It's so quiet!!! Where is everyone?

[PrincessNancy96]

Hey all,

It's been so quiet on here as of late.. How is everyone doing, any big plans for the rest of the week/weekend? Shopping/decorating/baking done or started?

[Downrivermama]

It is so quite! Most of my Christmas shopping is done. Just need to pick up stocking stuffers. Working on a craft for my dd's class for the last day of school before the holidays. Hope to get the last of the shopping done this weekend.

[KAMommy]

Okay - fess up Nancy. You just started this thread so you can make 2,000! You know you did! :lmao:

I have been thinking the same thing. It has been too quiet. I am ready for Christmas, presents wrapped and everything. This weekend is pretty calm for us. We have the office Christmas party Friday night and the office is ringing the Salvation Army bell in shifts on Saturday, but I don't have a plan for Sunday - rare for this time of year.

[BernardandMissBianca]

:wave: Here!!! Just venting to DH about teachers.

I have 1/2 my gifts for my SS wrapped but the tape isn't sticking so I need to run to Wally world. Decorations???? I'm still waiting for ya'll to get here and help. LOL

Nancy is so trying to get to 2000. :teeth: 5 more lady! :woohoo:

[PrincessNancy96]

Okay - fess up Nancy. You just started this thread so you can make 2,000! You know you did! :lmao:

I have been thinking the same thing. It has been too quiet. I am ready for Christmas, presents wrapped and everything. This weekend is pretty calm for us. We have the office Christmas party Friday night and the office is ringing the Salvation Army bell in shifts on Saturday, but I don't have a plan for Sunday - rare for this time of year.
:rotfl2: :rotfl:
I didn't even think about that when you posted that question.. I had to scroll back up to see what number I was on! :lmao:

I have 1/3 of the house done w/ decorations... DD decided to tryout for basketball so my stress level is way up! Keep your fingers cross she makes it or someone is going to have to come get her (because you know it'll be my fault)..
As for shopping? NONE done.. Well, one thing..but it's not complete..so I can't really count it!
The weekend.. is empty til Sunday when the boys have basketball games!

[PrincessNancy96]

:wave: Here!!! Just venting to DH about teachers.

I have 1/2 my gifts for my SS wrapped but the tape isn't sticking so I need to run to Wally world. Decorations???? I'm still waiting for ya'll to get here and help. LOL

Nancy is so trying to get to 2000. :teeth: 5 more lady! :woohoo:
What did the teacher do? I have one I wanted to just knock around last week! OMG! She was confusing my email w/ another mom.. Needless I was not real happy! We did finally get things straightened out but it took forever.. :hourglass
I need to start wrapping my SS items.. I'm not getting it out til Monday because I'm still looking for that "perfect" item!

[BernardandMissBianca]

What did the teacher do? I have one I wanted to just knock around last week! OMG! She was confusing my email w/ another mom.. Needless I was not real happy! We did finally get things straightened out but it took forever.. :hourglass
I need to start wrapping my SS items.. I'm not getting it out til Monday because I'm still looking for that "perfect" item!

DS6's teacher sent a nasty note home saying that "it's imperative that he read every night" blah blah blah, well honey he does read every night but I don't feel like filling out your stupid little form. I have 3 kids to manage with school work, a baby, and a DH who doesn't know if he's coming or going everyday. I just want to scream live my life for 2 weeks and see how many forms you fill out.
So what does she do? She kept him in for recess to read to her, uuummm that ain't gonna happen again!
Plus I get a note from DS5's teacher telling me he has decided that he doesn't have to stay in the classroom if he doesn't want to. They found him after 10 minutes in the bathroom. What I want to know is how does a teacher and an aide lose a kid for 10 minutes, there are only 19 kids in the class to start with. 1/2 were in 1 room having snack and the other 1/2 were in the other room doing centers.
I haven't even read DS10's folder cause I'm not sure I want to. Yes I am avoiding my responsibilities.

AAAGGGHHH can you tell I'm ready for the holidays?!?!?

[ddavis860]

Usually things happen, and I don't get to go for some reason, either work or family. But for a change I get to do some really fun stuff this week. :teeth:

Tonight is wrapping for my SS :3dglasses Then, I'm taking a painting class with some friends tomorrow night :artist: (I might miss some Grey's but I'll watch online). Then I was asked to a ladies only brunch and talk on Saturday with my girlfriend. After that we are going to the big jewelry show in town. There are supposed to be a lot of vendors there, so we are planning on stocking up for classes and gifties...We get eachother in a lot of trouble at these bead shows, so I better get selling some stuff to fund the addiction...

