Kindergarten mess Update #85!!!

[HelenePA]

Oy... I dont even know where to start... Tonight was meet the teacher night for my five yr old son who is going to K this year. Our school has out grown it self many times over... There is NO where left to put students/classes... They came up with the wonderful idea to turn the elementrary gym into six class rooms seperated with walls about five and a half feet high (sorry my numbers aren't working? ) Do you even want to guess how noisy it was once all six classes got to their "rooms". I was less than fifteen feet away from the teacher who was yelling and I could not hear her by the end of the hour. Oh yeah and we dont have A/C in our school Do you know how HOT it is in there with all those kids? They aren't allowed to have the doors that lead to the outside open because of the chance of somone walking into the "rooms" the windows dont open either. Now at the end of last year we were told this would happen.. BUT we were told it was going to be second grade. Now 2 weeks ago they changed it to prek and k.... We've been home since seven and I am still in awe of this mess... they are building a new addition but it wont be dont til at least next year... As much as I want to go down to that school and rip someones head off for this wonderful idea... I just dont think there is any way to change it. The only other option is to send him to catholic school for his K year. I just dont know if we can come up with the tuition in a weeks time... infact I know we can't. Its almost four thousand dollars a year. I wanted him to have a wonderful year this year like he did in prek (he was in a normal class room then) now he's got to put up with this crap? I am sad for him. He LOVED school I'm afraid he's going to hate it after this... wish us luck for him and his new "classroom" its going to be a REALLY bumpy year...

 

[marlynnp]

That's nuts! Isn't there room for modular classrooms?

 

[HelenePA]

That's nuts! Isn't there room for modular classrooms?

no we already have 4 or five of those on the grounds... like I said its insane how much we've out grown the school in just a few years since it was built.. its less than 10 yrs old. Hopefully this is worse on me than on him I'm going out tomorrow to buy a fan. the poor teacher has spent so much money on this "class" room already i told her I'd get her one... its going to be 90 on the first day of school.. and we just went to a dress code which means hot uncomfy clothes are the only choice.. my mom would die if she were still alive and on the school board... this is insane... why not put the older kids there?!?!? I dont get it.

 

[MM27]

Sorry that really sucks. One of the schools in the town I live in has an entire school like this. It's the open school concept, no walls at all except the outside ones. Luckily, I didn't have to go there. As a student, I wouldn't have been able to focus hearing all those extra noises from other "rooms". As a teacher, it would drive me batty too.

Have you, or did anyone ask about getting trailers, or whatever the PC term for them is now, until the expansion is done?

 

[snarlingcoyote]

My mother taught in a classroom like this for a couple of years, and I've been in schools that were, believe it or not, DESIGNED this way. (What genius thought up that one?)

If the teachers know how to strategize, they can make it work. It's not ideal, but if the teachers have strong management skills utilize good teamwork, a good educational environment can be forged.

But I'd also have to wonder what bright person decided to put the kindergarteners in this situation. The older kids would have a much better chance of dealing with it than the younger kids. Of course, the younger kids don't take standardized tests, and we all know that the need for kids to do well on those tests is what is driving the public schools these days.

 

[marlynnp]

Also, I don't know if it's doable for you or not, but if it doesn't go well you can withdrawal him and send hime next year when there's room. I'd check now to see how your district handles enrolling k vs. 1st grade.

In PA you must be 5 to start attending and you must be attending by the time you are 8. There is no rule about what grade you start in.

My dd has a late birthday and she actually started public school with 1st grade when she was 5 because she had already completed a K program at her daycare. My school only required a letter attesting to that. Which may be another option for you - Catholic School is not the only place to get private K classes.

 

[java]

I am so sorry to hear that. Have you contacted the catholic school and asked aobut availability. Perhaps knowing what is going on they may be willing to work with you on the tuition. My youngest starts Kindergarten in 2 weeks. He's so excited.
I hope that it goes smoothly for you and your son. So how many kindergarteners are going to be in that space? And is it legal? I would find out state laws asap.

 

[marlynnp]

Also, I don't know if it's doable for you or not, but if it doesn't go well you can withdrawal him and send hime next year when there's room. I'd check now to see how your district handles enrolling k vs. 1st grade.

In PA you must be 5 to start attending and you must be attending by the time you are 8. There is no rule about what grade you start in.

My dd has a late birthday and she actually started public school with 1st grade when she was 5 because she had already completed a K program at her daycare. My school only required a letter attesting to that. Which may be another option for you - Catholic School is not the only place to get private K classes.

 

[HelenePA]

Sorry that really sucks. One of the schools in the town I live in has an entire school like this. It's the open school concept, no walls at all except the outside ones. Luckily, I didn't have to go there. As a student, I wouldn't have been able to focus hearing all those extra noises from other "rooms". As a teacher, it would drive me batty too.

Have you, or did anyone ask about getting trailers, or whatever the PC term for them is now, until the expansion is done?

