Homeschoolers- HELP! This is long

[mudnuri]

Okay- here we go ladies (and guys)

Please try to make it all the way through, then offer me your advice!

Since the beginning of the school year- well, October really, we've (X and me) have had issues with DD10's middle school experience. The school is the same school I went to- and a lot of the teachers are ones that I had. I had and still do have a lot of respect for those teachers.

DD's attitude took a turn for the worse around the end of November, to the point where i wasn't sure whose kid she was. She was a student of the month kid, honor roll, peer tutor etc. through elementary school. Teachers always commented how pleasant she was etc. Yes, she could be a normal kid, but to adults she was very respectful.

She was grounded, lost ALL privledges, phone, tv, computer, friends, etc... (she actually is STILL on that punishment) however, nothing would work. Her father and I sat her down, talked to her, explained what we thought, asked how we could help etc.. she kept telling us, "everyone does it"...the cop out- etc... Well, my response was- no way can EVERYONE be doing it, but even if they are- you arent! Take a stand for your actions etc.

Their has been a bit of bullying going on in the school- with her grade, not always with her involved, however she was thrown into the wall from a boy- and then retaliated against from him. We filed the paperwork, and the end result was it was finally handled correctly...anyway...every week someone is being bullied by someone else, or someone got beat up etc.. (not usually with DD involved)

Fast forward- to progress reports DD was full of D's and F's. From responsibility, to prepared for class etc.. she was full of an I DONT CARE attitude. Mouthy to teachers, talked back to adults etc.. stuff that we NEVER had to deal with before with her. This from a kid who always got A's and B's...never a warning from her teachers that this was coming.

Her father and I start discussing our options, not much to do until next fall, private schools here don't accept midyear enrollment. Okay- we've got to fix this and she has to change for the rest of the year.

I decide to go into her school unannounced on Monday and spend some time with her. To say that I was appald is an understatement. If I had not seen this behavior from 95% of the students, I would not have believed it. Here's 1 instance- 17 kids in reading class, teacher reading a portion of a book they are being tested on after. 15 of the 17 (yup, mine included) were doing things other than listening to him, from getting up, walking around, leaving the room, getting in backpacks, getting snacks, passing notes, talking etc... the teachers- at times their was 4 in this classroom- did nothing. A few- "johnny" "susie" that was it.

I asked the teacher - "when did disrespect become accepted in this school?" remember I went to it, and I had 2 of these 4 teachers! The response was- when parents started complaining because we were holding students accountable for their behavior- with detentions, lost privledges, in school suspensions etc... okay- thats lovely!

for a bit of insite on that- 2 weeks ago, the middle school was in lock down- someone outside of the school seen with a gun- by 7 people- this was a REAL lockdown- which they have had drills for previously. During lockdown- the students are under their desks- heads between their knees, QUIET... not a word, NOTHING... but SILENCE... well, low and behold 17 kids were obnoxious during lockdown.talking, laughing, fooling around. The teachers reported it to the principal, and she suspended all of them for 2 days. Next week, at the school board- some parents complained- and the school board voted to RESCIND the suspensions! Unreal.

Anyway- after yesterday- I decided it was time to pull her out and use homestudy. I did research yesterday and last night with our states requirements, and tons of websites, messageboards, you name it. I found that our state is quite 'easy' to please when it comes to this. I spoke to the homestudy coordinator today at the Dept of Ed, and she was VERY eager to help me get this process taken care of. I started working on getting enough units of study together, so the requirments would be met. I'm aware of where DD is and what she has already done this year, and will continue on that path etc.

Then.........I get a phone call. DD10 .....a boy in her class threatened to rape her. 3 times. He walked by her desk and said quietly and creapy "im going to rape you"...she reported it, went to the resource officer, cops called me etc. Thats taken care of- though nothing 'illegal' and cant be charged (horsecrap!).. I get a call from her dean of students- explain to her that we're done. She's done as of today- will not be coming back. I can't put her in that situation. Not going to happen. She agrees with me, BUT I have 10 days after the dept of ed receives the papers before its official...GREAT....the plan now is to send DD to school- as long as this boy is not there. The dean will call me every afternoon and let me know if he is allowed back in yet.

So after that long winded situation has been let out to you....