[PrincessNancy96]

DS6's teacher sent a nasty note home saying that "it's imperative that he read every night" blah blah blah, well honey he does read every night but I don't feel like filling out your stupid little form. I have 3 kids to manage with school work, a baby, and a DH who doesn't know if he's coming or going everyday. I just want to scream live my life for 2 weeks and see how many forms you fill out.
So what does she do? She kept him in for recess to read to her, uuummm that ain't gonna happen again!
Plus I get a note from DS5's teacher telling me he has decided that he doesn't have to stay in the classroom if he doesn't want to. They found him after 10 minutes in the bathroom. What I want to know is how does a teacher and an aide lose a kid for 10 minutes, there are only 19 kids in the class to start with. 1/2 were in 1 room having snack and the other 1/2 were in the other room doing centers.
I haven't even read DS10's folder cause I'm not sure I want to. Yes I am avoiding my responsibilities.

AAAGGGHHH can you tell I'm ready for the holidays?!?!?
urgh!! I haven't had those letters..but I would so be fuming for that.. MY kids read every night too..but I don't always sign his log.. gee whiz!!! Then kept him in for recess.. NOPE! I know this year they were making the kids stand on a line as punishment..and they had to start their time when the last kid came out.. while that meant some kids were standing the entire recess period because their lunches are staggered.. I went to school and complained...I wasn't happy..
They lost him for 10 minutes.. Maybe they don't remember that he asked to go to the bathroom?? I'm sure he wouldn't just wonder away... :(
I sure hope DS10's folder has better news!!! :)
:grouphug:

[BernardandMissBianca]

I feel sure he wandered, but they should keep better track of 9 kids in 1 room. :rolleyes:

Standing on a line???? H-E -double hickey sticks no!!! They tried keeping kids in for recess and 1 teacher, 3rd grade, abused it. DS10's entire class didn't go out for months after xmas break. Talk a bout a revolution!! DH and I personally led that battle. So the rule now is they can't keep a kid in for more than 2 days a week and 5 times per calendar month. Let the kids be kids, they can't sit there for 8 hours and not have a break. Even at a job if we work 8 hours we get a 30 minute lunch and 1 15 minute break. The 6, 7, and 8th graders didn't have recess at all. We put a stop to that too. So what if they don't "play" at least they get a rest and some fresh air.

And homework, don't even get me started on homework!!!!

Ok back to the warm fuzzies of xmas!

PN96 only 2 more to go!!!!

[StitchIsOurHero]

Buffy--I'd be ticked, too! I can't believe they "lost" him. Plus, he's 5! He's not really at the "be on your own responsibility to stay in one place for a long time" stage!! :rolleyes: As for the form thing, that's nuts that you have to sign it every day or he has to stay in at recess. If we did that at our school (granted it's high school, so no recess to take away, but if you took study hall or club time), we'd be monitoring a million kids because we have so many parents who work off hours and wouldn't even be home to sign it. Couldn't they just have parents do it once a week? Even that might be a stretch!

Nancy--you're getting on up there on the post count! You'll probably make 2100 by Christmas!!

This has been kind of a crazy week at work. I've been asked to go back to being the cheerleading coach. When I tried to politely turn it down, the "polite turn down" was politely rejected. I don't know how it'll pan out. Plus, there's a new job opening in our central offices (for the county system) so I am trying to decide whether to apply for it. Fun, fun! Tomorrow night, I get to go to a 4 hour seminar on meth. That's how I want to spend my Thursday!!

We carried in all of the decorations last night, but we just put them in the living room in their Rubbermaid containers. DH is going to get the trees up and light them tomorrow night, and then we'll finish Friday. I am almost done with my shopping--just some gift cards to get. On Saturday, we are taking KAMommy's K & A to the mall to build a bear for K and get something for A, while KAMommy and DH ring the bell. On Sunday, we are meeting my dad and my SIL for their birthday lunches. This is the SIL that my brother just married in September, so I don't really have a good read on what to get her yet. Oh well, it'll be good food.

Finished with the world's longest post now!! How's everyone else doing??

[party of 3]

i was just reading this whole thread and said to myself, "self, look what you have a head of you!" my ds is only 4 1/2 and has not even started real school yet! oh boy! my girlfriend (whose son is in 2nd grade) tells me all the time, once they get into school you have no control. it's all about the school. they practically own you kid for those hours. i'm not sure i like that!

(oh buffy, i'll meet you in room 102, 210 and 215, as all of those apply to me!)
:rotfl:

[KAMommy]

Buffy, I feel your pain. I am having major issues with dd's teacher this year. She, the teacher, is fresh out of school and has NO idea how to handle 21 second graders. Her discipline idea is to have each child begin the week with 5 "dollars" and if they break "rules" they have to pull one and they can't buy big treats at the end of the week (from the goodie bin). Sounds good, right? The execution however, leaves a bit to be desired.

If you pull even one dollar, you don't get to go to the treat bin AT ALL. So if you pull a dollar on Monday, you might as well live it up the rest of the week, because your punishment doesn't get any worse! AND all sins are equal. Katie had to pull a dollar Monday because she forgot her reading book. She would have received the same punishment if she had kicked a classmate.

