by: Kisha | May 30, 2008 6:52 PM
Hi Alex,
Just wanted to send a card to you to let you know how much people love you and are praying for you. I Don't know if you believe in God or not, but I do and I am so glad he Loves me!!! I used to feel pretty sad because I didn't think anyone liked me, but a wonderful christian person let me know that God loves me and God doesn't make "junk" (or people that aren't special) He made everyone special in their own way. Its just sad that your teacher isn't smart enough to know that!! Don't let what your teacher said make you feel to sad, you didn't do anything wrong...SHE did!!!!!
Sending hugs your way!!!!!
Wendy
Posted by: Wendy | May 31, 2008 1:00 AM
Hi Alex,
You are brave little boy! Your Mommy is your hero, too! Teachers are not supposed to behave like that. She was wrong.
We send hugs and kisses your way!
Posted by: Mary | June 2, 2008 3:31 AM
Hi Alex,
I am sending you a big hug because you are special! I wish you could meet my son Tristan, he is just a little older than you and told me to tell you to hang in there! He had a kindergarten teacher like yours and says he is sorry about what happened to you. We both know you will get through this and we send love and prayers to you and your mommy.
Love,
Debbie and Tristan
Posted by: Debbie | June 2, 2008 4:44 AM
God bless you all!! There will be change, you have my word.
Posted by: melissa barton | June 3, 2008 10:53 PM
Can we still send cards or is it too late?
Posted by: Sue | June 4, 2008 11:54 PM
This is so horrible. I can't believe an adult, especially a teacher, would do something like this. Unbelievable.
Posted by: April | June 5, 2008 11:14 PM
Thank you for doing this. As a teacher of students with multiple disabilities including Autism and Down Syndrome I am deeply offended by what this teacher did. I work everyday with students who have not "made it" in public schools and just want to say that there are teachers in this world that do understand and to whom it would never even occur to do such a terrible thing. Each child is precious in God's sight and should be treated as such by all of us. Alex and Mom, I am sorry for your experience and please know that many teachers have dedicated their lives to helping children to see their preciousness in the sight of God and others.
Blessings,
Catherine Courtney
Posted by: Catherine Courtney | June 6, 2008 11:17 AM
Im sooo sorry Alex that this has happened you are a very special little boy, I have a son ethan who is three with pdd-nos. and i would hate for anything like that to happen to him. We all here think that you are a very handsome little man, Love the Kims.
Posted by: Nikki | June 6, 2008 11:57 AM
I hope it's not too late to send cards. I have 2 cards coming your way.
Thanks,
Amanda Garrett
Posted by: Amanda | June 6, 2008 12:38 PM
Please view your special cards made just for your.
Big hugs to Alex
Michelle (Canada)
Posted by: Michelle Schryburt | June 6, 2008 3:09 PM
Hi Alex,
I'm an autistic adult who has been reading about what happened to you at school and I just wanted to write you a note. I'm not very good with sending things through snail mail (I do everything online if I can), so I hope you are able to receive this.
Alex, you are a human being and that alone is enough to make you worthy of love, affection, guidance and happiness. Autistic or not, no human being should ever be subjected to the humiliation and bullying that your teacher subjected you to. What she did was wrong. What she made those other kids do is wrong. She made a bad choice. A bad choice that unfortunately hurt you. (I feel bad that this had to happen to you...it happens to so many of us. My question is "why"?)
I know this will likely stay with you for a long time, and it's very hurtful (I went through it for years - I even had a teacher who used to make fun of me and call me names in class so that the other kids would too).
The thing to remember is this: You cannot control the actions of others. Other people's actions, even adults, can be hurtful and bad. It's not your fault - they are behaving inappropriately and it is their fault that they have to be this way, People make choices...sometimes bad ones.
You can only control your own actions.
You are worthwhile and capable of being the person you want to be. Let this experience strengthen you as my many bullying experiences strengthened me. You've learned a valuable lesson about human nature. You won't see it now, but later you might.
By the looks of this page alone, you have lots of support from people all over the world. The majority of people agree that what happened was wrong. Don't blame yourself. You're still a special person because you are a person. No one can ever take that away from you, ok?
Be strong. Take care and become the person you wish to be!
DJ
Posted by: DJ | June 6, 2008 4:53 PM
Dearest Alex,
My daughter Jessica is also in kindergarten and I was telling her what your "teacher" has put you and your family through. Jessica has a big brother Jack with Aspergers so she knows just how special and wonderful you are! She thinks you should come to her class so you will never have to worry about such horrible behaviour from teachers or your peers again. She said she would protect you and protest and would have left with you and thinks it stinks!!!
