DIS Dads DDC XIX - Squirrel!

[wasnotafan]

Morning gentlemen. On the green side of the grass so that is a good thing.

Last two days of "school" for the kids. DD has done nothing all week and has more of the same scheduled for today and tomorrow. DS's teacher is at least making them do something in the morning.

I was talking with an FFA instructor this morning and their county school already graduated last week. He was running through his mind the non-FFA students that "graduated" that aren't even reading or writing at grade level.

Homeschooling is looking more promising all the time.

 

[GoofyDadinVA]

Morning gentlemen. On the green side of the grass so that is a good thing.

Last two days of "school" for the kids. DD has done nothing all week and has more of the same scheduled for today and tomorrow. DS's teacher is at least making them do something in the morning.

I was talking with an FFA instructor this morning and their county school already graduated last week. He was running through his mind the non-FFA students that "graduated" that aren't even reading or writing at grade level.

Homeschooling is looking more promising all the time.

As a teacher at a private school with a spouse who works in a public school system, this makes me sad. I understand the frustrations and certainly recognize the value of homeschooling for many people, but anytime a school or system is indicted for failing to meet the most basic expectations it saddens me.

 

[AirGoofy]

DW was telling me about that yesterday. I’ll need to see more details. If it’s just a variation on what they’ve been doing with the Narnia & Caspian films but just inserting the character and scenery for Jack…

Then I’ll be skipping that one.

They certainly need something else in that spot though.

I had read they were going to put in a P&F roller coaster behind that area, but nothing other that a post.

I was talking with an FFA instructor this morning and their county school already graduated last week. He was running through his mind the non-FFA students that "graduated" that aren't even reading or writing at grade level.

Homeschooling is looking more promising all the time.

I don't think our public schools are that bad here (good test scores), but I wasn't happy with Catholic schools here either. They teach to the test here - learn to spell chortle because it is there - so not happy with that either. I replied on the rant board as well. When we got married, I wanted to live further out in county - not to be a farmer as that is way too much work - but to have enough land to be able to raise some of our food. DW said no, she did not like living with dad on his land with horses, so we have the 1/5 acre lot in subdivision. Beverly.

 

[GoofyIsAsGoofyDoes]

Last two days of "school" for the kids. DD has done nothing all week and has more of the same scheduled for today and tomorrow. DS's teacher is at least making them do something in the morning.

I was talking with an FFA instructor this morning and their county school already graduated last week. He was running through his mind the non-FFA students that "graduated" that aren't even reading or writing at grade level.

Homeschooling is looking more promising all the time.

As a teacher at a private school with a spouse who works in a public school system, this makes me sad. I understand the frustrations and certainly recognize the value of homeschooling for many people, but anytime a school or system is indicted for failing to meet the most basic expectations it saddens me.

I must be a rarity… I’m rather pleased with our public schools. Just hearing the kids cuss about how hard the work is tells me that they are bring challenged. They certainly haven’t packed it in for the year yet. He’s got daily homework, major tests still to come and a voluminous research paper due at the end of the month as well. Now, could my boy be doing better… yes he could, but that’s more his fault then the teachers. As it is though, he is doing well (just not in the top 10%). He’s also being exposed to a lot of different points of view, personalities, and even cultures. It’s rather interesting to get into a discussion and hear his take on history and the sciences, government, current events, pop-culture, and even the “pointless drama” that bedevils some of his class mates.

I count myself as being rather lucky.

 

[GoofyDadinVA]

I must be a rarity… I’m rather pleased with our public schools. Just hearing the kids cuss about how hard the work is tells me that they are bring challenged. They certainly haven’t packed it in for the year yet. He’s got daily homework, major tests still to come and a voluminous research paper due at the end of the month as well. Now, could my boy be doing better… yes he could, but that’s more his fault then the teachers. As it is though, he is doing well (just not in the top 10%). He’s also being exposed to a lot of different points of view, personalities, and even cultures. It’s rather interesting to get into a discussion and hear his take on history and the sciences, government, current events, pop-culture, and even the “pointless drama” that bedevils some of his class mates.

I count myself as being rather lucky.

It definitely sounds like you and your son are in a good situation.

We are pleased with the education our kids are getting as well, it's one of the reasons we live where we do. It's interesting and a longish story, but while I teach at a private school and my wife works for a public school system, our children are enrolled in a different public school system.

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Morning gentlemen. On the green side of the grass so that is a good thing.

Last two days of "school" for the kids. DD has done nothing all week and has more of the same scheduled for today and tomorrow. DS's teacher is at least making them do something in the morning.

I was talking with an FFA instructor this morning and their county school already graduated last week. He was running through his mind the non-FFA students that "graduated" that aren't even reading or writing at grade level.

Homeschooling is looking more promising all the time.