I asked what this was teaching her, and was told it was to help them learn responsibility. No, I said, it is teaching them to leverage their misbehavior into one week.

I told Katie that I did not care that she got in trouble for forgetting things (I would if it was REAL misbehaving). I said that her teacher could do as she wished, but that I bet the teacher had never gone a week without forgetting something, that forgetting was human and she wasn't in trouble with me.

Yeesh!

[PrincessNancy96]

Buffy, I feel your pain. I am having major issues with dd's teacher this year. She, the teacher, is fresh out of school and has NO idea how to handle 21 second graders. Her discipline idea is to have each child begin the week with 5 "dollars" and if they break "rules" they have to pull one and they can't buy big treats at the end of the week (from the goodie bin). Sounds good, right? The execution however, leaves a bit to be desired.

If you pull even one dollar, you don't get to go to the treat bin AT ALL. So if you pull a dollar on Monday, you might as well live it up the rest of the week, because your punishment doesn't get any worse! AND all sins are equal. Katie had to pull a dollar Monday because she forgot her reading book. She would have received the same punishment if she had kicked a classmate.

I asked what this was teaching her, and was told it was to help them learn responsibility. No, I said, it is teaching them to leverage their misbehavior into one week.

I told Katie that I did not care that she got in trouble for forgetting things (I would if it was REAL misbehaving). I said that her teacher could do as she wished, but that I bet the teacher had never gone a week without forgetting something, that forgetting was human and she wasn't in trouble with me.

Yeesh!

Hey, that isn't teaching them anything!!! Responsiblity is a big deal..and how can they earn it back? Why can't they earn it back? Our school tried "bucks" where the kids earned money or could lose money depending on the activity/event/homework..but NEVER were they told if they lost money they couldn't go to the goodie bin. We had one teacher, DS10's teacher, in 4th grade..that let them accumulate money all year.. if they wanted they could cash out early..but if they accumulated X dollars they got a big prize.. They could eat lunch in the classroom w/ a friend and the teacher, lunch w/ the teacher only and MCD's was the treat...

So, do any of you have to initial or sign your child's agenda every night? We have to. The kids everyday go into class, write down all the days activities and homework... than we are suppose to go through it and sign it each night.. No problem.. however, they don't tell us which is homework and which is class work.. So, I initiated my own system (of which I'm sure they don't like, but I was tired of getting on DS & DD about not having all their books home for homework).. so anyway, if it is homework, it has to be either highlighted or circled in red pen so I know at a glance what is homework!

[ddavis860]

Wow, you guys are having a terrible time! I remember those days vividly. I had troubles with my DS's 2nd grade teacher...she ridiculed him and humiliated him in front of the class at one point...I WAS LIVID! DH went in, and there was a meeting with the principal. Would you believe they put my younger son in her class too, even after I requested (begged) that he be in the other class...sheesh, I hated sending my kid to school every day!

High School gets easier...at least it did for me. :teeth:

Oh, and y'all are making me feel really old... :lmao:

[PrincessNancy96]

I'm glad others have been through this too!!!
We have one in high school.. it took him 3 days to remember to go pick up his report card from his teacher...HELLO? Do you honestly believe that we wouldn't ask about your report card when your 4 other siblings all brought theirs home??? Hello???

Our middle schooler has taken on independence and mommy is having a hard time with this.. she is our only girl...but I must say.. we have had some very good conversations as of late...

our other 2 in elementary.. we are still signing agendas/checking homework...etc..

our baby is in kdg.. the good ol' day.. half days and no homework..except butchering the magazines for things that start w/ (insert letter) this week is letter P! Can I just tell you I now have to hide my scrapbooking magazines!!! Yes, the bugger tried to cut one of my magazines up for the letter B.. Bows, brads.. I had been searching on the floor for a brad, showed him what I was looking for..and he found one in the magazine and wanted to cut it out for me! :teeth:

[AlexWyattMommy]

Our kindergarteners have to bring home "reading" books every night. It is all about sight words. Not looking forward to youngest going next year. He missed the cut off my 30 days this year and I was very relieved. He will be the one to go out the door as soon as he has had enough.

My 3rd grader has to have his planner signed EVERY night or misses recess also. That really stinks. Well, except if you are on a school sport team. Than you can do it weekly. Why they can't do that for every child, I don't understand.

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

Add me to the list of signing the planner every day....

and Buffy, I feel your pain about them 'losing' your ds for the 10 minutes...my ds left the class twice in one day last month. I had a ROYAL FIT!

SIOH, so, what's gonna happen with cheerleading? They can't tell you that you HAVE to, right? (or can they??)

Nancy, LOL about finding B words in your mags!!! :lmao: Congrats on 2000!!!