Her big brother goes through this daily and she sees the pain in his eyes!! She is going to also send you one of her magic angel fairies that she gives to her brother everyday to help him cope with the travesties of the so called "educational system"!!
She says she loves you and does not have to know you to know that you are an amazing kid.
Hang in there Mom and Alex!!!
Respectfully,
Jessica and Kelly
Posted by: Kelly Quinn | June 7, 2008 3:39 PM
Alex,
I have autism too. What happened to you was not right. But you are special. You are helping everyone. Teachers are learning about how to help those of us with autism. And you are making a better way for those of us with autism in school.
This was a bad thing that happened to you because someone did not know about autism. That does not make you unspecial.
Good things are coming from this and that makes you even more special because it is all for you.
Now nobody will have to feel unspecial and that makes me smile.
Thank you Alex for helping me. I am in school now and my teachers read about your story. They now know more about autism and are asking me questions.
That makes me feel even more special.
You are very smart. I hope that you know how much good you have done for other kids with autism.
Autisticjessie
This is how I help people to understand autism through my eyes. Maybe your mommy can help you to have a blog too.
Posted by: Autistic Jessie | June 7, 2008 4:35 PM
Hi Alex, we are making beautiful pages for you so you know how very special you are. This is only a moment in lifes moments, and some like these can only make us stronger, take that strengh and use it wisely and you will be stronger and happier for it.
Click on the link below to view your artwork from a great community of scrapbook artist.
hugs, Michelle
Posted by: Alex is special cards | June 8, 2008 9:12 AM
Dear Alex,
Sweetie, you are a miracle that has brought us all together. Never let anyone tell you you are not. You have come a long way through the obstacles of your disability. You are capable of being happy in every single way.
This experience, and I know it is going to hurt for a long time, has been a difficult one, I am here listening to you. As a little girl with Autism, I know that it has been a long journey for me. People judge, things happen, tragedies occur...but the thing that matters is that you expand your boundaries. You learn a little every day even from the things that bother you most.
There are so many people out there who long to know what it's like to be in another person's shoes because we all want to be someone for a day or two, right? And your teacher and the kids in your classroom don't understand how valuable you are that you can walk right in being the handsome Alex you are. They want to be like you, but they are hurting you just so they can make themselves feel better. That is not right. No matter how different we are from each other, we take care and love others because we are happy with who we are.
We love you, Alex, we know that you are going to someday lead us as though nothing has happened because good things happen to those who are special and kind like you.
Lan
Posted by: Lan | June 9, 2008 2:21 AM
ALEX
I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOINH THRU, MY GRANDSON IS AUTISTIC. THE FIRST SCHOOL HE WENT TO THEY LOST HIM TWICE, IF I HAD NOT BEEN OUT SIDE EARY TO PICK HIM UP FROM SCHOOL NO TELLING WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED. HE IS OW IN A PUBLIC SCHOOL WHERE EVERYONE LOVES HIM. THEY DID A SPECIAL MARCH FOE HIM AND IS SPECIAL CLASS. YOU HANG IN THERE BUDDY
PEOPLE ARE FIGHTING FOR YOU. WE WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR PRAYERS. YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU SET YOUR MIND TO DO.
TY ROBERSONS GRANDMA
NANCY BELLVILLE
Posted by: nancy bellville | June 10, 2008 10:00 AM
Alex,
I have a special 13 year old --Almost 14 yr old Alex at my house too. He has Aspergers and other impairments but he is the light of my life.
My Alex struggled all year also with inclusion and bullies and non understanding administration at his middle school so we decided to pull him out and put him in a behavior mod school where they understand him and he is doing AWESOME!!! And guess what he got to skip 8th grade as long as he went to summer school--HOW Cools is that??? SO now if he goes back to the same high school as the boys who bullied him he'll be a year a head of them.
I feel your mom's heartache and know that this isn't fair. After all with your smile how can someone not love you.
As My Alex's principal says always shoot for the Sun so you can ALWAYS reach the stars and keep your chin up.
My boys will work on cards tonight for you.
Grace
Posted by: Grace Sandow | June 10, 2008 1:18 PM
My five-year-old son Lucas and I will surely be making a beautiful card for this sweet and definitely special little boy. Shame on hat awful teacher!
Kisses from Brazil,
Nydia.
Posted by: Nydia | June 10, 2008 4:44 PM
Thank you for doing this, Barbara
Posted by: Melissa | July 16, 2008 2:01 PM
Can we still send cards??? I heard about this and thought it was just awful. I would love to have my 4 boys send him cards!!
Just let me know.
Thanks,
Angie
Posted by: Angie | July 16, 2008 2:56 PM
