Returning to School: A Second Chance for JJ

January 3, 2024: JJ's New Beginning

Hey there, dear readers! Brace yourselves because it's happening. Today, JJ's making his grand entrance back into the world of school after being expelled. I'm sure we all remember that infamous incident where he was base-jumping off the school roof with nothing but a homemade parachute and a grin (alright, I may be exaggerating slightly, but you catch my drift). The staff had stamped JJ as "too dangerous to be in school"—quite the notorious title, don't you think?

A Tablet, A Ticket to Learning

But amid the drained coffee cups and endless paperwork, the higher-ups have made an unusual call: They're letting JJ back in the gates. Every student deserves a second shot, right? They didn't want to just cast him aside, giving up on a mind yet to fully bloom. So, the school decided to hand JJ what essentially counts as a golden educational ticket, disguised as a sleek tablet.

• Monday to Wednesday, he's confined to his home setting, studying from the comfort of his armchair or, knowing JJ, probably from atop the roof.

• Thursdays and Fridays, he's back in the lion's den, attending school with his peers.

Is the School Giving Up or Stepping Up?

Now, some people think that by allowing JJ to study from home, the school has essentially washed their hands off him. A part-time hermit with a tablet now replaces the full-time student. But I'm not one to judge books by their covers or schools by their eccentric disciplinary methods.

To me, this arrangement signifies the school's dedication to adapting education to fit the student—even those with a penchant for extreme sports. They're essentially saying, "Hey, we understand. Classroom settings aren't for everyone, and that's okay."

Struggle of a Small Town

However, our small county isn't exactly a treasure trove of educational resources and doesn't offer much for a person with autism like JJ. His indefinite confinement raises questions about my situation. His constant presence at home hampers my ability to carry out the much-needed chores of the day. Plus, whatever tendencies got him booted from school in the first place, well, they're not exactly taking a vacation at home.

Determination, the New Class Subject

Returning to school post-expulsion is no walk in the park. It's like trying to rejoin a sports team after you've scored a goal in the championship finals—uncomfortable and challenging. But, this is where JJ's saga takes an interesting turn.

The tablet may signal hope or resignation, depending upon the lens you view it from. But JJ's attitude towards this unconventional route to education is what ultimately counts. If he tackles this with determination, then, my dear readers, we may have something.

The school, in all its surprising benevolence, is sending over a teacher to our home for an hour, on two days of the week. Alright, it's not comparable to full-time academic guidance, but a drop of water in a desert is better than none, right?

Praying for Those Tiny Miracles

While I employ my mom superpowers to keep our ship sailing through these choppy waters, your prayers and support, dear readers, really count. As we embark on this unique educational journey, we truly appreciate all the kindness and encouragement coming our way. Remember, as it says in Hebrews 13:5:

“Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

With this, I'm signing off for now—with a grateful sigh and a carton of JJ's favorite chocolate milk warmed up on the stovetop. God bless you all, my dear readers.

Jesse Holmes