I'm done w/about 75% of my shopping.....all the teachers, scout leaders, religious ed teachers, bus drivers, etc, are done, some relatives are done, and have a bunch of stuff for the kids, but my ds just wrote his santa list today...

Here's mine..
Dear Santa,
I want some SLEEP! Please!!!

:teeth:

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

(I might miss some Grey's .
:faint:


:teeth: hope your class is fun!

[StitchIsOurHero]

SIOH, so, what's gonna happen with cheerleading? They can't tell you that you HAVE to, right? (or can they??)



No, they can't tell me I HAVE to, but they can strongly suggest that I do it and manage to NEVER hear the phrase where I said, "No, I don't want to." I should know by Friday if it's :cheer2: for me! :rotfl2:

Nancy--congrats on 2000 posts!!! That's my new goal!! :dance3:

[PrincessNancy96]

No, they can't tell me I HAVE to, but they can strongly suggest that I do it and manage to NEVER hear the phrase where I said, "No, I don't want to." I should know by Friday if it's :cheer2: for me! :rotfl2:

Nancy--congrats on 2000 posts!!! That's my new goal!! :dance3:

Thanks!!! I'm such a chatter box! AS my DH says.. YOU always talk, you never stop! Well, guess who may just not eat tomorrow!!! :rotfl:

Well, what is going on with the cheerleading? I thought you were getting a break???

[PrincessNancy96]

Add me to the list of signing the planner every day....

and Buffy, I feel your pain about them 'losing' your ds for the 10 minutes...my ds left the class twice in one day last month. I had a ROYAL FIT!

SIOH, so, what's gonna happen with cheerleading? They can't tell you that you HAVE to, right? (or can they??)

Nancy, LOL about finding B words in your mags!!! :lmao: Congrats on 2000!!!

I'm done w/about 75% of my shopping.....all the teachers, scout leaders, religious ed teachers, bus drivers, etc, are done, some relatives are done, and have a bunch of stuff for the kids, but my ds just wrote his santa list today...



Here's mine..
Dear Santa,
I want some SLEEP! Please!!!

:teeth:

Hey add me to the sleep request..and the no homework request..and the give me a break request!!! LOL
I helped him find P words today... can I tell you.. I found every old magazine we had! NO scrapping magazines for you sweetiepie!!!
I wonder what DH would say if I gave him the computer magazine when he gets to the letter C!

AWM~ they get special treatment for a sports team.. I hate that.. that is so wrong.. I think they should be held accountable too, so what they play sports.. they still need an education! My kids are all sports junkies and homework is still a priority before TV, phone, friends.. If you can't do homework and maintain A/B's on your work.. you can't play.. I have gone as far as going taking game time away and they have to ride the bench.. Now, it's a little easier in the recreational leagues cause DH is usually the coach.. but I won't hesitate to tell DD, DSs that no game til the grades are up! :teacher: Like I tell my kids.. there is NO guarantee in life that SPORTS is where your money will come from, there is a guarantee that your money will come from the EDUCATION you give yourself!

[rlovew]

As a teacher myself I can see the problems you are having from both points of view. I ask for my students agendas to be signed nioghtly and I take time out of my planning period to sign and write a note to every parent each day. I only keep students in from recess if they aren't signed on nights I have written test grades in the agenda. I have to keep all of their tests (except spelling and phonics) on file so I can't send them home. I don't want parents to be shocked at progress reports or report cards so I make sure the grades get signed.

I hate homework and sending homework and checking it- I wouldn't give any if my parents didn't expect it.

[AlexWyattMommy]

Crazy isn't it? One almost expects the "Special" treatment or to hear about from High School students - but THIRD grade? Come on. It is rediculous. Lucky for me my boys are more artistically gifted than athletic.

I am glad to see that there other moms out there who believe education comes before recreation (which is what sports are whether school or community).

[AlexWyattMommy]

rlovew, I don't think you are in the majority with regards to sending home personal notes. I don't think I have ever seen one in my DS planner. And I do believe that would make a difference.

I would LOVE to know what goes on everyday like that. Will you come to our school and teach?

[Mickeyteacher]

Hey, that isn't teaching them anything!!! Responsiblity is a big deal..and how can they earn it back? Why can't they earn it back? Our school tried "bucks" where the kids earned money or could lose money depending on the activity/event/homework..but NEVER were they told if they lost money they couldn't go to the goodie bin. We had one teacher, DS10's teacher, in 4th grade..that let them accumulate money all year.. if they wanted they could cash out early..but if they accumulated X dollars they got a big prize.. They could eat lunch in the classroom w/ a friend and the teacher, lunch w/ the teacher only and MCD's was the treat...




