High School troubles

[Nejeda]

So I just started 11th grade, I'm a junior now. Woot.

The past four years I've been allowed to carry my monitor and insulin pen on my person and do my thing in the restroom right after I eat. And I've NEVER had a problem. Well this year, entering the new building I am not allowed to do this. It's difficult enough to get lunch with all the bodies in that lunch room... but they want me to stop and test my sugar BEFORE lunch, not only that, but take my shot BEFORE I eat. But how am I supposed to do so, when I am a carb counter? I don't know what I'm going to eat before I get there, especially since they don't post the menu anywhere that I can see.

So for the past three weeks I've been going to the nurse to test my sugar and take my insulin AFTER I eat my lunch, which hasn't been healthy, or yummy. :frown: The prices are so high it's silly, and ontop of that, it's hard to get in line for lunch and keep my spot with all the other *LARGER* guys cutting infront of me, and pushing me out of the way. Yes, quite literally pushing me aside. So I barely have time to eat, I found myself having a bottle of water for lunch last Friday. The only reason it worked was because I was so upset about the whole lunch room situation that I had sent my blood sugar up to 234.

Can anyone suggest anything for me? I've tried talking to the principal, and he isn't going to move on his stand on this. He absolutely WILL NOT let me carry my supplies. And carrying my lunch also isn't in the cards because of the school's rules of what we are and aren't allowed to carry into school.

I could use any and all help?

[Cyborg]

A poster recently stated that a 504 can be obtained for diabetics. As part of a 504 plan, they would probably have to allow to take your meter and insulin with you to lunch. If not, you could have your parents call and mention a lawyer...

[corwin]

So I just started 11th grade, I'm a junior now. Woot.

Woot!!! Congratulations.


The past four years I've been allowed to carry my monitor and insulin pen on my person and do my thing in the restroom right after I eat. And I've NEVER had a problem. Well this year, entering the new building I am not allowed to do this.

Are you serious? Who is telling you not to carry your insulin? I don't think you should accept this rule no matter who's rule it is. Get your parents involved if you have to. Just carry it and refuse to stop doing that. It's the weirdest rule I've ever heard and I don't think you should accept it. I know that at school teachers\principals can be silly sometimes, especially about something they don't understand like diabetes, but you are insulin DEPENDENT and as such nobody should deny you of carrying it on your person.

[Nejeda]

Are you serious? Who is telling you not to carry your insulin? I don't think you should accept this rule no matter who's rule it is. Get your parents involved if you have to. Just carry it and refuse to stop doing that. It's the weirdest rule I've ever heard and I don't think you should accept it. I know that at school teachers\principals can be silly sometimes, especially about something they don't understand like diabetes, but you are insulin DEPENDENT and as such nobody should deny you of carrying it on your person.

The principal called me the day before school started and told me that under no circumstances am I allowed to carry it. Apparently they had "an issue" with "a diabetic" a "few years ago."

Here's where I make a face of disbelief!

[DeusXM]

It's discrimination, pure and simple. My suggestion is to issue a formal complaint to the principal. And then if you he asks you if you've got a problem, tell him it's nothing that a lawsuit can't solve. This is a clear violation of any human rights and disability discrimination law around in the West.

Make it very clear that they might have had 'an issue' with 'a diabetic' a few years ago but that the issue they had will seem really insignificant compared to the legal bill they'll be facing.

[Cyborg]

It's truly amazing how ignorant some of our educators can be...

[spike]

Have your parents contact a lawyer. The school officials need a wake-up call and it doesn't sound like they will listen to students or parents. that should be their top priority for Monday.

[sbuff28@charter]

Haha please that is total BS. If you live in America go to the principal with your parents if possible. (set up an appt) Then threaten legal action with ur parents and he will never try to tell u what to do ever again. Its your lifeline as far as your concerned. YOUR HEALTH AT A BS of 234 is simply not healthy and you can definatly sue for that. Im sure its covered in the Medical Act of 1996 or whatever. I would not take that BS at all, Stand up to them, they need to realize how important it is to your health to be able to take care of your condition whenever you need to. period.