Oh I'm sure it was thought of... but seriously there is no room left to put anymore. They are building an addition but it wont be done til after this year. It was so noisy... so noisy... the teacher did assure us she would take them outside as much as possible to teach there.. seriously.. this is the only option left... outside at the playground/parking lot for class... ugh.. he'll love it... I just hope he learns She told us this is more like first grade now.. no more playing around all the time like when I went to school. I'm just sad for him. Honestly I'm not a helicopter parent.. I'm just a worried one today. *sigh*

 

[dislaney]

That's crazy. One of my kids schools was overcrowded and they did the modular units. I've never heard of such a thing.

I would call the other school and see if they would work with you on tuition if you really feel your son shouldn't be in that situation. It can't hurt.

 

[descovy]

Take heart (and a deep breath!) It will be okay.

My church preschool had to do this when they were remodeling a wing... we put (2) 2yo and (2) 3yo classes in a gymnasium with particle board walls/ partitions. Thought it would be forever chaos, but it went well (I was a 2's teacher)

And an school district in my city has embraced this "open concept" in all their elementary schools... on purpose! All the rooms are partitioned off with 5ft high walls. Don't know how they do it... but they are a "prestigious" district with high test scores!

And lastly, kids will go with the vibe of us adults... Act like it will be fine... an adventure! and they will follow our lead. They also sense when we are frustrated... so do watch that.

I'll give you an example, I just took my 1st grade Daisy troop to a council girl scout event this last Saturday. It was crazy hot (heat advisory) at CAMP! It was also a train wreck. Poorlt planned... the director even kept saying they didn't think such young girls should be there (hello! You advertised to our age group) They did things like tell us, ahead of time no swimming... only to show up and have swimming on the schedule (no one brought swimsuits) It was a HOT mess... poorly planned and it showed. BUT my co-leaders and I kept a bright attitude with the girls and made the best of it. When it came time for the girls to evaluate the program, I thought "oh no! here we go!" But the girls (age 6) had only glowing reviews. They want to come back next year! Yes, the event went HORRIBLE, but in the end the girls had a good time and that was what matters.

Another perspective... teachers, et al, are in a mad rush to get everything pulled together before meet the teacher... under the best of circumstances. And when it comes to less than optimal circumstances (such as your case) they are even more under the gun. Trust me, they know it didn't go perfectly. They know there are issues that need to be ironed out. They feel bad that they weren't 100% ready to welcome your Kindergartner with open arms.

My advice... one mom to another. Be open to communicating... without feeling like you have to lay down the hammer. Take a deep breath and know that kids are more resilient than we give them credit for. And keep a positive face for your little one. Because if you show your anger, frustration, etc... HE WILL feel it, and it won't help.

 

[worm761]

I am sorry you having to deal with this. I have seen high schools like this and it did not work well.
Anyway, two things. First call your Catholic school if that is a route you think you might want to take. DS went to Catholic and they had a monthly payment for the tuition.
Second, the compulsory age of school attendance in Ohio is 6. Technically, he doesn't even have to go this year. http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/Ohio.pdf If you can afford daycare for him still and you can find one, you can send him there and teach him kindergarden at home. Kindergarden is a relatively easy year to teach at home. If you need advice, there are plenty of homeschoolers here that can give you guidance.

 

[Ceila]

The open concept is one I grew up with throughout elementary and most of middle school. I don't care for it as an educator, but in all honesty it didn't have a negative impact on me as a student. Kids quickly learn to tune out the other teachers and students. The teachers probably have a harder time tuning each other out than the kids do. Now the no A/C thing, on the other hand, would put me over the edge, lol.

 

[kacaju]

I agree, it will be OK. It is so hard, is he your first? I can see why you are upset. I just found out our school had to add two 1st grade classes. They basically did just what your school did, only they used the music room!! As you said, you already know your school is crowded. Many times parents wait unitlt he last minute to decide where to send their child and two weeks before school starts all of a sudden the school is faced with no room because 15 kids just signed up.
It will be OK, try not to show your son this is upsetting to you. My kids are now in 11th, 9th and 5th grades. These school years fly by so fast you will soon be looking at him as he heads off to his final year of school.

Take heart (and a deep breath!) It will be okay.

My church preschool had to do this when they were remodeling a wing... we put (2) 2yo and (2) 3yo classes in a gymnasium with particle board walls/ partitions. Thought it would be forever chaos, but it went well (I was a 2's teacher)

And an school district in my city has embraced this "open concept" in all their elementary schools... on purpose! All the rooms are partitioned off with 5ft high walls. Don't know how they do it... but they are a "prestigious" district with high test scores!

And lastly, kids will go with the vibe of us adults... Act like it will be fine... an adventure! and they will follow our lead. They also sense when we are frustrated... so do watch that.

I'll give you an example, I just took my 1st grade Daisy troop to a council girl scout event this last Saturday. It was crazy hot (heat advisory) at CAMP! It was also a train wreck. Poorlt planned... the director even kept saying they didn't think such young girls should be there (hello! You advertised to our age group) They did things like tell us, ahead of time no swimming... only to show up and have swimming on the schedule (no one brought swimsuits) It was a HOT mess... poorly planned and it showed. BUT my co-leaders and I kept a bright attitude with the girls and made the best of it. When it came time for the girls to evaluate the program, I thought "oh no! here we go!" But the girls (age 6) had only glowing reviews. They want to come back next year! Yes, the event went HORRIBLE, but in the end the girls had a good time and that was what matters.