Ok, I'm a teacher and I'm sitting here wondering why people would expect children to be perfect. This is what I do in my classroom (5th Grade)- They have "dolphin Dollars" and they earn them and they have them taken away- the rules, amounts and rewards are class decided on in the beginning of the year. Once a quarter they can cash them in for really big items- Once a month they can cash them in for medium size stuff. Every week they have the opportunity to buy little stuff (gum, a peice of candy, pencils, ect)
If I got money taken out of my paycheck everytime I forgot something- boy, I would owe the school system for letting me work there!
I do understand that children need to read every night- but my 1st graders reading log has been lost for months! I do not sign it or anything- the teacher can tell that he reads by how many AR tests he takes. I also would be mad if my child was kept in for not having me fill out a paper-
In our school we are not allowed to keep students from playing on the playground for the whole recess- if they do not do homework, I make them make it up during the day and they walk around the baseball field for a couple of minutes- they get exercise and them we talk about how we can fix this problem so that it does not happen again.

I'm sorry that ya'll have had problem- I'm not perfect, but I do treat the children in my class as my own.

S :)

[Mickeyteacher]

BTW... I have decorated the house- last year we put away three trees- this year four came out of storage- I just had to put them all up! DH was not to happy about the extra tree but I found the perfect place for it!
I have not shopped yet- I plan on doing that this weekend! Since we are giving the kids their trip to Disney World- I don't have much to buy.
Baking is half done.
Nothing is wrapped because I have not bought anything.
Grades are almost done at school- I have to up load grades before I can leave for Disney- Now if that is not a reason to grade all those paper then I do not know what is.
SS stuff is bought, wrapped and ready to go out- I'm going to send it on Friday. My normal postoffice man has been away on business this week. DH will be home tomorrow!
S :)

[BernardandMissBianca]

we only get notes from teachers when things go bad, which don't think is right.


AWM you can't have rlovew, she's mine!! I saw her first! :p

P.S. I want to make sure we don't start a debate, share the love people! :teeth: :love: I love our school for the most part, that can dump the principal but that's another story, however, I went to school. I'm done with school but I feel like I'm the one in the 5th grade again.
Was school this tough when we went??? I don't remember getting 2 hours of homework in the 5th grade do you?

[BernardandMissBianca]

BTW... I have decorated the house- last year we put away three trees- this year four came out of storage- I just had to put them all up! DH was not to happy about the extra tree but I found the perfect place for it!
I have not shopped yet- I plan on doing that this weekend! Since we are giving the kids their trip to Disney World- I don't have much to buy.
Baking is half done.
Nothing is wrapped because I have not bought anything.
Grades are almost done at school- I have to up load grades before I can leave for Disney- Now if that is not a reason to grade all those paper then I do not know what is.
SS stuff is bought, wrapped and ready to go out- I'm going to send it on Friday. My normal postoffice man has been away on business this week. DH will be home tomorrow!
S :)


When are you leaving for WDW??? Have a great trip!! We went in Dec last year and loved it!

[StitchIsOurHero]

Sharing the :love: here! :teeth: I love our no debates threads!!

rlovew--that is awesome that you write personal notes to the parents! I hope they appreciate that as much as they should! :thumbsup2

Mickeyteacher--I think your dolphin dollars sound neat! I would have been one of those kids who never had any dollars at the end of the year--I would've spent them when I got them! ;) Yep, I was an instant gratification child! :rotfl: Have fun on your trip!! It'll be here SOON!!

I'm impressed with all of you who have all of your decorating and everything done! That's amazing! Please feel free to come to my house! :teeth:

B&MB--I try not to remember what school was like when we went. I think I did have one of those "reward" systems in 3rd grade, but I don't remember. Hmmm. . .could it have been that I never got to pull a prize? :lmao:

Have a great night, everyone! :thumbsup2

[Mickeyteacher]

When are you leaving for WDW??? Have a great trip!! We went in Dec last year and loved it!

We leave on the 15th. I can not wait- we have not told the kids yet, we are planning on waking them up at Disney on the 16th and telling them that we are here- this is their big Christmas gift and my Graduation gift to them. I did tell my DS two weeks ago but he does not remember it- he was in the OR getting his tonsils removed :rotfl2: - DH said I was mean for doing it!

[party of 3]

We leave on the 15th. I can not wait- we have not told the kids yet, we are planning on waking them up at Disney on the 16th and telling them that we are here- this is their big Christmas gift and my Graduation gift to them. I did tell my DS two weeks ago but he does not remember it- he was in the OR getting his tonsils removed :rotfl2: - DH said I was mean for doing it!


i wish someone would wake me up and tell me i'm at wdw!!!! what a wonderful christmas present! have a great trip!

[PrincessNancy96]

As a teacher myself I can see the problems you are having from both points of view. I ask for my students agendas to be signed nioghtly and I take time out of my planning period to sign and write a note to every parent each day. I only keep students in from recess if they aren't signed on nights I have written test grades in the agenda. I have to keep all of their tests (except spelling and phonics) on file so I can't send them home. I don't want parents to be shocked at progress reports or report cards so I make sure the grades get signed.