As far as the guys cuttin you in line... just spend a lil bit and think of a good joke or 1 liner next time to let them know... theres ways of tellin people its not cool without being a jerk about it.

[trailrunner]

Absolutly contact a lawyer! Do not delay! As a parent, if my child told me this I would be infuriated! I think that is against the americans with disability act. Get a note from your doctor saying how important it is for you to carry your insulin around with you. Get their butts on the line for this. Your principle is an ignorant ***.

[JasonJayhawk]

Ridiculous... no... ludicrous!

As you know, Nedjeda, people who "think" they know about diabetes actually do not. Even the nurse you deal with probably thinks she's managing something very unique "for you," but in reality, they don't know it until they've lived with it (or a family member with Type 1). If they know someone with Type 2, they've still got it all wrong, and yet think they know it all.

I'm assuming you live in the USA. If so, you can get a 504 plan. You'll have this all resolved. A good tactic on getting them to do what you want is to make them think they're helping you (human nature is that people like to help).

Here's where you can go to get a rough template for your 504 plan:

http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/504/

The school must accept it if they receive federal funding. If not, contact the ADA by finding their phone number for your area (www.diabetes.org). They will appoint a lawyer for you to resolve your situation, to allow you to help the people who do not yet know how much they want to help you. The ADA may even appoint someone to meet with the school, and the volunteer lawyers in your area will get you the funding you need for college should they refuse your right to carry medical equipment with you.

The "line cutters", unfortunately, if they have not grown up by this stage in high school, they will never grow up. Don't waste too much time feeling sorry for them or else it will frustrate you when you think about the unemployment benefits you pay them ten years from now.

Check into the Multiclix lancet device (from Accuchek) -- it has no sharp parts to it, and showing them a device like this might help allow you to carry your test kit around.

As far as the principal's excuse about that past diabetic, he/she needs to get over it and move on.

[Lex4153]

When I was in highschool, I kept my own meter in the nurse's office and separate insulin in the fridge so I didn't have to take anything to school with me. They were very good about letting me treat my diabetes. I think it's insane that they won't allow you to carry your things with you.

Also, when getting this resolved with your parents or lawyer or whatever, request-no, demand!-that you get to leave your last class before lunch five minutes early so you have enough time to get to lunch, test your blood sugar, take your insulin, and have proper time to eat. I remember lunch period was 30 minutes but it sometimes took 25 minutes to get through the **** lunch line! Ridiculous all in itself!

Please let us know how it goes!!

[DeusXM]

The prices are so high it's silly, and ontop of that, it's hard to get in line for lunch and keep my spot with all the other *LARGER* guys cutting infront of me, and pushing me out of the way. Yes, quite literally pushing me aside. So I barely have time to eat, I found myself having a bottle of water for lunch last Friday. The only reason it worked was because I was so upset about the whole lunch room situation that I had sent my blood sugar up to 234.

[angry young man mode]
Tell the principle that a little needle will be the least of his problems compared to the knife you're going to pull on those jerks unless he sorts out the discipline in his school.
[/angry young man]

[Stuboy]

this is the most ridiculous thing i've ever heard sinse my own diagnosis... can't carry your insulin?? OBSERD!! This is your lifeline and as such you have a RIGHT to carry it with you at all times.
I agree with others, threaten legal action, you could try going above your principle too, to the education authorities. ****, tell the local NEWSPAPER! Tell them that your school wont allow you to carry your life support on your person. Pure discrimination.

Boiled my blood that has! Good luck to you... oh, and dont let them big guys push you around!!

[Belinda]

I havent' said it enough...ALL DIABETIC STUDENTS NEED A 504 PLAN this way they are covered under federal guidelines and if a school administrator says they don't use 504 they are LYING and then you suggest legal actions.

Please parents if you have a child in school get them a 504

[JediSkipdogg]

Actually, in many states it is illegal for students to possess any drug prescription or non on school premises without giving it to authorized personel. That means that upon entering the school, you must drop off your drugs/medications with the school nurse and take them in their supervision. The reason for this is because during school hours while you are on school property, the school is responsible for your well-being. So if you overdose on a drug/medication, the school is held liable and then opened to lawsuits if you did it on school property. I know, it sucks, but that's the case and way it is in many states because people abused it by selling their medications to others.

