Just another "Snowflake" vent

[RebeccaB]

Please try not to flame me. In our school district, the 4th graders are now in the middle school. 4th-8th. Had our tour of the middle school last night. Now, keep in mind this is relatively rural Maine, there might be 40 something kids in dd9's grade. I do know that there are 46 kids in the upcoming freshman class...so it's pretty small. Anywhoo...the 4th and 5th graders are mainly on the first floor with the exception of "specials" aka, art, spanish, etc. The 6th-8th are upstairs.
Now...
Some of the parents were giving me the giggles with their questions
"you mean they eat breakfast with the whole school???" and "Omg, they aren't going to be allowed to walk the halls alone are they, they will have someone go with them to the bathroom and such, right???"
The guidance counselor basically said "yes, but honestly you'll never catch any of the older kids anywhere near the younger kids, that's simply the way the social circles work"...
When I was in school, the 4th through 8th grades were all in the same school. I think I turned out alright
Maybe it's because dd is one of the older kids in her grade - she'll be 10 the first week of school- I just don't have a problem with her in the same school as the older kids. I dunno...what do you all think?

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Please try not to flame me. In our school district, the 4th graders are now in the middle school. 4th-8th. Had our tour of the middle school last night. Now, keep in mind this is relatively rural Maine, there might be 40 something kids in dd9's grade. I do know that there are 46 kids in the upcoming freshman class...so it's pretty small. Anywhoo...the 4th and 5th graders are mainly on the first floor with the exception of "specials" aka, art, spanish, etc. The 6th-8th are upstairs.
Now...
Some of the parents were giving me the giggles with their questions
"you mean they eat breakfast with the whole school???" and "Omg, they aren't going to be allowed to walk the halls alone are they, they will have someone go with them to the bathroom and such, right???"
The guidance counselor basically said "yes, but honestly you'll never catch any of the older kids anywhere near the younger kids, that's simply the way the social circles work"...
When I was in school, the 4th through 8th grades were all in the same school. I think I turned out alright
Maybe it's because dd is one of the older kids in her grade - she'll be 10 the first week of school- I just don't have a problem with her in the same school as the older kids. I dunno...what do you all think?

I think parents don't give their kids credit. My DD goes to a small school - PK to 8. The 8th graders love the smaller kids. No issues. I worry more about the nasty girls in DD's class than the older kids.

I hate helicopter parents!!

 

[mom2travel]

Please try not to flame me. In our school district, the 4th graders are now in the middle school. 4th-8th. Had our tour of the middle school last night. Now, keep in mind this is relatively rural Maine, there might be 40 something kids in dd9's grade. I do know that there are 46 kids in the upcoming freshman class...so it's pretty small. Anywhoo...the 4th and 5th graders are mainly on the first floor with the exception of "specials" aka, art, spanish, etc. The 6th-8th are upstairs.
Now...
Some of the parents were giving me the giggles with their questions
"you mean they eat breakfast with the whole school???" and "Omg, they aren't going to be allowed to walk the halls alone are they, they will have someone go with them to the bathroom and such, right???"
The guidance counselor basically said "yes, but honestly you'll never catch any of the older kids anywhere near the younger kids, that's simply the way the social circles work"...
When I was in school, the 4th through 8th grades were all in the same school. I think I turned out alright
Maybe it's because dd is one of the older kids in her grade - she'll be 10 the first week of school- I just don't have a problem with her in the same school as the older kids. I dunno...what do you all think?

There are always going to be parents who want to wrap their kids in bubble wrap before sending to school. I remember some of the silly (imo) comments and questions during the parent/child orientation when DS started middle school a few years ago (6th grade here). I'm all for being aware of what is going on at school and safety issues, but you would think that the schools know what they are doing - if we can't trust teachers with our kids, who can we trust?

Growing up, I went to a school that was K-8, with K-5 downstairs and 6-8 upstairs. I don't ever remember issues between older and younger kids. And I'm with you - I think I turned out ok too

 

[NMAmy]

"Omg, they aren't going to be allowed to walk the halls alone are they, they will have someone go with them to the bathroom and such, right???"

They're going to school with 8th graders, not prison inmates from a halfway house.

I just can't believe how fearful some of these parents are.

 

[hereyago]

Where I live 6th grade starts middle school. However, DD11's school is set up as you described your DD's is: upper classmen on the 2nd level with the lower grade 6th on the first level. The related arts classes are also on the first level.

