Subject: Re: Request for MDR, Emergency IEP Meeting, and Suspension Appeal

Dear Ms. Eigenrauch and Ms. Fitzsimmons,

Thank you for the quick response. We appreciate you confirming receipt of our requests and your commitment to working with us on Henry's behalf.

We do need to clarify a few things:

**On the MDR:** While we understand the 10-day threshold rule, parents can request an MDR anytime we believe a behavior is disability-related - which we clearly do. The ABC data the school has collected over the past 5 months shows a consistent pattern: Henry struggles with impulse control when frustrated (especially around games/transitions), and he de-escalates 100% of the time when removed from the situation. These aren't new behaviors - you've been accommodating them since September using Mrs. Gruender's room. We respectfully disagree that this doesn't warrant an MDR.

**On the suspension itself:** We have to be honest - it's hard to understand how these same behaviors that the school has managed safely for months suddenly constitute an emergency threat requiring suspension. If the conduct was truly an immediate danger, why was the school's response for the past 5 months to simply remove Henry to a break room? The inconsistency is concerning.

**On timing:** We want to make sure we don't miss any deadlines. The suspension notice says we have 10 days to request a review, which means we need the review scheduled by February 21st at the latest. Waiting until next week to even hear about the appeal process makes us nervous about missing that window. Can we get the suspension review scheduled for this week?

**On the IEP meeting:** We're glad the annual IEP is scheduled for the 18th, but that's the day before Henry comes back. If we're going to adjust his supports for his return, we'd really like to meet sooner - ideally by the 17th - so we have a plan in place before he walks back into the building.

We truly do want to work collaboratively with you. We know Henry can be challenging, and we're not blind to the difficulties he presents. But we also know our son, and we know when behaviors are beyond his control. The data you've collected proves this isn't willful misconduct - it's his disability. Suspending him for that feels wrong, especially when you've handled it differently for months.

Can we get confirmation on:
1. An MDR date within the next 10 school days?
2. The suspension review scheduled by February 20th?
3. An earlier IEP check-in on the 17th?

We want Henry to succeed at Everett. Let's figure this out together.

Thanks,

Brian and Kathy Slater