Let the Prom Drama begin....Like Aurora, her dress keeps changing

[Sandy V.]

Happy Hump Day, folks.

Well, we are trying to get back into some sort of routine around here with DS in school and DD in Boulder (classes start next Monday).

DS likes 3 out of 5 classes and can't stand the other 2 teachers. Pretty par for the course for a 17-year old boy in my house. He's got plenty of calculus homework to keep him busy, and he knows better than to ask me any questions about it!! No girlfriend at the moment; he's scouting the possibilities because Homecoming is the first weekend of October.

DD and her roommate are settled in and enjoying themselves. Cable and internet service will be installed tomorrow. She got a job as a hostess in a chain restaurant and will probably work around 15 hours a week. Good way for her to earn some spending money and help pay for the extras she'll want from time to time.

It has been incredibly hot here, like much of the country. Fortunately we have air conditioning in our bedrooms or sleeping would be very difficult.

Melissa - yes we did see Katonga and we really liked that. Our favorite thing at Busch Gardens was Sheik-ra - the roller coaster that stops at the top before it drops you. We sat in the front row both times and LOVED it.

Horseshowmom - yes, DS has been born under a lucky star. We'll see how long this lasts!!

Have a good day, all.

 

[mamacatnv]

Happy Hump Day, folks.

Melissa - yes we did see Katonga and we really liked that. Our favorite thing at Busch Gardens was Sheik-ra - the roller coaster that stops at the top before it drops you. We sat in the front row both times and LOVED it.

Have a good day, all.

That is my DS's favorite ride, he drags his Dad along (me whimp and DD too short). In January they called my cell phone and recorded their screams on my voice mail, I still have it on there and when I need a laugh I listen to my voice mail. I have a Sheik'ra magnet on the fridge. I read somewhere that they have removed the floor?

Glad you liked Ka'Tonga - DD and I loved it.

Sorry I have been a little absent, I am still buried at work and with the kick off of the football season I have a number of things I am trying to coordinate that take up all my spare (DIS) time. Plus doing a lot of college research with DS, I don't know who is more overwhelmed, him or me

Hope all is well, I'll catch up soon.

 

[horseshowmom]

Hello to everybody too!

Now I'm sick. I started smelling wood smoke all the time (with no smoke in sight ) and started to wonder about my sanity. I googled and found out that some people smell smoke when they have a deep seated sinus infection (even though they may have no other symptoms like me - I was blaming feeling rotten on being menopausal ).

It turns out that I've probably had fever for several days. Now you may wonder how I could have fever and not know it, but it's been HOT around here. Everybody's hot, and I just thought I was hot too.

Anyway, I got a shot and a prescription for Augmentin with a refill for when it runs out, because they said I'll probably need another round. I got the shot after 5 yesterday afternoon. It had Decadron in it, and I didn't sleep one wink last night - not one.

And the people that I have to "tend to" are making me furious today. I'm not allowed to say anything until after the Supt.'s election on Tuesday, but then I'm going to lower the boom on some of them.

I had one teacher tell someone today that she was keeping the presentation cart with a laptop and a projector (even though she has a SMARTBoard in her room) in her closet, because she does the Veteran's Day program and uses it then. Let me get this straight, she plans to keep an expensive piece of equipment in her closet that I bought with the purpose of it being wheeled, so it could be shared by teachers on an as needed basis and she's going to be using it one day a year for about 2 hours and not "letting" anybody else use it. Boy, is she in for a rude awakening. I'm going to have a talk with her AND her principal. Apparently, they don't need things as badly down there as they want me to believe.

I'm sorry to whine, I have fever, my blood pressure is up, and I've had this same kind of thing with this particular school all day for the last 3 days. I think I'm going home.

 

[Sandy V.]

Hello to everybody too!

Now I'm sick. I started smelling wood smoke all the time (with no smoke in sight ) and started to wonder about my sanity. I googled and found out that some people smell smoke when they have a deep seated sinus infection (even though they may have no other symptoms like me - I was blaming feeling rotten on being menopausal ).

It turns out that I've probably had fever for several days. Now you may wonder how I could have fever and not know it, but it's been HOT around here. Everybody's hot, and I just thought I was hot too.