Another perspective... teachers, et al, are in a mad rush to get everything pulled together before meet the teacher... under the best of circumstances. And when it comes to less than optimal circumstances (such as your case) they are even more under the gun. Trust me, they know it didn't go perfectly. They know there are issues that need to be ironed out. They feel bad that they weren't 100% ready to welcome your Kindergartner with open arms.

My advice... one mom to another. Be open to communicating... without feeling like you have to lay down the hammer. Take a deep breath and know that kids are more resilient than we give them credit for. And keep a positive face for your little one. Because if you show your anger, frustration, etc... HE WILL feel it, and it won't help.

 

[HelenePA]

I am sorry you having to deal with this. I have seen high schools like this and it did not work well.
Anyway, two things. First call your Catholic school if that is a route you think you might want to take. DS went to Catholic and they had a monthly payment for the tuition.
Second, the compulsory age of school attendance in Ohio is 6. Technically, he doesn't even have to go this year. http://www.hslda.org/laws/analysis/Ohio.pdf If you can afford daycare for him still and you can find one, you can send him there and teach him kindergarden at home. Kindergarden is a relatively easy year to teach at home. If you need advice, there are plenty of homeschoolers here that can give you guidance.

He loves school he didnt want to leave tonight. I can't pull him out he'd be miserable. He's a good kid for the teachers, he'll learn more from them than me. He needs guidance... she (allison 8) can learn on her own... they are totally different for this. I would not have said one word if it was her in there she'd do find.. him.. I'm not sure.. I'll do my best to play along with this set up. Put on my happy face and shut up about it... but I just see disaster written all over this...

 

[HelenePA]

I agree, it will be OK. It is so hard, is he your first? I can see why you are upset. I just found out our school had to add two 1st grade classes. They basically did just what your school did, only they used the music room!! As you said, you already know your school is crowded. Many times parents wait unitlt he last minute to decide where to send their child and two weeks before school starts all of a sudden the school is faced with no room because 15 kids just signed up.
It will be OK, try not to show your son this is upsetting to you. My kids are now in 11th, 9th and 5th grades. These school years fly by so fast you will soon be looking at him as he heads off to his final year of school.

ahahah no he's my 3rd. hopefully the new school will be done by the time my fourth is ready for prek He's 1 so I have a few more years before I ***** about this again

 

[FQ fan]

My daughters go to a school that was built with an open concept floorplan.

When I found out while signing them up for kindergarten the principal must have noticed the look of horror on my face, He immediately offered a tour. Even after seeing it I really didn't think it would work, but I have to tell you I am always amazed by the quiet atmosphere when I go to get them for an appointment.

The kids seem to learn very quickly to keep their voices down.

I hope they have rugs in that gym to dampen the echo, but I wouldn't worry about it ruining Kindergarten, he will adapt.

 

[HannaBelle]

OP, I went to K in a "traditional" school and then completed the remainder of my elementary years at an "open concept" school. We had pods that consisted of 6 classrooms that were separated by partitions. I was not too bad. We did a lot with other classes, we did hear the teachers teaching in the other classrooms, but our teachers did a good job of making a "game" out of being less disruptive than the other classes and created some healthy competition.

I would highly recommend you press for carpeting because it will absorb some of the sound. Are the partitions padded/fabric covered? Maybe the PTA or parents can find a local business to donate some carpet in exchange for a nice large ad in the yearbook or a couple of flyers home with the kids during the year.

I think the fan is an awesome idea! Right now, your son has no reason to think his new school is abnormal unless you plant the seed. KWIM?

Anyone else have some other suggestions to improve the environment?

 

[jodifla]

Of course now the problem is, the kids have been robbed of a gym to play in!

 

[HelenePA]

the

OP, I went to K in a "traditional" school and then completed the remainder of my elementary years at an "open concept" school. We had pods that consisted of 6 classrooms that were separated by partitions. I was not too bad. We did a lot with other classes, we did hear the teachers teaching in the other classrooms, but our teachers did a good job of making a "game" out of being less disruptive than the other classes and created some healthy competition.

I would highly recommend you press for carpeting because it will absorb some of the sound. Are the partitions padded/fabric covered? Maybe the PTA or parents can find a local business to donate some carpet in exchange for a nice large ad in the yearbook or a couple of flyers home with the kids during the year.

I think the fan is an awesome idea! Right now, your son has no reason to think his new school is abnormal unless you plant the seed. KWIM?

Anyone else have some other suggestions to improve the environment?

the thing is its not a new school he was in the same building last year for prek in a normal classroom (which is free to all incomes before someone says something to me about that.. btdt) there is something on the floor... how do i describe it? think of a tan shower curtian.. taped together.. I am not sure if there is padding underneath it.. ya'll are making me feel better knowing there are school who chose this type of setting... Monday is coming up fast! He is so excited (as are the girls ) to go back. They love school again and can't wait for Monday.