As for the getting legal action....keep this in mind...alot don't think in the future. Court cases take months, if not years. And during that time, you have to follow the schools policies. If you don't, one is open to suspension or expulsion. Oh, so you say you will sue over that too? Well, what do you do when you are suspended and miss 30 days of school? You can't catch up 30 days worth of work easily, not to mention you may fail alot of tests homework in doing so, especially if it's a senior year with senior proficiency tests, SATs, ACTs, AP tests, etc. So now you are held back in a grade, geee....I guess getting to carry your medications was worth being held back/getting worse grades.

The last part is my opinion and yes, it has happened.

[Nejeda]

Actually, in many states it is illegal for students to possess any drug prescription or non on school premises without giving it to authorized personel. That means that upon entering the school, you must drop off your drugs/medications with the school nurse and take them in their supervision. The reason for this is because during school hours while you are on school property, the school is responsible for your well-being. So if you overdose on a drug/medication, the school is held liable and then opened to lawsuits if you did it on school property. I know, it sucks, but that's the case and way it is in many states because people abused it by selling their medications to others.

As for the getting legal action....keep this in mind...alot don't think in the future. Court cases take months, if not years. And during that time, you have to follow the schools policies. If you don't, one is open to suspension or expulsion. Oh, so you say you will sue over that too? Well, what do you do when you are suspended and miss 30 days of school? You can't catch up 30 days worth of work easily, not to mention you may fail alot of tests homework in doing so, especially if it's a senior year with senior proficiency tests, SATs, ACTs, AP tests, etc. So now you are held back in a grade, geee....I guess getting to carry your medications was worth being held back/getting worse grades.

The last part is my opinion and yes, it has happened.


This is where the catch-22 situation is for me. *sigh*

So how about today my blood sugar was low, instead of the high that it usually is, and the nurse looks right at me and asks me, "So how much insulin are you going to take?"

I just looked at her dumbfounded. My bloodsugar was 54.

It was her last day today, tomorrow we have a new nurse coming in. I personally don't think she was qualified for the job, I haven't since the first day and this just farther drives home my point.

I told her that I was unable to eat lunch because of the lines again and that I needed juice and some protein. I thought she'd know what I ment, she gave me a huggies and some saltines. :confused: By this time I am confused, frustrated and angry, and she can't understand why. And I want to scream!

To make a long story short, I finally got my proper lunch, after a teacher, who is also a diabetic came in and aided me.

[ProudMOM]

My teen son carries his equipment with him and is allowed to test, inject, bolus wherever and whenever he needs to on campus. And, yes, we do have a 504 plan in place. I would contact an advocate named Crystal Jackson who should be available through the ADA and/ or the Children with Diabetes web site. She is a very strong leader and advocate for families who are having trouble dealing with schools and is considered an expert with these issues. Good luck to you--- don't give up the fight!

[GregGolden]

Just keep it in your locker! and inject after lunch..works for me!

[Catie and Emily]

sorry this is off topic, but what grade are you in greg, and do you have a screen name?

Catie

[caryj]

Diabetes is a lifestyle that requires self-care, plain and simple. Nobody is more educated about how your body responds to your diabetes than you. You have the law, and a whole slew of lawyers on your side. Make a huge stink about your rights as a diabetic. You have the opportunity to make your diabeties as visible, or not as you (and your parents) desire. You are not 'required' to go to the nurse to administer a blood test and insulin--reguardless of what your principal/administrators may say/believe. Make a fuss about it. Have your parents make a fuss about it.

I know I grew up with parents who were very proactive about getting the best for me--plain and simple, I was very lucky. As I grew up I realized that unless you are proactive about your diabetes, others will try and prescribe themselves upon you (that's why people like my mom we're so great). Don't let others cause harm to you (I have never trusted ER docs/EMTs/teachers with diabetes, it is far too complex of a disease for professionals who have to care for a wide variety of patients/don't actually know how it works).

