In a previous blog, I talked about how BM wants to switch SSociopath16from our school to the high school in her district. She sent an email to DH asking his opinion. He replied:

"This is something I will consider after doing some research on the school district. Why do you believe the change would be in SSociopath's best interest? And is this something he wants?"

Now, DH is fine with SSociopath switching schools. He lives with BM full time now anyway. He hasn't seen him in almost three months. Honestly, it doesn't matter what school he goes to, he'll flunk anyway.

Here's BM's response:

"I asked SSociopath about switching schools and he's okay with it. I think CurrentSchool is too big and SS has fallen through the cracks. He needs more individual attention. Plus, Faux (her other son, age 10, that she passed off as DH's for 9 years) has always been assessed at two grades below grade level at DHSchool. Now that he's at BMSchool, he's assessed at or almost at grade level in most subjects. I think SSociopath deserves to have the same chance at academic success as Faux. He can get in different classes."

We had to laugh at this. First, SSociopath is most definitely NOT on board with switching schools. He has always been adamant that he wants to stay where he is. He admitted to us that the only reason he kept coming for visitation was because he wanted to stay at his school. So if he told BM he was "okay" with it, he was telling her what she wants to hear, like he always does. If he can't stand up to her for what he wants at 16, he deserves to switch.

Second, the size of the school has nothing to do with SSociopath's failure. His problem is not doing or turning in homework. That's his problem. Being in a smaller school isn't going to change that. But hey, it's not HIS fault he's failing four subjects. It's the SCHOOL'S fault. Little Junior has never had to take responsibility for himself. Why start now?

Third, the fact that Faux is "at or almost at" grade level in most classes in "most" classes isn't exactly a great endorsement for BMSchool. And Faux was never assessed two grades below grade level in anything. BMSchool has 40% of its students in academic intervention or special ed classes. It's not all that hard to look good when almost half your classmates are in special ed. (NO offense meant to kids in special ed!!!)

Also, and here's what BM didn't even mention, she doesn't want to have to drive her kid to school anymore. We knew that would get old fast.

And here's the REALreason for switching schools: SSociopath is making BM look bad (in her eyes) because he's failing four classes. Can't have that. If SSociopath can go to a substandard school, maybe he'll pass, then she can feel good about herself. But he won't. He's barely passed every year from kindergarten on. If he's had terrible study habits, that isn't going to suddenly change now that he's in high school.

Bm is also under the impression that SSociopath can take "different" classes. Wrong. He will have to take the exact same classes at her school that he's taking now. The classes are the same at every high school. In NY, you need a Regents diploma to graduate. Whatever. She'll find that out eventually.

DH looked up the stats on the school SS will be switching to. Students score far below state standards in standardized tests. There is a graduation rate of 82%. This school also has metal detectors at all entrances to keep students from bringing in weapons, and there are polce officers stationed in the school. We're always hearing about drug arrests at this school. SSociopath is currently at one of the top ten schools in the state. And BM wants to move him THERE? Wow. You go, MOTY. Whatever makes you look good and feel better about yourself.

DH could protest it, but what's the point? He lives with BM. He knew switching schools would be a very real possibility if he chose to go with her full time. He made his choice. He's 16. He can live with it. It might be a wake-up call for both of them. But probably not.