Anyway, I got a shot and a prescription for Augmentin with a refill for when it runs out, because they said I'll probably need another round. I got the shot after 5 yesterday afternoon. It had Decadron in it, and I didn't sleep one wink last night - not one.

And the people that I have to "tend to" are making me furious today. I'm not allowed to say anything until after the Supt.'s election on Tuesday, but then I'm going to lower the boom on some of them.

I had one teacher tell someone today that she was keeping the presentation cart with a laptop and a projector (even though she has a SMARTBoard in her room) in her closet, because she does the Veteran's Day program and uses it then. Let me get this straight, she plans to keep an expensive piece of equipment in her closet that I bought with the purpose of it being wheeled, so it could be shared by teachers on an as needed basis and she's going to be using it one day a year for about 2 hours and not "letting" anybody else use it. Boy, is she in for a rude awakening. I'm going to have a talk with her AND her principal. Apparently, they don't need things as badly down there as they want me to believe.

I'm sorry to whine, I have fever, my blood pressure is up, and I've had this same kind of thing with this particular school all day for the last 3 days. I think I'm going home.

I'm so sorry you're sick, Horseshowmom. I hope you feel better soon. My high body temperature is definitely related to menopause!!

And as for the stupid and greedy coworkers, you give 'em heck, woman!!

Sorry I have been a little absent, I am still buried at work and with the kick off of the football season I have a number of things I am trying to coordinate that take up all my spare (DIS) time. Plus doing a lot of college research with DS, I don't know who is more overwhelmed, him or me

Hope all is well, I'll catch up soon.

I completely understand. Lacrosse is starting up for DS soon, but it's more casual in the fall.

DS has only one place he wants to apply (CU-Boulder) and he's guaranteed admission because of his gpa, class rank, and ACT scores, so we're definitely less stressed than you are. Then again, I way have to twist his arm to get the application completed, so I MAY end up being stressed after all. The earlier he gets his application in and the formal acceptance sent back to him, the sooner he can apply for housing. The "good" dorms always go fast, so I hope I can motivate him into finishing it by late September.

 

[mamacatnv]

Horseshowmom:

I am so sorry you are not feeling well, it was all the nursing you did for DH that did you in. I hope he is returning the favor

I have a question for you, oh guru of education.......This is a situation I have never encountered and am not quite sure how to proceed, could use a little advice. Sandy & Pam, feel free to throw your thoughts in also - I am at a loss.

My DD started 3rd grade 3 weeks ago. Due to the school going multi-track year round a couple of years ago, they no longer allow one to put in a teacher request. My DD has a new to our school teacher. We went to parent night to meet her. She is not 12 she has 5 teen-young adult children. However, this is only her 2nd year teaching and her first ever with 3rd grade. Her overall ability to organize and relay her classroom procedures to us parents was dismal at best. She stated she would love to have a parent volunteer. Now, I hate being in the classroom, the kids/noise/restlessness/dirty faces & hands etc. makes me nuts, but I thought this situation was going to need some review so I volunteered.

I arrived yesterday at the designated time. The class was in chaos, kids running around, noise level way too high but they were headed to recess so I dismissed it.

Teacher had duty so they all left to return 15 minutes later. It took her 10 minutes to get 20 kids seated (I was timing it) Most of these kids have been together for 2 years and their prior teachers would be appauled at the situation, so it is not like they are a bunch of newbies who don't know how to behave. Lessons proceed at the slowest, most uninteresting pace I have ever seen. She gave the kids a math problem, within 30 seconds 3/4 of the class had their hands up, she told them to put their hands down that she wanted someone else to answer it.......4 minutes and 38 seconds later (yep, I was counting again) she finally answers the question and they move to the next question- this goes on at this torturous pace for 55 minutes. Meanwhile she has a couple of kids that are under/over/on top of their desks, 4 went to the bathroom at the same time and most of them got up for water during this period, despite the fact that the majority had water bottles on their desks. All of this occurred without comment from her.

This teacher did not know her own lessons, she was reading from the teachers book, was clueless that the verbage didn't match what the kids were looking at in their books. She is not engaging them, she is just droning on and on. She had them discuss several issues amongst their groups with no real purpose. They discussed their weekends, what their siblings were doing and what they did this summer not what the word "estimate" meant as she asked.