I never knew of a 504 plan when I was in school (either I was unaware it existed or my parents operated outside of it). Be your own advocate, and take control of the situation--this is your life.

I may sound a little rebellious, but that's just my take on administrative educators concerning my health and welfare.

[Harold]

This sounds like a good reason to test out of HS and move on.

[SueM]

Dumb question, but what exactly would they do if you were on a pump?

[Cyborg]

They couldn't do anything if you were on a pump. Just like it's illegal for them to do what they are doing now...

[Lorna]

I am appauled by this. If it was me I'd be threatening the lawsuit. Is there an option of carrying the stuff on you without them knowing? Whatever the outcome you need to get this sorted out so you are not miserable to the point of effecting your health.

[HollyB]

Holy Jeez, I am just shocked by this. As a parent I would FREAK if my child wasn't allowed to have his supplies with him. My son has his meter on him at all times and when he was injecting did it wherever his food was. What if you injected your insulin and then couldn't get to your food fast enough? Maybe they'd like to deal with you passing out or having a seizure in the cafeterial lineup.

It seems like schools have gone a bit crazy with their medication precautions. You are old enough and responsible enough to carry and use your supplies everywhere else in the world, and would probably get in sh** from your parents/doctor if you DIDN'T keep your stuff right at hand. What's so different about school?

[caryj]

Holy Jeez, I am just shocked by this. As a parent I would FREAK if my child wasn't allowed to have his supplies with him. My son has his meter on him at all times and when he was injecting did it wherever his food was. What if you injected your insulin and then couldn't get to your food fast enough? Maybe they'd like to deal with you passing out or having a seizure in the cafeterial lineup.

It seems like schools have gone a bit crazy with their medication precautions. You are old enough and responsible enough to carry and use your supplies everywhere else in the world, and would probably get in sh** from your parents/doctor if you DIDN'T keep your stuff right at hand. What's so different about school?

Bingo. I was looking for a parent to chime in to this tune!

You and your parents and your docs know what is best. Schools do not, nor are they trained to know (it's actually probably better this way). You, your parents (and maybe even your doc) need to be your advocate and correct the logical fallacy that is this schools' policy. You, your parents or your docs can't get this changed with logical reasoning, then it is time to start talking about your legal rights in school (even as a minor, you have more than you might think in a public school), as much as your personal safety, health and well-being.

[Lorna]

Without going as far as a court, would it be possible to get the local media involved, eg "Local Principal Discriminates Against Student On The Grounds Of Diabetes!"? What has been happening this week? Is it getting any better?

[Tatermom]

Check out this site

http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=103474

It will help w/the 504 plan.

Do your parents know what is going on? I realize you are idependent w/your diabetes, but schools have a tendency to listen more to a parent than a student. If the principle won't cooperate, I'm sure the school superintendent would. If not, the state board of education should be informed. Like Jedi said, legal action can be time consuming. Not to mention $$$. Good luck to you.

Edit: Another advocate might be your endo. I have half a mind to call BHS and chew that principle out myself!!!!

[Nejeda]

Check out this site

http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=103474

It will help w/the 504 plan.

Do your parents know what is going on? I realize you are idependent w/your diabetes, but schools have a tendency to listen more to a parent than a student. If the principle won't cooperate, I'm sure the school superintendent would. If not, the state board of education should be informed. Like Jedi said, legal action can be time consuming. Not to mention $$$. Good luck to you.

Edit: Another advocate might be your endo. I have half a mind to call BHS and chew that principle out myself!!!!


Yes, my parents know what's going on, and they seem to be more interested in the atendence policy then anything else! My dad doesn't want to do anything about it, he says that it is the school's policy and I HAVE to abide by it.:mad:

[jrcskb]

I agree that the "policy" that is arbitrarily not allowing you to carry/test is absurd. You may want to speak to the school nurse (who may know the 504/school requirements) or contact the superintendent's office. If you still get nowhere, then you may contact JDRF/ADA in the area, who may have individuals with knowledge of the issue and/or who have "solved" this problem previously. If that doesn't work, a lawyer may be necessary to enforce your rights.

