This is an example of what I was talking about earlier . . .
There is so much that can be going on that the average parent is unaware of - and it is getting to the point that a five year old knows their "rights". Teachers and administrators can be trapped in the middle - with parents of the other kids demanding action that maybe they legally can't take, and legally cannot discuss.
That doesn't mean that anyone should tolerate things happening in school that are contrary to school policy - quite the contrary. But some people tend to jump so quickly. My neighbor had a bussing issue - I am the school board president - did he call me? NO. He chose to write a letter to the editor instead. So I paid him a visit, talked to him, contacted our administration, and found a reasonable and fair solution. No need for a letter to the editor - and one that threatened to vote against our levy.
Our schools can only become better if we all contribute to solving problems and working together (not saying any of the comments on these issues meant you did not do that). All too often I see parents focus just on THEIR issue, and not see or get the big picture.
Public education seems to be under attack in America, and that is sad. At the same time, public education is somehow expected to raise the children as well as educate them - that is not their job.
I also get chagrined when I hear people say they will take their children elsewhere. We can all see the effects (especially in the urban centers) when good families leave the schools, and leave the kids who don't have the option behind.
Too often when they talk about "no child left behind" it is not the school that left them behind - but rather the community. We are blessed in our community - while not perfect, we have a great diversity of economics, racial, ethnicity, and religions. We have the wealthiest kids, the poorest kids, and all in-between. Believe it or not, the poor kids, and other kids that need help are raised up by the other kids from good families - they have good examples to look up to, and pattern.
I guess the bottom line of what I am trying to say is work together! Don't just get angry and react - work together as a partner to solve the problem. Be a part of the solution. If no one wants to solve the problem, then take the measures you feel you have to.
Our society needs less division and more cohesion if our children are going to grow up in a world where they can understand each other and solve problems.
Sorry for the book. I am rather passionate about public education - I feel it is one of the shining aspects of our society - allowing the poorest and humblest child the same opportunity as others. We can't lose that!
Hope you understand that I agree with you guys that bad situations deserve immediate attention - in fact we have a zero tolerance policy on weapons and threats in our schools - a child would be immediately suspended for bringing a knife to school - an unloaded gun - would be immediate expulsion.
Like Dody said, you have to wonder what it is like at home for these kids, and what they must be exposed to every day.
John1
Most people think that because there are almost two years inbetween the kids. She is right before the cut off and DS is right after the cut off here. I expect more from a kid in first grade than Kindergarten as far as behavior is concerned.
DS started out being very accurate but lately he has been extremely careless. I have to wipe down the toilet, floor, walls almost every time.
you and my parents both!Before my talk with his teacher that I relayed to him, he wouldn't even look at a book at that level. His confidence skyrocketed!!!
