School Administration Fails to Extend Support to a Student Batttling Cancer

A Michigan girl has been dismissed out of school for low attendance record as she was battling cancer. Rose was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2012. "I didn’t do anything wrong, but they still got rid of me," said Rose McGrath. Her mother, Barbara McGrath, said, "Even though she’s now done with her treatment, you still have a very long recovery process, because you’ve basically put two-and-a-half years of poison into your body. You’re not recovering overnight."

Her parents complained that the illness has made her stay at home longer than expected. "She’s in her bed— sick with nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. She’s not having fun, she’s sick. She’d be at school if she could," said Barbara.

The management wrote to the McGrath that, Rose was dismissed because she could not meet academic or attendance standards and the school tried to work with Rose and reduced her workload. Rose attended 32 full days this year.

"These were extraordinary circumstances, but so many accommodations were made we felt eventually it became a point where we really had to help Rose by being able to make sure that she was getting the assistance that she needed and to learn," said Father John Fleckenstein of Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools.

The McGraths disagree that the accommodations, which were made, were woefully inadequate for a child with such a serious diagnosis and said that the school has failed their child. Later, the school invited Rose to return as soon as possible. It says it will work with her and provide as many accommodations that will help her for the rest of the school year.

Source-Medindia