I am a lawyer, and will agree that litigation will not lead to an expedient resolution. Negotiation and education are the much better route in almost every case (or every type). Unfortunately, if those you are dealing with truly don't care to adjust to your particular needs, you may need to press the issue.

[Belinda]

I am so fortunate that I teach in a school district that is adament about 504 plans for students. For one it is a Federal law and two if schools were truly smart they would use them because it gives them lots more flexability for those students that need to carry their medical supplies (diabetic/asthmatics). We have students that carry their inhalers, diabetic supplies on them at all times. We also have the drug dogs that come in on occasions too so it is not like we are unaware of what they might find in a locker. I feel like your school should tell students in wheelchairs to park them in the office, blind students to leave their canes etc.......your school administrators and district need to be educated AND aware. You may want to go to a school board meeting and bring it up there...talking about getting the ball started. ALSO how stupid are they???? 504 plans are Federally FUNDED meaning money for the school.

[Cyborg]

What can he do to get a 504 without his father's assistance?

[Belinda]

If not the legal age of 18 must have a parent/gaurdian go in and sign for him but you can always ask for a gaurdian (surrogate) that is issured by the school district to do this. I can't imagine a parent not wanting the best and to do the best for the child.

[duck]

If not the legal age of 18 must have a parent/gaurdian go in and sign for him but you can always ask for a gaurdian (surrogate) that is issured by the school district to do this. I can't imagine a parent not wanting the best and to do the best for the child.

I always had a better grasp of this disease than both of my parents (and, if you knew how stupid I used to be about it, you'd understand how ignorant they both could be), YET they will both try and tell me to this day how I should manage it. So I feel for Nejeda here...

Hey Nejeda: Be sure to ask for some condoms next time you are in the nurse's office. It still amazes me that you can generally get sexual prophylaxis but not Tylenol while in school...Or apparently, the means to manage a life-threatening disease.

[Nejeda]

I always had a better grasp of this disease than both of my parents (and, if you knew how stupid I used to be about it, you'd understand how ignorant they both could be), YET they will both try and tell me to this day how I should manage it. So I feel for Nejeda here...

Hey Nejeda: Be sure to ask for some condoms next time you are in the nurse's office. It still amazes me that you can generally get sexual prophylaxis but not Tylenol while in school...Or apparently, the means to manage a life-threatening disease.

I'll just ask for birth control... see what they say...

[Tricia452008]

I cannot believe they will not let you carry your own insulin and blood tester!!! that is soooo wrong....You def need to fill out that 504 plan this is discrimination and they need to realize that this is YOUR health you are dealing with here.....Please take a stand and good luck!!

when i was in HS i had a gym teacher my sophmore year who was a total workout *****!! she make us run sooo hard and fast everyday.....i had 2 insulin reactions in her class...one time i passed out right in front of her and she wanted me to continue working out the next day cause she didnt want me to have "special treatment" my parents went to our principle adn my doctor called too and i was removed from her class for the rest of the year...it was a nightmare...but she was ignorant and so was my school nurse...they would sit there and say how i would give myself "extra" insulin just to get out of gym....SOOO not true....but my point is unfortuanlly us diabetics go through even worse times in school then normal kids...but i wish you the best of luck and make sure to stand up for yourself!!! your health is tooo important not too!!!!

[mg_2204]

... and we're in 2006!!!!!

Why on earth are you not allowed your supplies??!!? Are you going to stab to death someone with a lancet??! ...

Fight. Don't let them do this to you. Perhaps involve the media...?

Well I rather have diabetes than suffer from a chronic case of stupidity. Sheesh!

The very best to you. I hope you win your case. :thumbsup:

[Cyborg]

I'll just ask for birth control... see what they say...