When I fill out these papers for the state- how specific do I need to be? It asks "english, american and other literature, describe what will be covered by listing the types to be read, such as fiction, non-fiction, etc.. or the skills to be obtained"

I'm thinking- skills would be easier? ERRRRRR types? HELP!

With science, and math- it will be skills- but for these I dunno

HELP!

Oh yeah- I'm still going to school full time for my RT degree, and am still a single mom LOL...this is the first time I can say thank god DBF is out on workmans comp with double rotator cuff surgeries!

Brandy

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Yikes!

It asks "english, american and other literature, describe what will be covered by listing the types to be read, such as fiction, non-fiction, etc.. or the skills to be obtained"

I'm thinking- skills would be easier? ERRRRRR types? HELP!

With science, and math- it will be skills- but for these I dunno

HELP!

Oh yeah- I'm still going to school full time for my RT degree, and am still a single mom LOL...this is the first time I can say thank god DBF is out on workmans comp with double rotator cuff surgeries!

First a couple of resources...

You can go to HSLDA.com to find out the requierements for your state as well as links to homeschool groups. Find one--anyone in your state, they might give you an EXCELLENT jumping point on how to tackle the "how specific do I need to be".

For Florida--I have to keep a list of all materials used, samples of the work in her portfolio and that is about it--no specific courses of study mentioned.


Second--check how long you have to transition--sometimes you need not transition over night. Example--in my state, we must notify the county within 30 days of starting a homeschool program. So if a student was pulled out--they have a few weeks to gather all their resources and get the ball rolling.


Third: You might check into some curricula--something sold "in a box"...there are some different ones out there..Switched on Schoolhouse, Abeka, et cetera. Since you are midyear--that may be the easiest thing...to get something comprehensive and then just pick up where you think she might be.

The Rainbow Resource Catalogue is an excellent resource--they sell just about everything.

We purchase a syllabus from a Catholic Homeschooling program....it lists what books to purchase and has the schedule for the entire school year. I purchase things al a carte..but it is a nice place to start. Since it is just a syllabus--that is another option and if you are not Catholic, or not even religion....you could just not do the "religion" part of it. I haven't seen the middle school syllabus to know what is covered. The school is "Mother of Divine Grace".

Best of all--I just want to wish you luck. A support group that is local or at least the same state as you would be a good place for some relevant assistance on how to legally homeschool in your state. I am not sure how specific they want you to be as each state has their own laws in regards to documenting your homeschooling experience.

 

[mudnuri]

Yikes!



First a couple of resources...

You can go to HSLDA.com to find out the requierements for your state as well as links to homeschool groups. Find one--anyone in your state, they might give you an EXCELLENT jumping point on how to tackle the "how specific do I need to be".

For Florida--I have to keep a list of all materials used, samples of the work in her portfolio and that is about it--no specific courses of study mentioned.


Second--check how long you have to transition--sometimes you need not transition over night. Example--in my state, we must notify the county within 30 days of starting a homeschool program. So if a student was pulled out--they have a few weeks to gather all their resources and get the ball rolling.


Third: You might check into some curricula--something sold "in a box"...there are some different ones out there..Switched on Schoolhouse, Abeka, et cetera. Since you are midyear--that may be the easiest thing...to get something comprehensive and then just pick up where you think she might be.

The Rainbow Resource Catalogue is an excellent resource--they sell just about everything.

We purchase a syllabus from a Catholic Homeschooling program....it lists what books to purchase and has the schedule for the entire school year. I purchase things al a carte..but it is a nice place to start. Since it is just a syllabus--that is another option and if you are not Catholic, or not even religion....you could just not do the "religion" part of it. I haven't seen the middle school syllabus to know what is covered. The school is "Mother of Divine Grace".

Best of all--I just want to wish you luck. A support group that is local or at least the same state as you would be a good place for some relevant assistance on how to legally homeschool in your state. I am not sure how specific they want you to be as each state has their own laws in regards to documenting your homeschooling experience.

EXCELLENT- thanks!

The state requires either testing at the end of the year, or the portfolio- which is what we're going to do.

I thought about a "box" however, we've got 5 months left, and I'm pretty certain the unit studies I have found will cover everything she's missing from public school- plus what I have added will round her out nicely.