She comes up to me while they are working on a problem (another one of the 5 minute math questions) and tells me that she does not have the proper manipulatives to do the 2nd half of the math lesson and this is a quote, I am not kidding, she says to me "I came in last on getting supplies since I am new, I guess I could place an order for some of the manipulatives, but they are going to change the curriculum in 2 years, so I am not sure what to do"
I said, "what are the kids supposed to do this year, or tomorrow for that matter?" She did say anything, just shrugged. She had nothing for me to do.

I told her that I would be back next week and that it would be nice if she had a task for me. I told her I could work with a group of kids or whatever.

I left, I then began to think of all the little things my DD had been saying about school the past 3 weeks and I feel I need to get her out of that class now. Worse, IMO this woman has no right to be alone in a class. This is trickier than it sounds, I may even have to change schools to get a 3rd grade class with an opening.

I have never ever felt this way about a classroom situation, but I do not think I am overreacting. I am genuinly very worried that this year could become disasterous. My DD is very studious, well behaved and compliant. She is reading at a 6th grade level and is very interested in math and science, I do not want to lose this or have her fall behind. I also do not feel that the class should be subjected to this for the next year, that is an unbearable thought. My DD has asked the teacher 2 times to move to a different group since the group she was in was disruptive and per my DD she "couldn't hear Ms. LLLLL talking" the teacher did comply and has moved her twice. My DD at this point is running out of options and is frustrated at the chaos.

My questions are:
I know she is new, how long should we "give" her to "get" it?
Should I address her or administration?
If I address admin, what types of resolutions would be reasonable to accept?
Should I just put my foot down and demand an immediate resolution that must include placing my DD into another class?

Any input would be great - thanks
Melissa

 

[mamacatnv]

I completely understand. Lacrosse is starting up for DS soon, but it's more casual in the fall.

DS has only one place he wants to apply (CU-Boulder) and he's guaranteed admission because of his gpa, class rank, and ACT scores, so we're definitely less stressed than you are. Then again, I way have to twist his arm to get the application completed, so I MAY end up being stressed after all. The earlier he gets his application in and the formal acceptance sent back to him, the sooner he can apply for housing. The "good" dorms always go fast, so I hope I can motivate him into finishing it by late September.

I wish DS would just settle with UNR and be done with it, but he is not committing yet. He has the GPA to get in, I have no clue of his class rank and UNR doesn't care about the ACT/SAT given his GPA. He will qualify for the state scholarship which is a huge help.

I am doing some research of other schools and overall he meets all the admission requirements. His problem, he doesn't really know what he wants to do and what direction to go. He is looking at OSU and recently started looking at Ohio-Weslyan, mainly because they have been inundating him with mailers, emails and phone calls. He is on the bottom end of their "average" incoming Freshman and since they only accept about 15% of their applicants, I don't think it will be an issue.

Now he is looking at Humboldt State (yep, the weed toking capital of the US, home of the original tree hugger) which DS is not, he likes that they have a phys ed/sports trainer w/physical therapy program.

When can they start to reserve dorms?????
I am so lost at all this.

 

[Sandy V.]

My questions are:
I know she is new, how long should we "give" her to "get" it?
Should I address her or administration?
If I address admin, what types of resolutions would be reasonable to accept?
Should I just put my foot down and demand an immediate resolution that must include placing my DD into another class?

Any input would be great - thanks
Melissa

I'll defer to any suggestions that Horseshowmom has since she works in education, but speaking as a PARENT, I would be making an appointment with the administration for tomorrow if possible. If it's been going on three weeks already with no improvement, even giving the teacher a chance - quite frankly, it's unlikely to get better. I would insist that my child be moved to another classroom at the same school. The last thing you want is your DD being bored, irritated, and not learning anything! My second option would be to move her to another class in another school if one is open. At any rate, I would NOT keep her in this classroom.

Best of luck, Melissa. That's a very difficult situation to be in. But I strongly feel we have to advocate for our children FIRST and worry about stepping on toes later.

Let us know how it all turns out.

 

[Sandy V.]

I wish DS would just settle with UNR and be done with it, but he is not committing yet. He has the GPA to get in, I have no clue of his class rank and UNR doesn't care about the ACT/SAT given his GPA. He will qualify for the state scholarship which is a huge help.

