Migraine

Now, it seems the housekeeping staff at my school is out to get me! Tuesday, when I walked into the Science classroom, I walked into an instant 5 Migraine. Lights, Sound, and Smell all assaulted me at once. For the first time in ages, I was also nauseated. The attack lasted until Wednesday morning, despite my best efforts.

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were repeats of Tuesday. Science class is right after lunch and Courtyard (Recess). I had eaten different foods, from different sources, all 4 days. I had worn different clothes, and no perfumes or makeup.

I finally got some answers when I talked with my afternoon teacher yesterday about this. She told me the Science teacher complained of headaches starting Tuesday, too. He had told her Housekeeping was using something new to clean his classroom, and the smell seemed to bother him.

Toady, I've been symptom-free without meds. I'll print out Nutmegan's SharePost about perfumes and the ADA and take it with me Monday. One copy will go to my school's nurse, one to the assistant principal who handles personnel matters, and one to the principal, I think.

Or, maybe I'll wait, and see my PCP first. I'll ask him to document my trigger list. Then, I'll attach the post to the trigger list and put copies in my personnel file in the school district office & with the above-mentioned people.

What do y'all think?

Rebecca, The Island Mama

Rebecca,

Oh, yuck! What a rotten thing for the housekeeping folks to do! If others in the building have had trouble with that smell, you know it's a problem!!

I think I'd get the message to the school officials as quickly as possible! Megs' info would probably get the necessary info across!

Then, when you see your doc, he could write a note of support, too. Those two things together should definitely prove your point!

I sure hope the smell is gone by Monday. And it'd better never happen again!!

jenny

Hi there,

I don't think I would wait. I would do both. Talk to the school soon - and have the chat with the PCP about these triggers. You shouldn't have to deal with Migraine triggers since you have been doing so well due to changes in cleaning supplies. Talk to the administration, and definately let them know you are not the only one having this issue.

I'm with Jenny and Nancy...do both. Talk to the school as soon as possible so they can nip it in the bud, then, let your doctor know too. How was it today? Any better?

I really can't think of anything else to add that these fine ladies didn't already bring up!

I hope you are feeling better!

Let us know how the school talk and the doctor talk both go!

Definitely talk to the powers that be at your school. If nothing else, perhaps they can adjust the cleaning time for that room so that it dissipates before anyone needs to use the room.

I'm not sure how it works where you are, but I know a lot of decisions on what kinds of cleaning products to use/switch to around here are made downtown at our central administration building. It may be out of your building administrator's hands, so you might have to complain to higher ups elsewhere for them to entertain any changes, and that's not always easy, since they like to go for the cheapest products, etc.. I would think a note from your doctor might help, though, to get some kind of change in place that might help you.

Well, I had it all planned out, but...

...while I was waiting for the school nurse to return to the clinic, so I could lie down there, I had just stretched out on a couch in the main office, when the principal read me the riot act for doing so. I cried all the way to the nurse's office, and for several minutes after I got there. Principal didn't see me cry.

The principal is the same woman who has been harrassing me since October, and is convinced I lie.

There are nineteen and a half days left in the school year. Four are state-wide testing days. Three are field days.

I am about the only at-will employee who is a member of the state retirement system. The school district has to match my contribitions (6.5% of my paychecks.) Couple this with my principal's low opinion of me, and I honestly believe I won't be back at that school next year.

I'm planning to go over to the school district personnel office and peruse my file. I've had no formal performance evaluations in my four years working as a teaching assistant. I'm curious about who has said what about me.

But, at this stage of the game, I can't see where asking for accomodations will do anything but hurt me.

Rebecca, The Island Mama

Hi,

Well, that puts a new spin on things now doesn't it? Let me think on it and let us know what your file says ok?

Hang in ok?

Just to let y'all know, I was called to the principal's office again today. She told me they are not re-hiring me for next shcool year. Since I am At Will, she didn't have to give me reasons, but she chose to.

She said they are going to more of an Inclusion Model, where the Special Needs students will spend most of their school day in regular-ed classes. She said I don't fit into their model for this. She also said they have no other place for me at the school.

She then told me the decision was made earlier in the week, but they didn't want to make an already long week (with state-mandated standadized testing) seem longer for me. She then asked me if I had any questions.

I told her I had none. I also told her I suspected that I would not be returning next school year last November.

Oh, she also had the brass to thank me for all I had done this school year.

I am now somewhat drunk, and am planning to keep wallowing in my misery tonight. I am going to have a thoroughly good cry. Anyone want to join my pity party? Free hankies to all who want them!

I'm angry because I didn't get to make the choice to leave!

Rebecca, The Island Mama

Oh Rebecca! I'm so sorry to hear this news! This just stinks!! The school may be going with an inclusion model, but they can't possibly put all of the kids in inclusion all day long! Sounds like a rotten excuse to me!!!

I think it'd still be good for you to know what was in your personnel file...

I'll come to your pity party! And I'll bring lots of and some for us to share!!

jenny

Oh Rebecca, I am so sorry. I'll join your party . They are so short sighted on so many level, it boggles my mind.

I'd like to join you in that drink, but they have no icons for it!!

Love you girl,

Cindy

Thanks, Y'all!

Had some interesting dreams last night about working with 15 or so seriously "Special Needs" students. Guess I was working through my emotions about yesterday.

Dogs got me up @ 6. Was able to go back to bed for a nice snooze, & here I am. Feeling better about the whole mess. Talked about it with DH and a few others last eve.

I'm thinking the principal feels threatened by anyone with experience outside Public Education. She probably sees my 12 years of Catholic schooling and 18 years or running research labs as a serious threat.

She probably also sees my many years as a Girl Scout, with all that training, as a threat. Geez, I was teaching girls to ride horses when this woman was probably in grade school!

So, I'll go back Mon. (with a 3:30 pm appt. to review my file at the District Office) with my head high, & finish out this school year with pride.

Thanks again, Y'all. With y'all's level-headed advice, I'm seeing things clearly and calmly. I can even smile over it all.

Rebecca, The Island Mama

Hey Rebecca -

So sorry I didn't see this thread earlier in the week! What a mess. They are very foolish and they don't know what they'll be missing!

What I'm about to say - take with several grains of salt, because I don't know all the facts, but you might just want to talk to an attorney in your area. The principal was certainly way out of line to take you to task for laying down! If she has been harassing you and knows about the Migraines - even if you are an at-will employee, they may not be able to terminate you (or perhaps eliminate your position) for a discriminatory reason (due to Migraines).

In the meantime, I wouldn't hesitate to say something about the cleaning supplies, since you have nothing to lose and there's no reason you should have to put up with the Migraine triggers.

- Megs

Geeze! That principal sounds like a real winner. I'm sorry it's all been so stressful the last couple of days. I'm glad you're feeling better about it all after talking things over and that. It is their loss. No doubt about that.