Forgotten Children

He could not understand Why he had not been allowed to go With the rest of the third graders On the annual third grade field trip. But no note had been sent home, No permission slip for Daddy to sign. So he could not go. He was heartbroken, Hurting inside from the injustice. Later, I learned special needs children In self contained classrooms Were not even supposed to be aware of such trips. It was normal For them to be left behind. Yet this is not fair. Who has the right To tell my son He is not good enough for his peers? During special occasions, Parties and such, He is sent to his "regular" classroom. Why then should he be excluded From joining in During a field trip? When a person is excluded Because of race or religion An outcry is raised. People are outraged, Offended, Angered. But when it is our children With special needs, No one notices at all. I long for the day When there are no more Forgotten Children! May 9, 2000