I am doing some research of other schools and overall he meets all the admission requirements. His problem, he doesn't really know what he wants to do and what direction to go. He is looking at OSU and recently started looking at Ohio-Weslyan, mainly because they have been inundating him with mailers, emails and phone calls. He is on the bottom end of their "average" incoming Freshman and since they only accept about 15% of their applicants, I don't think it will be an issue.

Now he is looking at Humboldt State (yep, the weed toking capital of the US, home of the original tree hugger) which DS is not, he likes that they have a phys ed/sports trainer w/physical therapy program.

When can they start to reserve dorms?????
I am so lost at all this.

You're where we were with DD - she wanted to go everywhere but in state. We did make her apply to CU-Boulder and for some state scholarships because they were too good to pass up.

Then, when she started getting accepted out of state at some very good schools (Georgetown, UCLA), we visited. It was very hard to get a "feel" for what she thought about them. I was more excited about both of them than SHE was.

Finally, she decided that good old "State U" had the best fit for her. She didn't decide until around the last week of March.

I don't know about other schools, but at CU, once you're accepted, they send you information regarding reserving a place in the dorms. You plug in a number of preferences and send in a deposit (around $200) to hold your spot. They have "rolling admissions" which start mid-September and go through January 15th, so they are always accepting kids and housing deposits. The sooner you send in your deposit, the more likely you are of getting your first choice of dorm. DD has already told DS what dorms to put on his form (and I saved the information so he wouldn't lose it!), so we're ready to go.

Sometimes you just have to make some campus visits and see which one DS "clicks" with - provided, of course, that they're not too far away. We elected to make no visits to schools unless DD had been accepted - we didn't want to fall in love with a school that ultimately rejected her.

Good luck - this journey is just beginning!!!

 

[mamacatnv]

But I strongly feel we have to advocate for our children FIRST.

I couldn't agree with you more - their schooling is the one place where It becomes all about me and my kid and not about the other kids. (which is very out of character for me, I tend to be more community minded as a whole)

We have always had great teachers for DS and until now, DD did also. I am interested in what Horseshowmom thinks also, but I think I will also be making that appt. to meet with the administration.

 

[mamacatnv]

Sometimes you just have to make some campus visits and see which one DS "clicks" with - provided, of course, that they're not too far away. We elected to make no visits to schools unless DD had been accepted - we didn't want to fall in love with a school that ultimately rejected her.

I am thinking along the same lines, I have not booked flights to Ohio, but I do have to go to Portland, Oregon in Sept/Oct. to check in on Mother and I am going to take him to see OSU. They have a 92% acceptance rate, and his is on the upper end of their average incoming freshman, chances are he could get in.

I told DS the same thing: apply and then lets see who accepts, then we can figure out where we are at with financing, scholarships, our financial burden, his financial burden, location. programs etc......He is still holding out for paintball He would ultimatley like to play more football, but I am not holding my breath, we shall see. (Mama doesn't want him to go across the country, I'd really miss him . Several hours is okay. The dorm at UNR would be ideal)

 

[horseshowmom]

Melissa, I have many, many years of experience in education (starting at age 21). My husband didn't start college until he was 34 (graduated at 38). He's now National Board Certified and has some of the best scores in our district. I, of course, am in administration (which is why I didn't go through the NBCT process - since I'm not in the classroom, I wouldn't be paid the supplement).

To answer your questions:

I really don't think the fact that she is new is her problem. My husband was 38, as I said, and he NEVER had a classroom in that shape. He went in early and worked late and weekends. He was there the week before school started to make sure his first classroom was ready (in fact, DD's BF did the same thing when he started his new teaching job this year, and he actually went through that school and that Ag. program - meaning he pretty much knew all about it).

I don't believe that addressing her will help your situation any. I've seen teachers who have taught many years who are still this way, and they've never changed sadly. One comes to mind right now, and amazingly enough, she somehow managed to get her National Board Certification. Her 5th grade math scores were actually LOWER than my husband's fourth grade scores. In fact, those kids only improved 6 points over the 5th grade year from when my DH had them in 4th grade. Essentially, a year was wasted.