Vermonts requirement is that every child age 6-16 must either be enrolled in PS or in homestudy enrolled through the state dept of ed. Since she is already PS, I have to submit her forms- and the state has 10 days to respond- either asking for more info, or "accepting" the notification. After today's events- I asked what the state laws were for truancy- because if the boy returns to school- DD will be out. I've just emailed her dean, requesting if that happens- I can continue her study at home- with the schools books/homework etc, while waiting for this letter from the state.

Thanks again! Worst case, I can call the lady at the dept of ed tomorrow and ask !

Thanks
Brandy

 

[phorsenuf]

Well first off I want to say how sorry I am you are going through this and your daughter too. Hugs to you both.

While I can't help out on the homeschooling part I would call the supertendant(sp?) of schools and report what you saw in the classes while you were there as that is simply unacceptable. I would also speak to her/him about the boys threat and how they, as a school district handle that type of a situation. Both situations are inexcusable!

 

[mudnuri]

Well first off I want to say how sorry I am you are going through this and your daughter too. Hugs to you both.

While I can't help out on the homeschooling part I would call the supertendant(sp?) of schools and report what you saw in the classes while you were there as that is simply unacceptable. I would also speak to her/him about the boys threat and how they, as a school district handle that type of a situation. Both situations are inexcusable!

Thanks! She's a little upset that we're pulling her out- but she understands fully why we are doing it. This is another time when i am SOOOOOOO glad her father and i get along!

I am composing a formal letter to the super, asst, principal, dean of students, and the school board, informing them of what I saw, and also the incidents today. I took notes while I was in school with her on Monday, so I have actual "i saw a boy....." of course, even though I know names, i wont use them.

I've just finished my packet to mail out tomorrow, and just got an email back from the private school for the fall.....this might just work!

Brandy

 

[laurie31]

I just want to say and wow, your post gave me chills. DH and I have already decided to homeschool DD10 next year, because of just the type things you described. Now, in elementary school, she is polite, helpful and respectful and gets good grades. What you have described is exactly what I fear for next year. I think the middle school environment is toxic and I am not submitting DD to it. I don't mean that to sound arrogant, I think every child deserves a safe environment, and I don't think things are THIS bad at our middle school, but I know what I hear other parents talking about and I don't want DD to turn into an apathetic, smart-mouthed child if I can help it. I know some of it is inevitable as she becomes a young teen, but she shouldn't think that "everybody" is like that, and therefore she should be too. Kids that age want so desperately to fit in...

I hope your homeschooling experience goes well

Also, remember that a day of homeschooling is much shorter than a school day. You don't have all the interruptions, bathroom breaks, lunch, PE, etc to deal with.

 

[KerriSue]

WOW!

I wish I had some homeschooling advice for you, but I have not a clue.

It is just awful how your DDs school has let you down, in every possible way. I do think that you are making the right decision. Best of luck to you and your daughter.

 

[Cindy B]

There is a huge attitude change from elementary to middle school regardless of the student.

Think in elementary they are the big fish in a small pond. Now, in middle school (at least in my district there are twelve sending elementary schools to the middle school) they are the smaller fish in a bigger pond.

Attitude problems are usual for any student any ability. I've also seen attitude from all students since now they are responsible for their own actions. From even the "angel" kids--to the tougher kids. In fact its usually the students of the month that are the worst in the middle school because they are finally rid of thier "geek" image.

We have a lucky situation because we have a choice system with three middle schools in our district. You can choose to go to any school if there is room.

Bullying is normal in any school. It does happen and it will happen. I've had my son get yelled at, punched at and ridiculed. Other kids get it as well. Even in the "best" school --we got into the school with the best reputation and it still happens. Kids will say they want to rape kids, kill kids and jump them.

Be glad that the lockdown actually happened. That is a great thing because someone had a weapon.

Honestly, its not a great situation, but a pretty much normal situatuon. Older teachers (you said they were your teachers as well) do not know how to deal with younger kids of this generation and just pooh pooh it away knowing that retirement is around the corner.

As much as I hate to say this, pulling out is not the answer. The system needs to be changed first and foremost for all the kids-not just your daughter. I give the principal daily phone calls about issues. (He's on my speed dial!). If I dont talk about the problems on a daily basis, no one will.

