Here we go again; another first day of school. Summer felt long in some ways, yet somehow passed in the blink of an eye. We spent much of it navigating a maze of schooling options with our school division for our youngest, searching for a place where he would be seen, supported, and included.

Today, like many families, we took the “typical” first day of school photo for our oldest. He’s now a junior, entering his second-to-last year of high school. There was excitement, hope, a few nervous smiles. We shared in the joy of a fresh start, even shed a few tears as he drove off. It’s a big year for him. So much ahead.

But behind that smile, today is bittersweet.

Because for our youngest, there is no fanfare.
No backpack packed the night before.
No first-day outfit.
No teachers’ names to remember or classrooms to find.
There’s no school bell waiting to greet him. No “
Happy First Day of School” from anyone outside our home.

Instead, he begins the year without a school placement.
No desk. No classmates.
No plan that honors his needs and potential.
And we, his parents, continue to navigate what has become the most difficult and disheartening storm we’ve encountered yet on this journey.

This isn’t how it should be. Every child deserves more than this. So today, while we celebrate one milestone, we also hold space for the weight of what’s missing; for the child who deserved the same excitement, the same hope, the same “new beginning” energy that fills the air every August.

We see you, kiddo. We see your potential. Even when the system doesn’t. And we’ll keep fighting for a place that sees the same.

To any families walking a similar path this fall. I see you too.
You’re not alone. Your advocacy matters.

And together, we’ll keep raising our voices until every child gets the education, support, and dignity they deserve.

Thanks for being here!
– Carolyn
Always an FTC Warrior