They do have lunch at separate times, but that is because the cafeteria is very small. but i am sure if there was enough room that all the kids could handle eating together. a

good gracious what is going to happen when the kids hit high school or college?


We have helicopter parents who instead of parking in a space in the parkig lot, will just park in the parking lot, block cars in and block cars from driving through the parking lot. Oh and yes there is a pick up lane, but both the pick up lane and parking lot are small. and they don't want their snowflake to have to wait for the line of cars to come to them in front of the school, so they make another pick up line in the parking lot.

But if they parked in the parking lot, 4th row, their kid might have to walk to the car, and we wonder why our kids lack in physical activity and are lazy.

 

[luvmy3]

I don't consider it helicopter parenting or looking out for your little snowflake to inquire how the school works. I also know there is a huge difference in the maturity level between 4th graders and 8th graders and while I don't care if the share the same school I certainly wouldn't want my 4th grader hanging out with the 8th graders in the cafeteria or on the bus. As far as walking to the bathroom or wandering the halls thats a bit much, but I don't know any parent who isnt anxious for their young child when they start a new school. My ds started 4th grade when we was 8, he wouldn't need a "body guard" walking around the halls, but he may need help getting to his destination when school first starts. I probably would have asked very similiar questions, and trust me, my kids are not snowflakes and I am no where near a helicopter parent

 

[allison443]

I don't see the big deal, but what do I know, my kids' school was K through 8!! Yes, all in the same building!! And they all took the same buses!

 

[jodifla]

Please try not to flame me. In our school district, the 4th graders are now in the middle school. 4th-8th. Had our tour of the middle school last night. Now, keep in mind this is relatively rural Maine, there might be 40 something kids in dd9's grade. I do know that there are 46 kids in the upcoming freshman class...so it's pretty small. Anywhoo...the 4th and 5th graders are mainly on the first floor with the exception of "specials" aka, art, spanish, etc. The 6th-8th are upstairs.
Now...
Some of the parents were giving me the giggles with their questions
"you mean they eat breakfast with the whole school???" and "Omg, they aren't going to be allowed to walk the halls alone are they, they will have someone go with them to the bathroom and such, right???"
The guidance counselor basically said "yes, but honestly you'll never catch any of the older kids anywhere near the younger kids, that's simply the way the social circles work"...
When I was in school, the 4th through 8th grades were all in the same school. I think I turned out alright
Maybe it's because dd is one of the older kids in her grade - she'll be 10 the first week of school- I just don't have a problem with her in the same school as the older kids. I dunno...what do you all think?

I think I'd have concerns if they mixed 4th graders and 8th graders. This is a bad mix of ages.

I remember middle school being the toughest time of all of school. Children are going through puberty, and it makes for a lot of upheaval.

My child rides the bus to school now, but if there were middle schoolers on it, I likely wouldn't let him ride it.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Why did they make the switch over?

I certainly see a huge benefit to a switch over like that if your kid is in the advanced or lower classes. You could take classes that are at your level. Now that makes sense to me.

Are they getting lockers and having a a schedule of classes like middle school?

My oldest dd thrived in the middle school environment. Being stuck in the same classroom everyday was not conducive to learning for her.

 

[mjkacmom]

Well, I'm not a helicopter parent (my kids can walk to school starting in the second grade), but at least here, you don't want your 4th grade in school with an 8th grader. They tried to switch add 6th graders to our middle school, but the parents wouldn't have it. My dd13 tells me about the drugs, alcohol, and bullies in the middle school, and I don't want my younger kids to experience it (our average HS graduating class is about 400). Middle school is also when sexual activity starts here (oral sex in the bathrooms - good times). As parents, we enjoy elementary school, hold our breath through the 2 years of middle school, and exhale when they get to high school.

 

[MushyMushy]

I'm not a big fan of middle schools like that. Personally I'd rather see like a K-6, 7-9, 10-12 situation. I know it's not feasible in a lot of towns, but the maturity levels would match up better. Having seen middle school kids up close and personal in the classroom, yeah, I'd not really like sending my 4th grader to a middle school. Besides, what's wrong with asking questions? Isn't that what an orientation is for? How is that helicopterish?

 

[Mandychelle79]

Small school here too

K-6 in the elementary schools.

7-12th in the combined JR-SR high.

When I was in 7th had study halls with Srs. Most of my friends were older. My dd goes to the same school.