Yes it kills me that my son has gotten hurt, but it show him that he needs to be tougher mentally and physically. Yes, he also learns how not to handle things and when to get adults involved. Its a no no to talk to adults. Its not only him as well.

This is a life lesson that life is not alway fair, but we as parents will protect them as much as we can. He knows that I will show up and change attitudes quickly. I will be student teaching assignment in his building starting this week--and all his teachers are aware that I am in the building.

10 is very young for middle school as well. Is that 5th grade? Our middle school goes from 6-8 so that is more helpful. 10 year olds have a hard time with 14-15 year olds 8th graders. These young 10 year olds want to impress the 8th grades and emulate their attitudes but they don't get it.

*** ETA ***

I am a full time teaching student. Even I as a senior in teaching college, would never homeschool. I know my kids and know what they can learn from peers.

I have a full course load and could not imagine trying to deal with my states high standards with my course load. What about state testing? In our district all 6-8th graders have a standardized test. How will you administer that test? Where will you submit the results? The NJASK's are tough and GEPA (8th grade) is a requirement to high school entrances. My son is doing Algebra II in 6th grade--and is struggling. I don't have the confidence to help in in Alg II math in the 6th grade.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

*** ETA ***

I am a full time teaching student. Even I as a senior in teaching college, would never homeschool. I know my kids and know what they can learn from peers.

I have a full course load and could not imagine trying to deal with my states high standards with my course load. What about state testing? In our district all 6-8th graders have a standardized test. How will you administer that test? Where will you submit the results? The NJASK's are tough and GEPA (8th grade) is a requirement to high school entrances. My son is doing Algebra II in 6th grade--and is struggling. I don't have the confidence to help in in Alg II math in the 6th grade.

I don't understand your POV but your child your choice. The stuff you mentioned should NOT be normal. It is unacceptable and in the "adult" world--would be a crime. I.e. A man can't walk by a woman and say he is going to rape her. His butt would be thrown in jail.

As for the latter..different states have different requirements, but often you can find a proctoring opportunity to get your student tested and worst case scenario, you can take them to a tutoring/testing center and have it done.

We do ours through our homeschool group and while we are not mandated to submit test scores to the county--we can and that counts as compliance. There are alternatives (portfolio review by certified teacher, test result review by certified teacher and submission of a letter of on-level but not the physical scores...etc).

There are options out there for everyone. It just takes a little bit of research.

 

[cruisnfamily]

As much as I hate to say this, pulling out is not the answer. The system needs to be changed first and foremost for all the kids-not just your daughter. I give the principal daily phone calls about issues. (He's on my speed dial!). If I dont talk about the problems on a daily basis, no one will.


This is a life lesson that life is not alway fair, but we as parents will protect them as much as we can.

10 is very young for middle school as well. Is that 5th grade? Our middle school goes from 6-8 so that is more helpful. 10 year olds have a hard time with 14-15 year olds 8th graders. These young 10 year olds want to impress the 8th grades and emulate their attitudes but they don't get it.

I've snipped out some of your comments but left in the above.

I wanted to say I agree wholeheartedly with everything you've posted.

My son is 11, and in the 5th grade. He just turned 11 in December and most of his peers are still 10. He will enter middle school and 6th grade at age 11 and turn 12 during the year. This is the norm here. I agree that it would be a somewhat scary world for a 10 year old.

Mudnuri, did your daughter skip a grade?


I think the things you're describing are happening everywhere. Pulling out doesn't help make things better. Your child would be better served if you stood up to the school and tried to express your views on the unacceptability of the situation. If change can't happen at that school, then perhaps another public school is the answer.

Bringing her home at this point will isolate her from the real world and she'll miss out on knowing how to handle a boy who says things like that to her. When she's an adult, she quite possibly will not have the social skills needed to handle uncomfortable situations.

I'm not saying homeschooling is wrong...it's the right choice for many many families based on their own views, etc....But this is not the case in your situation. You're trying to escape or run away from things and I think that's not a great idea.