If I was you... I would carry an insulin pen and a meter and glucose in my backpack or pocket. I would put alcohol wipes in my test kit and I would test in the bathroom stall. End of discussion. (I wanted to say F them, but I'll refrain)

[Funnygrl]

Schools absolutely do NOT have to let you carry your insulin at school. In schools in NY the only meds students can possess are insulin in a pump, fast acting inhalers, glucose tabs, and epipens. The other meds have to be in the health cetner.

I see no reason why you can't carry your meter though.

What the school does have to do is make reasonable accomonations. First off, you should be testing before you eat, since if you eat, your bs will be falsely elevated. I would request that I could do this in the lunchroom or bathroom before lunch. Then it should be easy to go to the nurse and take your shot afterwards. I would think it would be easier to keep it there anyways, because then you could refridgerate it if you wanted. Plus, bathrooms aren't the most sanitary place to do these things.

I was lucky in hs, the nurse was right next to the cafetaria.

[Cyborg]

I completely absolutely 100% disagree...

[2high]

My high school tried to tell me I couldnt carry my insulin pen when I first started... til Dad got the Dept of Education involved... WHen it comes to your health, no-one should be allowed to put restrictions on what you carry and where... I know the system is different in the US from Aus, but seriously... thats ridiculous...

[JediSkipdogg]

Why on earth are you not allowed your supplies??!!? Are you going to stab to death someone with a lancet??! ...

Fight. Don't let them do this to you. Perhaps involve the media...?

You might joke that now, but wait till it happens. There's nothing wrong with a simple trenchcoat, now they are banned in 90% of the schools out there. The same applies to solid colored backpacks. Most schools now require clear ones. Why????

Because idiots abuse the system and screw the ones that are good. So if diabetics can carry their insulin and needles with them in school, then that would mean anyone could do that and get away with it. Then there could be a major problem then they'd be banned from even entering school property without parents taking the supplies in.

We just have to deal with it. People still don't undestand the no-liquids on planes. Guess what, people abused it and were days away from blowing up numerous planes, so, we now must all suffer because of the wrongdoings of others.

Schools absolutely do NOT have to let you carry your insulin at school. In schools in NY the only meds students can possess are insulin in a pump, fast acting inhalers, glucose tabs, and epipens. The other meds have to be in the health cetner.

That is 100% true and I believe the policy in most, if not every state.

Even with a 504 plan, I think you'd still have to go to the nurses office to get the supplies. It just says what to do when you find out you are running low/high.

[mg_2204]

Because idiots abuse the system and screw the ones that are good. So if diabetics can carry their insulin and needles with them in school, then that would mean anyone could do that and get away with it. Then there could be a major problem then they'd be banned from even entering school property without parents taking the supplies in.

I hate the fact we live in a day and age where we must always organize our lives in such ways (and suffer from it!) because of all the nuts out there.

[Funnygrl]

I completely absolutely 100% disagree...
I'm not saying that's the way it should be, just that that's the way it it.

Kids who have ADHD have to go to the nurses's office to get their Ritalin at school.

I had stomach problems in HS and had to go to the nurse's office for any stomach meds.

I had to go to the nurse's office for tylenol even.

Insulin isn't an emergency, it's something you take with lunch- at the same time everyday if you follow a school schedule. Why should diabetics recieve any special treatment over what every other kid with a chronic illness has to put up with?

BTW, remember last year when that kid stabbed someone at school with a lancet? We're lucky there are any schools that still allow in classroom testing.

Oh, and another BTW. Your high school experience will be so much more enjoyable if you just accept it, deal with it, and realize you will be done with HS in less than 2 years.

[HollyB]

Clear backpacks? I've never seen one.

God, I hope my kid has graduated before clear backpacks and glucose meters in the office only come to Canada.

And just to remind everyone of Nejeda's original problem: If she goes to take her insulin in the office before lunch (which is when you should take your insulin), she doesn't yet know what she's going to eat SO how much insulin will she take? She's going to have to take some "average" lunch dose, then go to the cafeteria and try to put together a lunch with the right number of carbs in it. And (do I actually understand this correctly? Another thing I can hardly believe) apparently she's not allowed to bring her own lunch, which would nicely solve the problem.

[JediSkipdogg]

Clear backpacks? I've never seen one.