As a teacher at a private school with a spouse who works in a public school system, this makes me sad. I understand the frustrations and certainly recognize the value of homeschooling for many people, but anytime a school or system is indicted for failing to meet the most basic expectations it saddens me.

I must be a rarity… I’m rather pleased with our public schools. Just hearing the kids cuss about how hard the work is tells me that they are bring challenged. They certainly haven’t packed it in for the year yet. He’s got daily homework, major tests still to come and a voluminous research paper due at the end of the month as well. Now, could my boy be doing better… yes he could, but that’s more his fault then the teachers. As it is though, he is doing well (just not in the top 10%). He’s also being exposed to a lot of different points of view, personalities, and even cultures. It’s rather interesting to get into a discussion and hear his take on history and the sciences, government, current events, pop-culture, and even the “pointless drama” that bedevils some of his class mates.

I count myself as being rather lucky.

I've heard good things about the public school district in our area, but our kids attend a charter school. We had heard good things about it and entered them in the lottery, and they got in--probably the only lottery we'll ever win. We've been thrilled with the school. One of the reasons I think it succeeds is because parental involvement is a requirement. I know I've read about studies that say parental involvement is one of the biggest factors in the success of education. Just my $0.02.

 

[Emma's Dad]

I've heard good things about the public school district in our area, but our kids attend a charter school. We had heard good things about it and entered them in the lottery, and they got in--probably the only lottery we'll ever win. We've been thrilled with the school. One of the reasons I think it succeeds is because parental involvement is a requirement. I know I've read about studies that say parental involvement is one of the biggest factors in the success of education. Just my $0.02.

+1

 

[AirGoofy]

I've heard good things about the public school district in our area, but our kids attend a charter school. We had heard good things about it and entered them in the lottery, and they got in--probably the only lottery we'll ever win. We've been thrilled with the school. One of the reasons I think it succeeds is because parental involvement is a requirement. I know I've read about studies that say parental involvement is one of the biggest factors in the success of education. Just my $0.02.

I agree that it is a parent's responsibility to educate their children - not the government. I'm glad to hear the Charter school is working for you - a positive example. But, so often, all we get is negative interference or barriers.

 

[GoofyDadinVA]

I agree that it is a parent's responsibility to educate their children - not the government. I'm glad to hear the Charter school is working for you - a positive example. But, so often, all we get is negative interference or barriers.

Positive parental involvement, not helicopter parenting or parents who think involvement means "I'm here to make sure that you do everything for my child, including things that I should be doing myself."


The other day, my wife received a phone call from a parent, we'll call her Suzy. Suzy was complaining that another parent, "Minnie", was bullying her (Suzy) at their children's bus stops. No one was bothering the kids mind you, the mom was complaining about the other mom being mean to her and expecting my wife, the principal at their daughters' school to do something about it. That's not the type of parental involvement that helps a student.

 

[RodBelding]

I had read they were going to put in a P&F roller coaster behind that area, but nothing other that a post.

Hadn't heard that. But it would be cool!

 

[GoofyDadinVA]

Hadn't heard that. But it would be cool!

It would be, but I heard a rumor that Candace busted them.

 

[Bo Duke]

Think about it

95 degrees with 100% Humidity
Mosquitos that drink a quart of blood with one bite
Roaches as big as small dogs
Overweight tourists wearing speedos
Marlins and Dolphins are worse than bad
Child that is going to cost a small fortune for the next 4 years
Will give you the diving part and 4 hours from Disney

I thought you were starting a list of complaints about Wisconsin Dells there for a minute. Am I right Barry?

I've heard good things about the public school district in our area, but our kids attend a charter school. We had heard good things about it and entered them in the lottery, and they got in--probably the only lottery we'll ever win. We've been thrilled with the school. One of the reasons I think it succeeds is because parental involvement is a requirement. I know I've read about studies that say parental involvement is one of the biggest factors in the success of education. Just my $0.02.

+1

I agree that it is a parent's responsibility to educate their children - not the government. I'm glad to hear the Charter school is working for you - a positive example. But, so often, all we get is negative interference or barriers.

I also agree with the parental involvement. Only issue here is we get called pushy parents. Apparently we expect too much.

Long story short, Our oldest was finally moved ahead a grade after tests (that we had been requesting for over a year) They did some more tests this year said he is still advanced for his age and class. The forensics teacher has now become involved (i guess he was supposed to be from the beginning) Did a some more tests and said he is reading at a High school level (our son is in 3rd grade). His 3rd grade teacher has told our son (he has come home and said this) the he is lying about his reading abilities and needs to pick more "grade appropriate" books. Apparently she says he should only be reading a 3rd grade level book, when he has been told to choose harder books by us and the forensics teacher.

And that is the short version

 

[GoofyDadinVA]

I also agree with the parental involvement. Only issue here is we get called pushy parents. Apparently we expect too much.