Anyway, not trying to start a debate as I'm sure you'll do what you think is best. Just thought I'd express my opinion on this particular situation. Again, not slamming homeschooling, just dont' think it's what I would do in this case.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Sorry, but I find this earlier post almost disturbing.
I know that this thread is probably going to degenerate into a Homeshool-vs-NONhomeschool and Teachers-vs-Parents flame war. While I am not really meaning to flame anyone personally, I just feel I have to add my thoughts. So here goes.... I have added my thoughts in bold-italic

Bullying is normal in any school. It does happen and it will happen. I've had my son get yelled at, punched at and ridiculed. Other kids get it as well. Even in the "best" school --we got into the school with the best reputation and it still happens. Kids will say they want to rape kids, kill kids and jump them. ...

So, this is normal, and to be expected and accepted???????
Where else in the 'real world' is this kind of thing acceptable???
WHY is this happening??? Where is the accountability.
Sorry, but IMHO, I do NOT find this acceptable.

Honestly, its not a great situation, but a pretty much normal situatuon. Older teachers (you said they were your teachers as well) do not know how to deal with younger kids of this generation and just pooh pooh it away knowing that retirement is around the corner.

Again, retirement is not neccesarily the issue.
Can I bring up Tenure and Unions.
This involves many, many, teachers. not just those who are ready to retire.
Again, where is the accountability?

As much as I hate to say this, pulling out is not the answer. The system needs to be changed first and foremost for all the kids-not just your daughter.

Sorry again, but my childs welfare is more important than 'the system'.
No way am I going to Martyr my child in the very slim hopes of 'change'
As the parent of a special needs child who has to deal with 'the system' on a regular basis, I know how much difference that I can make. *zero*.
Sorry, but if my child is being affected detrimentally, I WILL pull him out. Pulling him out is the only answer.

Yes it kills me that my son has gotten hurt, but it show him that he needs to be tougher mentally ...

Sorry, wow, just wow, I do not even know how to address these comments.
If an adult gets assaulted and hurt, they press charges.
The community has law enforcement and courts in place to protect us.
But, at school, getting threatened and physically hurt is just a 'life lesson'.
Like it is a positive thing?
I can barely even stomach this thought.

I am a full time teaching student. Even I as a senior in teaching college, would never homeschool. I know my kids and know what they can learn from peers.

Yes, the OP is seeing very very clearly just exactly what her child is 'learning from her peers'. That is why she is pulling her child out of the school.

 

[luvflorida]

Bullying is normal in any school. It does happen and it will happen. I've had my son get yelled at, punched at and ridiculed. Other kids get it as well. Even in the "best" school --we got into the school with the best reputation and it still happens. Kids will say they want to rape kids, kill kids and jump them.

Honestly, its not a great situation, but a pretty much normal situatuon. Older teachers (you said they were your teachers as well) do not know how to deal with younger kids of this generation and just pooh pooh it away knowing that retirement is around the corner.

As much as I hate to say this, pulling out is not the answer. The system needs to be changed first and foremost for all the kids-not just your daughter.

I wasn't going to respond to this thread because I was afraid of coming across with a sanctimonious attitude, or sounding like I have all the answers, but I just have to give my two cents.

First of all, even if bullying is a normal, daily occurrence in school, it is also totally UNACCEPTABLE. And I understand that you aren't saying that it is. You're right, it is not a great situation, but no child should have to put up with threats, bullying, or any form of emotonal or physical harassment while at school. And any teacher that does not know how to deal with kids, or chooses not to get involved when needed, should NOT be teaching.

I am a parent of three kids and a former elementary school teacher. I've been on both sides of the desk, so to speak, and I can not emphasize enough the importance of parents speaking up on behalf of their kids. I've said it time and time again. YOU must be the advocate for your child because NOBODY cares about your child, or knows your child, better than you, the parent.

Every child is different and every situation is different. I've had two kids graduate from the public school system, and they did just fine. However, when a problem came up, it was dealt with. Any time any of my kids complained about any type of threat to their safety or to their emotional or physical well-being, it was addressed immediately. If phone calls and e-mails didn't work, then meetings with the appropriate people involved took place. We never stopped until the problem was solved in a satisfactory way.

I don't mean to sound like we were relentless or overly demanding in our dealings with the school system. Many times, all it took was one phone call or one e-mail to solve a problem. We always handled any conflicts with a cordial, respectful attitude, and in a reasonable, civil manner. We also never blamed the school for something that may have been the fault of our child. We held our children accountable for their actions, just as we held the school accountable for theirs.