 

[luvmy3]

I'm not a big fan of middle schools like that. Personally I'd rather see like a K-6, 7-9, 10-12 situation. I know it's not feasible in a lot of towns, but the maturity levels would match up better. Having seen middle school kids up close and personal in the classroom, yeah, I'd not really like sending my 4th grader to a middle school. Besides, what's wrong with asking questions? Isn't that what an orientation is for? How is that helicopterish?

Thats the way our district works, we have K-5 or 6, then 7-8 and then 9-12. The plan to put 6th grade in the Jr. High has failed every year it has come to vote.

 

[jodifla]

Well, I'm not a helicopter parent (my kids can walk to school starting in the second grade), but at least here, you don't want your 4th grade in school with an 8th grader. They tried to switch add 6th graders to our middle school, but the parents wouldn't have it. My dd13 tells me about the drugs, alcohol, and bullies in the middle school, and I don't want my younger kids to experience it (our average HS graduating class is about 400). Middle school is also when sexual activity starts here (oral sex in the bathrooms - good times). As parents, we enjoy elementary school, hold our breath through the 2 years of middle school, and exhale when they get to high school.

6th grade here is in middle school, and I'm not a big fan of it.

Like a PP, I think the best fit is K-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Those age groups fit the best together.

There was talk of a 4th to 8th grade center, but parents shot it down, and rightly so, in my book.

Would anyone really want their 4th grader going to school with the pregnant 8th grader?

 

[RunDanceSkate]

Maybe it's because dd is one of the older kids in her grade - she'll be 10 the first week of school- I just don't have a problem with her in the same school as the older kids. I dunno...what do you all think?

I wouldn't have any problem with it, but then again my DD was 11yrs old when she started high school. There are over 3000 kids in her school grades 7 to 12. We have had no issues whatsoever. Her elementary school was grades Junior K to grade 6 and had 600 kids.

DD made the change without a problem even making the high school dance team in grade 7. She has learned alot more "life" topics from her synchro team (age 11 to 15) and the girls at dance (age 8 to 14) then she has in high school.

 

[RF536]

Some of these parents would panic at our school busing system. All grades k-12 ride the same bus to and from school. It has been this way since I was in elementary school 20+ years ago. In our district schools currently go k-5, 6-8. and 9-12. That change has been made in the last 6yrs. It used to be k-6 then 7-12 were all together. The school district just recently grew large enough to support and separate high school and middle school.

 

[luvmy3]

Some of these parents would panic at our school busing system. All grades k-12 ride the same bus to and from school. It has been this way since I was in elementary school 20+ years ago. In our district schools currently go k-5, 6-8. and 9-12. That change has been made in the last 6yrs. It used to be k-6 then 7-12 were all together. The school district just recently grew large enough to support and separate high school and middle school.

Wow you must have a tiny district.

 

[allison443]

6th grade here is in middle school, and I'm not a big fan of it.

Like a PP, I think the best fit is K-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Those age groups fit the best together.

There was talk of a 4th to 8th grade center, but parents shot it down, and rightly so, in my book.

Would anyone really want their 4th grader going to school with the pregnant 8th grader?

Maybe that's the difference...I have had kids in this school (K-8) since 1992 and in all that time there has never been a pregnant 8th grader.
It is a private school, and all private schools around here are K-8.

 

[golfgal]

Our kids went to a K-8 elementary school until we moved here. The nice thing about that school was that the older kids helped the younger kids. All of the kindergartner's were assigned an 8th grade buddy and they would come down to the kindergarten rooms once a week to help with reading, special art projects, etc. It was a GREAT set up. With an upstairs/downstairs concept it was rare that the kids just ran into gangs of older kids too.

What is going to happen to these parents when their 4th graders are in 9th grade and hanging out with SENIORS

 

[allison443]

Our kids went to a K-8 elementary school until we moved here. The nice thing about that school was that the older kids helped the younger kids. All of the kindergartner's were assigned an 8th grade buddy and they would come down to the kindergarten rooms once a week to help with reading, special art projects, etc. It was a GREAT set up. With an upstairs/downstairs concept it was rare that the kids just ran into gangs of older kids too.

What is going to happen to these parents when their 4th graders are in 9th grade and hanging out with SENIORS

Your experience was similar to mine. The older kids are bus monitors for the younger kids. They also have an afterschool homework/tutoring program where the older kids help the younger ones, and a few projects that they partner on during the year. We never had a bad experience in all our years in the K-8 school.