I would definitely make an appointment with the administration. Take a copy of what you wrote out for us (or at least notes of what you personally saw take place and of comments your daughter has made).

I would have to request that my child be moved to another room. I share in your sadness for the other children, because I'm afraid that there's a good chance that they may not have a very beneficial year. On the other hand, it's possible that the admin may decide to get more involved after they talk to you. I still would NOT want my child left in the classroom.

While I would explain my reasons for what I'm asking, I would be as cordial as possible. If they say, why don't we give it a few days (which they very well might), I would tell them that it's now been 3 weeks and after having witnessed how the class is being handled after almost a month in school, you do not want to waste any more of your child's year and would like to respectfully request that she be moved to another class (it wouldn't hurt to have a class in mind just in case they ask).

Before you go to the meeting, read your child's handbook carefully. There should be a grievance policy that details what channels you have to follow and exactly what you have to do (as in, does it have to be in writing, or what's the next step if they turn you down). It's always good to go in knowing exactly what's what, so you can respond appropriately (and it lets them know that you've already done your homework, so to speak).

I'm sorry this is so long, but I've seen what you're talking about, and it really bothers me. Often children are "stuck" in a situation like this, because the school isn't going to move everybody. Usually only the children who have an advocate in their parent are "rescued".

Good luck and please keep us updated.

 

[mamacatnv]

Horseshowmom:

A million thank you's and I did not find your response long! My DH also got his Bachelors late in life and on top of being an engineer by day he teaches at the local community college and loves it and his students love him, so you are right, it is not necessarily about being new. I think it is easy to place the blame on newness, but if you don't know how to discipline and have the personality of a wet rag, time will probably not help much.

I am glad I am not alone in thinking that there is not much hope for this situation. I had not thought about researching the grievance procedures etc. prior to going in. I'm headed to the Dist/School website as we speak. If things get bad, the superintendant used to be DS's principal and knows us well, that may help. Fortunately with my age has come the knowledge that politeness and being cordial get me much further than being a bull in a china shop (that was one of those life lessons I had to learn the hard way )

I agree, I do not think it will get better and sadly, knowing the track record of our principal not much will be done, but one never knows, she may surprise me. There is only 1 other 3rd grade on her track and to the best of my knowledge it is at capacity. I would be willing to switch tracks as long as they guarantee to put me back onto my current track for 4th grade, since it is a summer break issue mainly. If that will not work, then I could change her to a different school in the area that is on a traditional calendar and is known for having an awesome administrator (unlike our school). That is my last resort, but I am willing (DD would know kids there from sports, ballet and summer programs, so it would not be totally foreign)

I probably know 50% of the parents by name and another 25% by site. In your opinion, would it be worth it to talk with them and rally the troops so to speak. (my fear is that the admin. would then have their backs to the wall and everyone would be stuck) Maybe I get DD out and then inform the parents?

I gotta go, DD's gets out of school in 10 minutes and I am pick up today - thanks again and I will keep you all posted...............

Thanks for listening and responding

 

[horseshowmom]

Maybe I get DD out and then inform the parents?

Not to sound uncaring, but if everybody comes in together, you won't get your daughter moved more than likely. They can't move the whole class. This woman has signed a contract for the year, and short of moving her to another job, I doubt that she goes anywhere.

I'd take care of mine first, and then when you're questioned by friends, etc., I'd discreetly share my reasoning.

If you have to go as far as the Supt., the fact that you know him will most likely be helpful. You won't just be "some" parent off the street. Even then, have your facts ready. The first response of the administrators that you encounter is probably going to be that she's just new and getting her feet wet - that you just need to give her a chance. I honestly don't think that's the case. This woman is totally disorganized, and as bad as the discipline is now, it's going to get worse.

Years ago, I taught one of the best classes I ever had. It was a self-contained 5th grade class. They were very bright and took great pride in their good behavior. When we would attend something in the gym (where the stage was), they would remark later on how some of the other classes didn't know how to behave themselves and that it didn't look very nice for the school when they did that. I was very proud of them.

The next year, the 5th grade was moved to the middle school to make more room at the elementary. I moved too. That school was departmentalized. My former 5th graders were now 6th graders in the same school. As the year progressed, I saw those kids get worse and worse - particularly in one teacher's room. She had the room next to mine, and often the noise from her room actually interfered with my class. One day, I couldn't take it any more and walked out into the hall to see what class was in her room.

