Taking care of teens with CP

My boys are good kids. They behave well in public most of the time, are respectful to adults, help older neighbors, and will help people in the grocery store when they see them struggling. They are getting better at helping around the house without complaining, and we work together as a team now more often than before. They have to be allowed to have bad days as I do, but we make it clear that respect is required at all times in our home.
I posted a while ago that they have had bullying issues for years, and the last 2 years have been really bad. The school has done nothing at this point. The police were involved when I called them, and the boy who bullies them is going to be forced to get help in the form of counseling and possibly probation. I am just glad he is getting counseling. The school counselor does not recommend counseling for my sons either in school or out, despite them and myself asking for it. The school board has not responded to any of my emails, letters or calls requesting help with the bus stop bullying issues or the inside school issues. I have contacted our local media.

We talked as a family and the boys begin online public school from home before the new year. They log in online, work for the required 5.6 hours a day, just like I do from home for medical transcription school, and will have the ability to learn as fast or slow as they want to. They get individualized and group online classes and have more opportunities than the school they attend now. A friend of mine works at the school they will be attending so transportation to any field trips we want to go on or testing sites they must get to for state tests.

They are excited and I am as well. I get to help them with school! I didn't get a lot of time with them when they were younger and in school because of work, and now I get to help them with Spanish, English, projects, science, Chemistry, all of their studies if they want my help. I won't be alone every day, and they will no longer get picked on mercilessly in a school that is overloaded with students and not enough staff.
Part of me feels selfish about this. The other part of me is singing I am so happy! It won't be easy, I know, having all of us home everyday, and we will have to make an effort to get out of the house often. There will be times it will be rough to keep them on track, but they are in middle school, one almost in high school, who understand they chose to succeed or fail.

I keep praying that I can handle the extra people, that they understand we all will have to help and pick up after ourselves. Mostly, I hope that the bullying they went through does not scar them for the rest of their lives, but they choose to move past it and grow.

I hope you all have low pain days!
Mindy

Thank you Chartreux. I am looking your suggestion up now. I know this school is a little different being online public school, but bowling, walking, skateboarding, skiing, swimming, and working at a gym all count for physical education. Our local YMCA has transportation for home schooled kids and people with disabilities, plus a huge discount for those who are lower income or with disabilities. We are looking into that as a family. My hubby thinks it would be great for the boys to do the teen basketball, and for me to swim in the pool there while the kids exercise. He even wants to come along and swim or use their weight room.
I was a mother who would never consider home schooling, but now, I want to do this. Odd how perspectives change things.
Thanks again!