These are very common here in Cincinnati. I'm not sure how they are in other areas but after the Columbine incident and then a few other ones, many schools around here mandated them.

http://www.evertize.com/backpacks/images/ApolloF%20(RC).JPG

They offer ZERO privacy but near maximum security. They take an element out of the loop for ways for kids to get guns and other weapons into schools. And if you think you can put a pencil bag or something else inside, most places, that's WRONG. Everything has to be as visible as possible in them. It's sad what criminals have done.

[Funnygrl]

And just to remind everyone of Nejeda's original problem: If she goes to take her insulin in the office before lunch (which is when you should take your insulin), she doesn't yet know what she's going to eat SO how much insulin will she take? She's going to have to take some "average" lunch dose, then go to the cafeteria and try to put together a lunch with the right number of carbs in it. And (do I actually understand this correctly? Another thing I can hardly believe) apparently she's not allowed to bring her own lunch, which would nicely solve the problem.

Bringing her own lucnh is a good idea. I'm not sure if she is allowed to do this, but I would definitely think that would be a "reasonable accomodation" under section 504.

Another reasonable accomodation would be the school providing carb counts.

[Mich]

Nejeda,

What kind of feeling did you get from the diabetic teacher who helped you? Was she insulin dependent? Did she seem like a "together" person?

She may be the very person to go to in this predicament. She would know or have access to rules and also know how to make things work for you. If she is insulin dependent, she will understand the need for having your meter with you at all times.

I do think your parents should get involved and file the correct papers so that the school does not have to be responsible for your insulin dosage. Some administrators are insurance-concious to the point of being ridiculous and it sounds like your current principal may be one of these.

Somehow, I just can't see someone selling insulin behind the bleachers (wink wink) but it may be better to let things calm down a bit.I strongly feel that the nurse should not be horning in on your dosages--that should be completely up to you. Perhaps the diabetic teacher can be helpful in explaining both that and your need for a fast and accurate way to check you glucose.

I wish you well in this. It is hard to be on a school schedule and deal with diabetes (both as a student and as a teacher.) You need all the back-up you can get.

Mich

[Cyborg]

Nejeda, are you or your parents pursuing a 504 plan?

[dekockc]

It makes me really sad to read about your ordeal! Diabetes is hard enough as it is. I have a child (aged 6) with Type 1 and I cannot tell you how good the school and teachers have been. He goes to the office whenever he is not feeling OK and if he is low, they give him glucose etc. If it is high they phone me and I go and inject him (even in class sometimes!) Fortunaely it is not often. They have all been so caring and supportive. In South Africa (where we live) we do not even have a law like your school bill 504 (or whatever it is called). They do it out of the goodness of their hearts. You should definitely take a stand on this, with your parents, and not let them get away with this lack of compassion !! All the best with your efforts. Hope to read soon that things have improved.

[HollyB]

I'm sorry, state policy or no, I believe this is a human rights violation. These "rules" can all be made to seem vaguely reasonable until you try applying them anywhere else. Given that it's not only teens who can be unstable, violent, hostile, disturbed, and do bad things, and that it's not only at school they might do these things... let's see. Supposing Nejeda goes to a movie with her friends after school. Perhaps she should check her supplies with the bus driver, in case she tries to sell some insulin to the rubbie sitting behind her. At the theatre, she should leave her meter and insulin at the ticket booth, because what if she stabbed a patron in a rage??? (Too bad if she wants popcorn.) How would the adults among us like to have to keep our meter and supplies at the HR office, and "sign in" to use them? Hmm, what about restaurant meals? I guess the cashier or chef better keep ahold of your stuff.

for Gawd's sake.

