Welcome to High School James

  • Post category:School
  • Reading time:3 mins read

I was going to follow my normal format and create one post about everything that has gone on in James’ life over the past month, but quickly realized that there were so many school-related things that I decided school deserved its own post. I’ll write a second post with everything else.

We were a bit nervous about James leaving the elementary school district and moving onto high school. He would be leaving behind some awesome teachers and therapists—some of which had worked with James for many years—when he left the elementary school district. He was going to be in a new school, in a different district with new teachers and therapists. We were worried he was going to have a rough time adjusting to so much new stuff. Fortunately, the one-on-one nurse he had for the last couple of years in junior high was able to move on to high school with him, so at least he had someone he knew going through the transition with him.

It hasn’t taken long for our fears and worries to subside. We do have some concerns, though. It seems like he has already fallen into the wrong crowd. In the past week, he has come home from school with tattoos and an earring; and had to get bailed out of jail.

 

A four‑photo collage shows James wearing a red shirt while sitting in his wheelchair. The images focus on his arm and ear. His arm has several temporary tattoos, including a red sports car, a blue‑and‑red circular design, and a multicolored robot‑style graphic. One close‑up shows his ear with a small round earring featuring a blue center. The collage has a red background with the words “COOL DUDE!” in blue and light green lettering along the right side.
James came home one day from school with tattoos and an earring
James sits in his wheelchair wearing sunglasses and a patterned neck pillow decorated with red vehicles and yellow shapes. Behind him is a height‑measurement chart on the wall, similar to those used for identification photos. At the bottom of the image, the text “J. FULKERSON” appears. The overall look resembles a police mug shot.
He had to be bailed out of jail. Court date pending.

 

I am obviously kidding. His class took a field trip to the police station and the tattoos and earring are just temporary.

On another field trip, they went to a nature center in a neighboring town. They learned about bugs and animals, got to ride on a seesaw designed for wheelchairs, and went on a nature walk.

 

James sits in his wheelchair wearing a green‑and‑yellow tie‑dye shirt, large clear glasses, a light blue neck support, and red wrist guards on his hands. Another person gently holds his left hand while a large insect sits on the red wrist guard, positioned for a close tactile experience. The setting appears to be a classroom or lab with wooden floors, cabinets, and shelves holding jars and specimens. The scene captures an interactive educational moment involving hands‑on exploration.
James, there’s a bug on you!

 

James sits in his wheelchair wearing a green tie‑dye shirt and glasses while two people assist him in gently interacting with a small hedgehog. One helper smiles as they guide his hands toward the animal. The room has wooden cabinets, books, and containers in the background, giving the scene the feel of a classroom or activity space. The moment captures a calm, supportive, hands‑on animal interaction.
Playing with a hedgehog

 

James sits in his wheelchair wearing a green tie‑dye shirt and red wrist guards while reaching toward a large brown rooster. One person holds the rooster securely, and another assists James by guiding his arm. They are outdoors near a wooden shed, surrounded by greenery. The scene captures an inclusive, hands‑on animal interaction in a calm, supportive setting.
Petting a rooster

 

James sits in his wheelchair on a wooden platform in a wooded area with sunlight filtering through the trees. One person stands beside him, appearing to assist with positioning or guidance, while another stands in front of him, engaged in conversation or instruction. Several other people are visible in the background among the trees, watching the interaction. The scene has the feel of an accessible outdoor activity or nature program designed to include participants using mobility aids.
On a special seesaw designed for wheelchairs

 

James moves along a paved path in his wheelchair, accompanied by two people walking beside him who wear sunglasses and smile. His chair includes medical support equipment. Behind them, more people walk the same path, including someone pushing another wheelchair. Trees and greenery surround the group, with sunlight filtering through the leaves. The scene captures an accessible, social outing in a park‑like setting.
Nature walk

 

Back at school, James is becoming quite the ladies’ man. Not much of a surprise there. Here are a couple of videos of him playing with some of the girls in gym class:

 

 

 

One of his “girlfriends” from gym class gave him a fun headband to wear:

 

James sits in his wheelchair wearing glasses and a gray sweatshirt. A neck pillow decorated with red vehicles and sunflowers rests around his shoulders, and a headband with two heart‑shaped American‑flag designs sits on his head. Behind him is a display case filled with trophies and awards, suggesting a school or community‑center setting. The scene highlights his festive accessories against a backdrop of recognition and achievement.
Looking good James!

 

For his birthday at the end of August, his one-on-one nurse made a cake and brought it to school for his classmates to enjoy, and they sang Happy Birthday to him.

 

A rectangular birthday cake sits in a disposable aluminum tray on a countertop. It’s frosted in white and decorated with whole strawberries, small blue frosting dollops, and yellow flower‑shaped accents. A colorful topper in the center features two race cars, checkered flags, a trophy, and bold “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” lettering, along with racing‑themed graphics like a Route 66 sign and a flaming tire. The overall look blends classic cake decorations with bright automotive motifs.
The cake his one-on-one nurse made for school

 

 

Next week is Homecoming Spirit Week. Several people have already asked if James will be going to the Homecoming dance, but unfortunately, he will not be attending this year. He may go in future years, but we don’t think he’s quite ready for that yet. He will be participating in the spirit week dress up days, though. Stacy loves to dress him up for spirit days, but she is finding some of these a bit challenging:

Adam Sandler Day

Twin Day

Barbie and Friends

Soccer Mom vs. BBQ Dad

Class Color/School Spirit Day

We’ve been pleased with how well school is going so far and are looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year has in store for him.