Much to my disgust, it was the same group of kids that I had had the year before. Some of them were on the floor, and some of them were actually sitting up in the windows. The teacher was at the front of the room reading from the textbook like nothing was happening.

I walked up almost to the door. She couldn't see me, but some of the kids in the room could. I crossed my arms and just stared at them from behind the door facing. As I did, the ones who saw me started to sit down and pay attention to their book. The others started looking to see why the others were starting to behave, saw me, and did the same thing.

After they all sat down and quieted themselves, I nodded my head at them and went back to my room. I often wondered whether the woman even questioned to herself what had happened in her room (or noticed for that matter).

That left an indelible imprint on me. Those bright, bright kids got nothing from that classroom that year. What a shame. At the end of that year, several of those kids were pulled from our school and put into private school. I sure couldn't blame them for that.

Good luck (with the college hunting too - I love having mine only a hour away! )!

 

[mamacatnv]

Not to sound uncaring, but if everybody comes in together, you won't get your daughter moved more than likely. They can't move the whole class. This woman has signed a contract for the year, and short of moving her to another job, I doubt that she goes anywhere.

I'd take care of mine first, and then when you're questioned by friends, etc., I'd discreetly share my reasoning.

This is exactly what I was thinking - My best friend and I were discussing it last night and her hubby says, "get all the parents involved" and I thought the same thing. If all of a sudden they have 21 kids to move, no one is going to get moved, but if there is only 1 then the odds are in our favor. It is too bad, that based on a contract the kids will suffer for it but my kid is my #1 priority and I have to protect her interests first. After explaining, her hubby saw the point and we all agree, protect my DD first and then worry about the rest of them.

I know exactly what you mean about behavior. I was watching my DD, her best friend and another girl in the class who always have "perfect" behavior and even they were border line in their fidgeting, water drinking, giggling and talking. That was one of the big indicators that this was not a 1 time occurence and that this class was on a down hill slide.

For your former class, didn't it make you proud to see that the minute they saw you they straightened up. They are kids afterall, they will put their toes on the line and dance their little hearts out!

I did go home last night and research the grievance procedure (Thanks for that hint, I hadn't even thought about it). I start with the administration at the school, they have 10 days to review the problem and offer a solution. If their solution is not acceptable to us, they can counter offer or I can then take it above their heads to a district level where there is now a written form and procedure, with the 10 days for review at all levels. There are 4 levels
to the procedure and the superintendant is level 4. So, I am calling the school to make the appt. with the Principal.

Thanks for all the support and advice. This is really bugging me, I haven't been able to sleep the past couple of nights. We have never ever taken on a teacher. We have always, always done our best to be supportive and on their side because we think they get way to much crap from kids & parents alike. I have never wanted to be "that" parent, but this is the first time I cannot just stand by and watch a whole year go down the drain and I truly feel that if I don't speak up that is exactly what will happen.

I am awaiting a return phone call from the Principal...........................

Other than that, how is the weather? Has it cooled off?
How are you feeling, are the antibiotics kicking in?

Sandy:
Your DS cracks me up! Keeping his eyes open since HomeComing is coming..........boys...............

Did Tundra ever get that bath she needed

DS finds out today if the braces are coming off - everyone cross your fingers. They are now paid in full, they need to go!

First football game of the season is tomorrow night - I am soooo excited and sad, it is the beginning of the end......

That is my update for this morning - thanks again for all the input.

 

[Sandy V.]

Thanks for all the support and advice. This is really bugging me, I haven't been able to sleep the past couple of nights. We have never ever taken on a teacher. We have always, always done our best to be supportive and on their side because we think they get way to much crap from kids & parents alike. I have never wanted to be "that" parent, but this is the first time I cannot just stand by and watch a whole year go down the drain and I truly feel that if I don't speak up that is exactly what will happen.

I am awaiting a return phone call from the Principal...........................

Other than that, how is the weather? Has it cooled off?
How are you feeling, are the antibiotics kicking in?

Sandy:
Your DS cracks me up! Keeping his eyes open since HomeComing is coming..........boys...............

