Hi, On Friday my 16-year-old son was qualified for an IEP through OHI. He is a good young man, but has really struggled with school, most noticeable during the past two years when we moved to a new school district that is very strong. The IEP meeting is tomorrow, a faster date because last week, my son made the very poor choice to take marijuana that was given to him to school and show a friend. I believe my son when he says he is not a user and accepted the 'pot' because he didn't want to be 'uncool' and he doesn't know why he took it to school - he just didn't think about the consequences. His impulsiveness on several decisions that he made was wrong and he knows this 'now'.

Because there is a zero tolerance rule, my son has been suspended for 10 days and faces expulsion. With the new IEP, they must do a review to decide if his ADHD contributed to this situation, a manifestation review. From what I am reading, it would seem that his impulsiveness was a factor, as is not understanding consequences. But I don't know if this will be enough of a case. If it is a manifestation, then he will be reassigned for 45 days but not expelled for a year.

Finally, this situation is complicated because I received notice, the day before the incident at school, that my job was downsizing and we will be moving now over the summer when I find a new job. Our son does not know this yet and the school does not either.

I am assuming that I should go to the school ready to support a strong IEP for my son based on how he learns, etc. and I have been doing this research. What I don't know is how to support his case that his ADHD was part of his lack of thinking with his actions taking pot to school and I don't know what, if anything, I should be saying/doing because we know that he will be in a new school next year regardless.

All advise is much appreciated.

Thank you.

p.s. My son has never been in trouble with school or the law before - this was our first trip to the principal's office.

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