Things turned out differently for our third child. She is a high school junior and after her mid-term exams, we pulled her out of school. She is being homeschooled, and it was the BEST decision for all of us. I only regret that we didn't do it sooner. The traditonal high school setting was extremely stressful for her, which in turn, made things very stressful for the rest of us. She had a few incidents with peers and teachers during her first few years of high school that disturbed us. Just like our other two kids, we were there for her and always addressed the problems as soon as possible, and stayed with them until they were satisfactorily resolved. However, as each day went by and we saw how unhappy our daughter was at school, we knew something had to change. She is much more sensitive than her older siblings, and school brought out a lot of anxiety in her. With the suppport of the high school, and after countless hours of discussion with my husband, we decided the best thing to do was to remove her from the situation.

She is finishing her high school courses through an independent study program, and she will receive a high school diploma and will go on to college. She is happy to be out of the high school setting, and her stress level, (and mine, too!), has dropped dramatically. She can sleep in, set her own study schedule, and have plenty of time to pursue her other interests. I must say, it is nice not to be tied down to the public school schedule.

Traditional school is not for everyone, just like homeschooling is not for everyone. You just have to do what you think is best for your own child.

I just really want to emphasize, again, that parents must advocate for their kids, and listen to them, and be there for them. If a problem comes up at school, please don't let it slide. Stick with it until you're satisfied with the outcome. Don't EVER turn your head and look the other way and think that it's okay for ANYONE to treat your child in an unacceptable manner.

I don't have all the answers. I wish I did. I do know that as parents, we need to be there for our kids, and to listen to them, and to do whatever we possibly can to help them through the rough times in life.

 

[PlaneJoy1]

EXCELLENT- thanks!

The state requires either testing at the end of the year, or the portfolio- which is what we're going to do.

I thought about a "box" however, we've got 5 months left, and I'm pretty certain the unit studies I have found will cover everything she's missing from public school- plus what I have added will round her out nicely.

Vermonts requirement is that every child age 6-16 must either be enrolled in PS or in homestudy enrolled through the state dept of ed. Since she is already PS, I have to submit her forms- and the state has 10 days to respond- either asking for more info, or "accepting" the notification. After today's events- I asked what the state laws were for truancy- because if the boy returns to school- DD will be out. I've just emailed her dean, requesting if that happens- I can continue her study at home- with the schools books/homework etc, while waiting for this letter from the state.

Thanks again! Worst case, I can call the lady at the dept of ed tomorrow and ask !

Thanks
Brandy

Check out HSLDA.com first! They have all the home school requirements and you might be surprised at what the schools says they require and what is actually required. That's why it is so important to understand the real requirements. I'm not saying that you don't - just make doubly sure.

One thing they'll tell you on that site is to send in ONLY what they require - not a thing more. You don't want to get your self in a situation that you can't change curriculum's if its not working.

Homeschooling is a journey. I would honestly take it easy to begin with and let your children "detox" from the environment they were in. Do some educational field trips, journal, etc. Find a local home school group and get involved! They can be the best support you will have.

Many will question why you are doing it - stand your ground. I had gotton into only saying - it's a choice that's right for my family. And leaving it at that. This year a charter school opened in our county and DD goes there, so we aren't homeschooling at present. She is enjoying it so far but we'll go back to homeschooling if we need to.

I'm glad you are proactive in your children's education!

 

[rie'smom]

I homeschooled my daughter through eschool which is part class and part homeschool for a year and loved it. When she went back to private school,she was ahead of her class. The downside for us was the lack of social interaction. She had some friends because of the class part but she became clingy. If she hadn't, she would have continued with the eschool program. It was wonderful-very child centered and all about building up the child which unfortunately doesn't seem to be the case with most 'normal' schools.
For those who say they would "never"-don't speak too quickly because life has a way of throwing you the old screwball now and again.

 

[LisaR]

OP, I firmly believe you are doing the right thing.

For those of you that have children in the same situations that basically say to just deal with it (call the school daily, talk to the teachers, etc) more power to you. However, in the meantime the child suffers in several ways. For starters, what about the academics? The child is not learning if they are getting all D's and F's. What about the attitude? Is the attitude going to change for the better? Possibly but there is also the chance that it becomes worse over time and permanent.