I hate homework and sending homework and checking it- I wouldn't give any if my parents didn't expect it.
I think I would enjoy having a note in the agenda... just a little note to say he is doing great or grades.. we don't have grades given to us in the agenda.. that would be nice.. it'd be a constant record of grades..... I do get upset when we don't have at least a weeks notice on tests... I know sometimes you just can't especially on pop quizzes...

[PrincessNancy96]

Ok, I'm a teacher and I'm sitting here wondering why people would expect children to be perfect. This is what I do in my classroom (5th Grade)- They have "dolphin Dollars" and they earn them and they have them taken away- the rules, amounts and rewards are class decided on in the beginning of the year. Once a quarter they can cash them in for really big items- Once a month they can cash them in for medium size stuff. Every week they have the opportunity to buy little stuff (gum, a peice of candy, pencils, ect)
If I got money taken out of my paycheck everytime I forgot something- boy, I would owe the school system for letting me work there!
I do understand that children need to read every night- but my 1st graders reading log has been lost for months! I do not sign it or anything- the teacher can tell that he reads by how many AR tests he takes. I also would be mad if my child was kept in for not having me fill out a paper-
In our school we are not allowed to keep students from playing on the playground for the whole recess- if they do not do homework, I make them make it up during the day and they walk around the baseball field for a couple of minutes- they get exercise and them we talk about how we can fix this problem so that it does not happen again.

I'm sorry that ya'll have had problem- I'm not perfect, but I do treat the children in my class as my own.

S :)
I hope I didn't offend you.. What I was trying to say in regards to KAMommy's post was that I thought it was awful that if her DD lost money that she couldn't earn it back or that she couldn't go to the goodie bin if she even lost 1 dollar of the 5 she had to start the week..
Responsibility is a big deal..believe me.. I'm battling it here w/ my own kids..
Believe me, my kids aren't perfect.. I just want them to realize that education is important.. sports or other activities are second..
I go through backpacks every day.. it's been a tradition that they give me their backpacks as soon as they arrive home.. This allows me to go through and make sure they have everything; if not it's a run to school and a discussion about remembering.. Do I forget things, oh yeah!!! I think I owe money too!

ETA: I think the "buck" idea is good.. I just wish it was better explained to the parents...that way when child comes home we'd understand the system and could help explain why this or that happened...

[AlexWyattMommy]

I like my DS teacher. She is nice and she does have her hands full with 11 active football players in her class who forget that they are no longer on the field.
And I totally agree, not every system is the best for every child and we all agree education is important (or you all wouldn't be teachers 'cause you sure don't do it for the $$$)

I really want to wake up in WDW. I've been playing that game on ebay, you never really know. Maybe I am destined to go to WDW sooner than later.

As for decorating, ugh, still decluttering my house. I do have one tree up that boys "helped" decorated. And, yup, it looks like it. Good thing my perfectionist personality took a vacation today. Still have to buy presents for my folks, but the nephews & nieces are done. I have all these really great altered paint cans that I'm putting gift cards into. :rotfl: I had to have some reason for making them or my DH would have not been happy with me.

[rlovew]

I'm proud of all of you that have started or finished decorating. Maybe after my conference this weekend in Tampa I'll start getting things up but more likely it will be next weekend. More than likely though decorations won't go up until I get back from my next trip to Disney. I am going up on the 18th of December for a couple of days with 2 of the girls in my middle school Bible study. I can't wait- I'll get to spend the whole day at the parks without DH grouching about wanting a nap. Although he was pretty good about it last week but I had to wear my birthday button to help him remember it was my trip.

[KAMommy]

See Nancy...I told you that you started this thread to hit 2,000!!! :banana:

I would like to clarify (okay that sounds too debate-y)...I would like to just say that part of the problem I am having is that DD is in a completely new school and the administration still doesn't have it's head on straight...so I don't know how the teachers could be working effectively. It is horrible! They "hand-picked" the PTA - without notifying anyone of the meeting, the office is disorganized...really bad.

And DD's teacher is a nice person, I think she is just overwhelmed as a new teacher, and she has to deal with the school level chaos on top of that - she really isn't getting much help - so I have been trying to cut a LOT of slack. I got a note today that DD had a bit of a temper tantrum in class today (for which we are thoroughly grounded), but I haven't gotten anything telling me she was penalized for forgetting things. After this year is over, I am going to ask her what she feels the dollar system she has accomplished, and I am going to let her know what it did for DD. Basically, if (like this week) DD loses a dollar over something, I can count on her being in trouble for the rest of the week - she knows she has lost her treat bin trip, she knows she can't get it back and she stops caring. And I can't believe she is the only kid who is feeling that way.