[JediSkipdogg]

I'm sorry, state policy or no, I believe this is a human rights violation. These "rules" can all be made to seem vaguely reasonable until you try applying them anywhere else. Given that it's not only teens who can be unstable, violent, hostile, disturbed, and do bad things, and that it's not only at school they might do these things... let's see. Supposing Nejeda goes to a movie with her friends after school. Perhaps she should check her supplies with the bus driver, in case she tries to sell some insulin to the rubbie sitting behind her. At the theatre, she should leave her meter and insulin at the ticket booth, because what if she stabbed a patron in a rage??? (Too bad if she wants popcorn.) How would the adults among us like to have to keep our meter and supplies at the HR office, and "sign in" to use them? Hmm, what about restaurant meals? I guess the cashier or chef better keep ahold of your stuff.

for Gawd's sake.

One word, JUVENILE. And even if a person is 18, they are still a juvenile on school premises and under the lawful custody and care of the school. Therefore, anything that happens on school grounds involving medicine that they knowing let a student carry with them, put them open to a million dollar lawsuit. I can't think of any major case studies now, but I'm sure there's been some.

[Dewey]

One word, JUVENILE. And even if a person is 18, they are still a juvenile on school premises and under the lawful custody and care of the school. Therefore, anything that happens on school grounds involving medicine that they knowing let a student carry with them, put them open to a million dollar lawsuit. I can't think of any major case studies now, but I'm sure there's been some.

It's a da** shame that that's the case. I Never had problems like that in high school...I said it before and will say it again - It's a da** sad state of affairs when a student cannot even carry his or her own meds & administer them as needed...:mad:

[JediSkipdogg]

It's a da** shame that that's the case. I Never had problems like that in high school...I said it before and will say it again - It's a da** sad state of affairs when a student cannot even carry his or her own meds & administer them as needed...:mad:


Wanna know what's just as sad? Today we had an assault at our high school. Here's how the **** thing happened....

One of the worst juveniles we had was arrested about a month ago. This kid has a rap sheet as long as my arm, and he's only 16. He was placed in Juvenile Detention until his case was heard and fully ended. The reason he was in jail in the first place was because he threated another student and his mom, a very serious threat that we took seriously knowing this kid's past.

Well, somehow today he got released on good behavior so that he could attend high school. He was released yesterday and this morning made a threat that he was going to assualt the kid after school today. Well, it happened before school just when it was started.

It's kids like that that just abuse everything for the rest. And if you just lock them up in juvenile detention till they are 18 then you get yelled at for messing with their life during their developmental stage and not teaching them right from wrong.

It sucks, and it sucks more when it comes to Juveniles.

Not sure how many remember my article a few months back about a 16 year old killing a mother and unborn daughter cause he was reaching for his cell phone. Well, he got 5 years of prison for that and no other sentence. He'll most likely be out in 2-3. It's called the American Anti-Justice system. Unfair treatment for the right ones.

[Nejeda]

No, my dad was more interested in the part of plan that talked about me not losing credit if I miss school because of my diabetes. *sighs* It's almost as if my parents don't care. Which I know isn't the case, but they really don't feel that pursuing this will do anything.

As for the teacher, they are insulin-dependent and they understand where I am coming from. The teacher has helped me a great deal, they have encourged me to take some action within the school just myself. Since I work in the office, I talk to the principals everyday and have gotten them to understand where I'm coming from, and they have let me leave class early to go to the nurse, and they make sure that I get lunch, even if I have to eat it in the office. Also we are discussing the chance of me carrying my mointor with me so I can test, just not my insulin pen.

I guess once they met me, and got to know me, they found out I wasn't going to kill someone with my diabetic supplies.

[Mich]

Nejeda,

I am so glad to hear things are going a little easier for you. As a retired teacher, I was pretty sure the teacher would be your best ally. I advocated for the diabetic students at our school, dealing with a principal who was "Mr Rules" when he didn't use common sense.

I'm glad you are discussing carrying your meter. If you got so low that you passed out, they would have a REAL problem on their hands, easily avoidable.

Keeping your pen in the office but giving you free access is a compromise, but a workable one.

I'm very relieved to hear of your progress. Mich

[Nejeda]

As are my parents. They seems to to act as though they would have done something now that I've got it under control. :hmpf:

But I'm just glad it's all going a bit more smoothly. :proud:

[xMenace]

I'd be bringing my lunches and pumping my boluses. But that's just me. I hate lineups.