Everyone complains on The Dis about parents NOT parenting their children. How can you parent a child who clearly has lost respect and needs help if she isn't home 7 hours a day and during that time she is hanging out with kids who are worse then she is? The OP needs to take responsibility for her child. She needs to get her child back on track. She doesn't have YEARS to wait for this school to fix things. She needs to act now. She needs to get her dd back on track in terms of discipline, self-esteem and academics. Good luck, OP.

Lisa

 

[meandtheguys2]

I am so sorry your daughter is going through this. Please take care of yourself and your daughter. Excellent advice from Lisa. You'll love Rainbow resource. I would suggest that you give yourselves a bit of time to adjust to being together all day/everyday. And your daughter may need some time to heal. There isn't any bit of information that can't wait while you adjust.


Your library probably has a mulititude of books about homeschooling in general, and your state specifically. Don't become overwhelmed, though!

 

[mudnuri]

I dont really feel the need to respond to the "your making the wrong choice", or even the posts about standardized tests, obviously you didnt read my posts...

DD is being homeschooled for the remainder of this year- then put into a private school.......

Yup, with a full course load as an RT student and a single mom I can do this- see, it's simple really, I dont have a choice- this is what my daughter requires to have a successful academic career, so thats what I do. It's not a "well, I hope they fix it quick" not a chance thats going to happen at her expense.

Thanks but no thanks- the child was given a 5 day suspension- and DD will be going to the school until he returns.

Her teacher called me today- she was out monday and tuesday with a family emergency- as of tonight- NOBODY in that school had informed her of what happened to DD on Tuesday- she wanted to know why DD seemed "off" today.....once I told her she was LIVID she was not informed of this incident.

So- let me hold my hand on my butt, while the school gets its crap together? Not a chance on that EVER happening in my house.

OH- on another note- my advisor at school- 1 of my RT professors- homeschools...4 kids- never been in public school- 15 year old just "graduated" from highschool, and he lives in our state, he has offered to help me in whatever way I need.!

for those of you with positive encouragement- THANK YOU!@@!!!!!!!!!!!

Brandy

 

[tinaluis]

As you've said, you have to do what is best for your daughter. I wouldn't make my child stick it out either in hopes that the system will be fixed. It will probably never be fixed.

We homeschooled our oldest DD (now 10) for 1/2 a year in second grade due to health reasons. Fortunately her health improved and she made the decision to return to the classroom. It was definitely challenging, but she and I enjoyed the experience and we made it work even though I worked full-time.

Good luck and I commend you for doing what is right for your daughter.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

I think that you're definitely doing the best thing for your DD I was harrassed by some future criminals when I was in middle school, and my parents and the school just ignored it. I've always sworn to my DH that I would do EXACTLY what you are doing if this ever happened to our child. We would homeschool for the remainder of the school year and then she would be starting private school the following year.

One thing that I would also do is go to the police about the threats that that little creep made to your DD, though. At the very least, make a police report. Maybe a paper trail of reports will be enough to keep this jerk from doing some real harm to someone in the future. Also, if the harrassment continues in any way in the future, you would have a paper trail to fall back on. There is no way that I would take the principal's word that nothing criminal happened. Sorry, but threatening to rape a middle schooler is criminal in my book This kid should be sent to juvie so he can get some help before he fulfills his apparent destiny and becomes an adult criminal.

 

[disneymom3]

Brandy--I just saw this post from your other one with the update adn I just wanted to mention that I would also do a yahoo search for homeschool groups in your area. They would be a great resource for personal stories on what exactly the state wants on those forms etc. Again, I am so sorry for the situation your DD has been experiencing. I am glad you have the resource of your advisor. That will be so valuable.

As for the withdrawing is not the answer folks, I have to say that if someone threatened to rape me in my place of employment you had better bet your behind that I would make sure he got fired and I would not be stepping a foot in the building until he was no longer there! Oh just tough it out and hope the system changes is not something I as an adult would be willing to do so I sure would not subject a child to it. I don't understand that attitude.

As for the testing--that is so easy. There are a bajillion certified testers in the world. You pay them and they administer the test to your child. I hire one every year. My sister admins a different type of test than I use with my kids and she has about5 homeschool families who use her. (She is a 5th grade teacher so testing is not a full time job for her.)