All that being said...the teacher is new, she really is trying and DD is learning a lot...that's why I haven't pitched a huge fit.

OH - and homework - the entire second grade has a least two worksheets a night, and this week we are learning the preamble to the Constitution.

[Mickster]

Phew! I thought first grade was overwhelming! I don't have much to add, except to say Holy Cow!

My DS has homework every night (math and reading) and spelling 2 x a week. The math is a single work sheet that his teacher has already explained and he is supposed to read for 15 minutes. All we have to do is initial that he did it. His teacher is a 2nd year teacher and seems really on the ball. I have been subbing at his school (I'm certified chemsitry, and I've been subbing in kindergarten - what a treat! It's been fun!!), so I've gotten to know the teachers and the administration. So far, I'm pretty happy. Enough about that though... :rolleyes1

On to the good stuff. I am decorated. Every year my ILs come out for Thanksgiving and stay for a few days to help decorate. So, the tree and inside stuff went up on Friday and the outside stuff on Saturday. Done. Because they were here, I got my envelopes printed and the inside of my Christmas cards printed. My DS drew the outside at school. I just have to get my DH in gear to give me back the picture for the inside. We had to do just a bit of photoshopping. (Is that a word???) I am pretty much done with shopping but haven't even thought about wrapping. That is my least favorite job.

Well, I think I've written enough for now. Time for bed. :smooth:

[BernardandMissBianca]

WOW I didn't realize how many of us have kids around the same grades and ages.

Can I just say, I am thoroughly jealous that 2 of you are going to WDW over the holidays. This is the first year since we started going that we don't have a trip planned. I'm going through WDW withdrawal. March can't come here fast enough!

OK so who is on their way to help me put some xmas cheer into my house. I have to get a tree still!!!
We have a holiday workshop on Friday, Sat DS5 has a birthday party at 1pm, and Sunday is the Mini car club christmas party at 12. And they are having a Yankee Swap so I need to get 2 gifts. Any ideas???? Roughly around $20 a piece.
When will I get a tree??? I'm trying to convince DH to put it on the mini but he's not buying it, he doesn't want to mess up the top of the car. :rolleyes:

[Downrivermama]

I hear ya! My dd's kindergarten teacher and aide let my dd and others wander. I would get a call at work to tell me that her and another child were in the girls room throwing wet paper towels up to the ceiling! I can laugh about it now, but it was so aggravating. I told her it was her responsibility to keep track of my dd. How can you not notice if the classroom door opens? That teacher would call for every little thing. 2 weeks before Christmas she left a voice mail at work that my dd was "bouncing off the walls!" What kid isn't bouncing off the walls at this time of year?! Couldn't wait to get out of that class

DD is in 3rd grade and has a very good teacher. I really didn't want her to have this teacher, but she is great! I thought she would be too structured, after the chaos of K,1/2 but dd loves it. They have a toke economy going this year and get dollars to use at the store every other month. I really don't think that is a good way to teach responsibility.

I have to sign her planner every day and sometimes that gets old.

[PrincessNancy96]

You know.. I'm glad to see most of us are dealing w/ planners to be signed.. I wonder what our parents thought..because I'm sure most of us didn't have that.. I really don't remember my parents being there for homework help until I was in high school.. If I need help Dad took the math/science/social studies.. Mom took the English. DH and I can tag team and I think it drives the kids crazy!!

I'm also glad to see most of the schools are utilizing aides too.. We didn't have that growing up either...

[Downrivermama]

School is so different than when I was in grade school. I don't remember having any homework until 5 or 6 grade. My dd has had homework since kindergarten. The classroom are 2 grades. My dd is in 3/4 this year. We use to call it a split class when I was a kid.

She has a project due on Dec 11. A time capsule to open on her HS graduation day. The teacher even included the grade rubic! They are supose to put in things that match their multiple intellegences and make predictions about the future. DD is still pondering what to put in it.

Thankfully after 3 years of unorganized teachers, I have a good one. She even emails!

[PrincessNancy96]

Emails!! That is the best way to reach our teachers any more.. Our teachers seem to be bombarded w/ meetings.. I feel for them.. sometimes I wonder how they get their teaching done with all the meetings.
Right now, my dd13, 7th grade, just gave us (well, last night) a project due next week..and they have to use power point and make slides.. I sure hope she knows how that project works.. She is good at projects but when I don't understand them, I stress out!! Power point.. I have no clue! :(

[AlexWyattMommy]

Oh, I remember Power Point. I used to do marketing and had to make presentation in Power Point all the time. When they first came out with the "special effects" I so over did them that I drove everybody crazy.

We have to finish a project by the 4th of a book report and speech in the first person from a biography. My DS has been home all week with pneumonia and hasn't had the opportunity to have help from his teach with it. Hate to see what kinda grade he gets with just me helping.