When your child has special needs, whether it is because of being advanced, medical issues, or being developmentally delayed, you've got to be a pushy parent. Good for you guys, don't stop, make sure to get everything in writing and hold the school and teacher accountable.

 

[Bo Duke]

When your child has special needs, whether it is because of being advanced, medical issues, or being developmentally delayed, you've got to be a pushy parent. Good for you guys, don't stop, make sure to get everything in writing and hold the school and teacher accountable.

We have been. Unfortunately we haven't done enough because it seems as both boys have gone backwards a little. Both of them have gone down for their mid year test scores from where they were in the beginning of the year. (they have started testing each quarter) So we have some work to do. I don't know (and I have no proof to go on) but I wonder if the state issues and our local issues (trying to decide which school to close) has had some affect on the school side of the learning or not. Maybe it is just us. I don't know. Something to work on though.

 

[Bo Duke]

We were going to do home school or virtual school (which we have done once before) but my wife wasn't sure if she could handle both of the boys. So we put them back in our local school and supplement at home.

 

[DEA]

Ahhh, that's not the one I was thinking about, but that would be a good place for one. A quick food tip while in Colonial Williamsburg...behind that block you are talking about...towards the left-hand side if you are facing away from William and Mary is a shop called the cheese shop, !they make sandwiches on their own bread. The tip is that you can buy the "ends" of the bread...it's the part they cut off to make their sandwiches, but is still freshly made bread. It's cheap and then you can use that to make your own sandwiches!

The Cheese Shop is indeed awesome. I went to college at W&M and spent a great deal of money there. It is now actually on the right side of the street (Duke of Gloucester street) if you're facing away from W&M. It moved from the previous location around 2003, I think. It and a fancy-ish restaurant called Fat Canary took the spot previously occupied by the incorrectly named "A Good Place to Eat."

The trick to the bread ends is to get some amount of their house dressing to dip the bread ends into. This is the reason I gained weight in college. And beer.

 

[cj9200]

Good morning Dads

According to my first period class, not only is math hard, but "it's too early for math"

I need to run or something, maybe seeing you guys posting about it will encourage me to do something.

My kid is taking her IB math test right now. A lot of stress in our household.

As a teacher at a private school with a spouse who works in a public school system, this makes me sad. I understand the frustrations and certainly recognize the value of homeschooling for many people, but anytime a school or system is indicted for failing to meet the most basic expectations it saddens me.

We were lucky. From elementary school, the Pirate Princess was in an IB magnet program. Very rigorous academic program. Special certification for the school and teachers. They are also tough on the kids. Went to a parent teacher meeting when she was in the third grade and one parent who was new to the program complained about all of the homework. All of us "old timers" chuckled and before the principal could answer we told him to get used to it. That is the way it is.

Have nothing but good things to say about her public education. Also have to admire her teachers. In elementary school I was invited to attend her classes one day. After about 15 minutes, I was ready to get the hell out of there. Leave me in charge of those little munchkins for a whole day and I would be reduced to a sobbing blob of goo crying in a corner. No amount of money could make me be a teacher.

 

[GoofyDadinVA]

The Cheese Shop is indeed awesome. I went to college at W&M and spent a great deal of money there. It is now actually on the right side of the street (Duke of Gloucester street) if you're facing away from W&M. It moved from the previous location around 2003, I think. It and a fancy-ish restaurant called Fat Canary took the spot previously occupied by the incorrectly named "A Good Place to Eat."

The trick to the bread ends is to get some amount of their house dressing to dip the bread ends into. This is the reason I gained weight in college. And beer.

Wow, that was a long time ago. Goes to show how long it's been since I've eaten in the historic district. Most of the time we eat in Williamsburg now it's either at my in-laws, Food for Thought, or Red, Hot and Blue.

The beer at the Delis is usually pretty good and helps/hurts with the weight gain.

 

[theduck619]

We were going to do home school or virtual school (which we have done once before) but my wife wasn't sure if she could handle both of the boys. So we put them back in our local school and supplement at home.

We homeschool and it works well for us. Our school district is overcrowded and under staffed. I feel for teachers, they have thier hands tied in alot of situations and there just is not enough time in a day to all they want to.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

Long story short, Our oldest was finally moved ahead a grade after tests (that we had been requesting for over a year) They did some more tests this year said he is still advanced for his age and class. The forensics teacher has now become involved (i guess he was supposed to be from the beginning) Did a some more tests and said he is reading at a High school level (our son is in 3rd grade). His 3rd grade teacher has told our son (he has come home and said this) the he is lying about his reading abilities and needs to pick more "grade appropriate" books. Apparently she says he should only be reading a 3rd grade level book, when he has been told to choose harder books by us and the forensics teacher.

And that is the short version

I always read at a higher grade level, but I think it's because my buddy Stan Lee wrote at collage level.