[PrincessNancy96]

Oh, I remember Power Point. I used to do marketing and had to make presentation in Power Point all the time. When they first came out with the "special effects" I so over did them that I drove everybody crazy.

We have to finish a project by the 4th of a book report and speech in the first person from a biography. My DS has been home all week with pneumonia and hasn't had the opportunity to have help from his teach with it. Hate to see what kinda grade he gets with just me helping.
Well, DH says he understands it and uses it..but if we get stuck can I PM you? Yes, she wants special effects...and he said they could be used... He gave them specific instructions on what he expects or points will be deducted.. It should be a good project.. I just wish I understood or had been exposed to the program before.. I guess this is just as good as time as any for me to learn... now, my DD is teaching me... We may to need to send her to DISNEY by next week for her to recover! ;)

ETA: pneumonia? Oh the poor guy! I hope he feels better soon! My kids when they had a bio in first person speech they also had to dress like the person. It was neat to see some of the kids.. One child dressed as Betsy Ross and her mom even started a flag blanket and she stitched it while giving her speech.. Cam decided he needed to be JFK and dressed in a tux and was giving a speech at the White House like his inaguration!

[AlexWyattMommy]

Sure you can PM questions. I might even have some answers left in my half gone brain. We have PowerPoint 2000 on our machine. I really have no idea what the latest and better version would be, but the basics are still the basics.

My poor little guy. He was so sick during Thanksgiving, but he insisted on staying with my MIL for the weekend. I thought he would be over the cold when he came home, but he was running a fever and had been so I found out. We had no school Monday, so I took him in to the doctor. She listened to him breathe and sure enough, his right lung is filled with fluid. He's on antibiotics for 10 days.

He picked Abraham Lincoln to be this year. I can make a top hat, but where am I going find one of those bulky bow ties? It was easier when he was Davy Crockett in first grade.

[PrincessNancy96]

We just got powerpoint2003 the other day in the office professional edition. But like you said.. basics are basics...

Let's see..bulky bow tie.. I'll have to think about that one!!!

[Mickeyteacher]

I hope I didn't offend you.. What I was trying to say in regards to KAMommy's post was that I thought it was awful that if her DD lost money that she couldn't earn it back or that she couldn't go to the goodie bin if she even lost 1 dollar of the 5 she had to start the week..
Responsibility is a big deal..believe me.. I'm battling it here w/ my own kids..
Believe me, my kids aren't perfect.. I just want them to realize that education is important.. sports or other activities are second..
I go through backpacks every day.. it's been a tradition that they give me their backpacks as soon as they arrive home.. This allows me to go through and make sure they have everything; if not it's a run to school and a discussion about remembering.. Do I forget things, oh yeah!!! I think I owe money too!

ETA: I think the "buck" idea is good.. I just wish it was better explained to the parents...that way when child comes home we'd understand the system and could help explain why this or that happened...


No offence taken- I guess my point is that kids are human and they need to have a way to make mistakes are learn from them. They should be able to earn money back! $$$$ is a good system if it is consitent and fair. I agree- My kids (at school and at home) know that I value education in a big way-

BTW- I'm leaving for the world in 15 days and my DS asked if he could have a sleep over the first night of hoilday break with a friend of his. I told him no and he got mad. Silly kid the friend and his family will be at Disney staying in the same resort while we are there! I think he is going to freak when he puts two and two together!

Happy Friday,
Shawna

[Mickster]

BTW- I'm leaving for the world in 15 days and my DS asked if he could have a sleep over the first night of hoilday break with a friend of his. I told him no and he got mad. Silly kid the friend and his family will be at Disney staying in the same resort while we are there! I think he is going to freak when he puts two and two together!


Shawna: That is awesome! :cool1: I tried to keep our trip a secret, but DH just couldn't do it! The kids are very excited and they have 75 days to go! Yikes!!

[PrincessNancy96]

No offence taken- I guess my point is that kids are human and they need to have a way to make mistakes are learn from them. They should be able to earn money back! $$$$ is a good system if it is consitent and fair. I agree- My kids (at school and at home) know that I value education in a big way-

BTW- I'm leaving for the world in 15 days and my DS asked if he could have a sleep over the first night of hoilday break with a friend of his. I told him no and he got mad. Silly kid the friend and his family will be at Disney staying in the same resort while we are there! I think he is going to freak when he puts two and two together!

Happy Friday,
Shawna
LOL! What a way to have that come around.. His friend will be there too!!!
I'd like to wake up in DISNEY! Especially with all of DS10's homework tonight! 2 hours and counting and he isn't struggling... every subject came home tonight and 2 tests!

[AtlantaSue]

We are actually hosting a Christmas party this weekend - for our Sun. School class. I have been scurrying around decorating, shopping, wrapping gifts this week! We put the tree up last Sunday. Tomorrow I am going to make egg nog and farm all of the children out by mid-day. The holidays are in full swing over here!