Did Tundra ever get that bath she needed

DS finds out today if the braces are coming off - everyone cross your fingers. They are now paid in full, they need to go!

First football game of the season is tomorrow night - I am soooo excited and sad, it is the beginning of the end......

That is my update for this morning - thanks again for all the input.

I'm sorry that you're not sleeping. I hope that you can get things worked out quickly and to your satisfaction, Melissa.

Horseshowmom had a great idea about looking at the grievance procedure. That's why she's in education and the expert!!!

Yes, DS is always on the lookout for a potential girlfriend. His latest hobby is now swing dancing. The VFW hosts an event on Sunday evenings and there's also one tonight at the Air Force Academy. Frankly, I'm thrilled with this - DH hates to dance; it will be good to have ONE male in the family who knows how to do it properly!!

Tundra still hasn't had her bath, much to her relief. I just got the hot tub fixed and am thinking about throwing her in to accomplish that task! The dog would NOT be happy and would pout for days on end after that.

Good luck with the braces - hopefully it's good news about DS getting them off.

Go Team Go Hope your DS's team wins.

Horseshowmom, I hope you're feeling better now. Like Melissa said, your DH "owes" you some pampering!!

Will check in later if I have time.

 

[horseshowmom]

Having dealt with very unreasonable parents and knowing how much "junk" teachers are forced to put up with every day, I generally take everything I read with a grain of salt when I see how some parents complain on the boards.

I recall sitting in a PTO meeting one night when a parent was complaining that her child had gone home complaining that the students couldn't get paper towels to dry their hands after washing them for lunch. She was outraged (and I do mean outraged).

I did so want to go tell her that the reason the principal had made that decision (she just told them to shake their hands off) was because we had had numerous incidents of the elementary students stopping up the toilets with paper towels (on purpose) and THAT HER SON was one of the ones caught doing it the week before.

Unfortunately, a teacher can't be everywhere at once (in boys' and girls' bathrooms, in the hall, and in the room). They often have 25 to 30 students to supervise (one year, I had 38 8th grade students first period for math every morning ).

Of course, female teachers can't go in the boys' bathrooms anyway, there are very few male teachers, and different classes go to lunch at different times. The principal was doing the best she could to keep the restrooms in working order.

I say all that to agree with you that I'm very hesitant to criticize a teacher without having firsthand information, but you do have firsthand information. I think it's unforgiveable for a teacher to go into a classroom without being throughly acquainted with the material they are supposed to be teaching to others. That's not to say they can't make a mistake while they're teaching (for example, a math error on the board), but it shouldn't be the regular state of affairs in their classroom.

I once walked down a hallway in a school and heard a second grade teacher talking to her students about hurricanes and telling the students that we don't have to worry about hurricanes hitting us here in north Mississippi, because they come in off the water (so far, so good) BUT that if we lived in Memphis, we would have to worry, because they have the Mississippi River there... I had to go talk to the principal about that one.

You're doing the right thing, and I hope they expedite the process, because your daughter needs better than she's getting.

 

[mamacatnv]

Tundra still hasn't had her bath, much to her relief. I just got the hot tub fixed and am thinking about throwing her in to accomplish that task! The dog would NOT be happy and would pout for days on end after that.

I have this mental picture of a huge dog, with her head resting on the edge of a bubble filled hot tub looking miserable with a Mr. Bubbles bottle sitting in the ledge. Add a shower cap for affect, and you will have a winner! What color is Tundra? The wolf hound in my vision is black & gray.

Horseshowmom, I hope you're feeling better now. Like Melissa said, your DH "owes" you some pampering!!

Yep, that he does, time to collect - waiter service, hot toddies and tea served to you in bed. Since you are having a heat wave, I think he should have to don a loincloth and get one of those big leaf's to fan you with

Sandy:
The dancing sounds like fun. My DH has the rhythm of a rock and is down right embarrassing to watch! Unfortunatley, so far DD is exhibiting signs of following in her fathers foot steps. Lets just say, she spent 3 full years in BEGINNING Ballet

It's been 2 hours, so far have not heard back from the Principal..........grrrrrr I am not the most patient person.

 

[horseshowmom]

I have this mental picture of a huge dog, with her head resting on the edge of a bubble filled hot tub looking miserable with a Mr. Bubbles bottle sitting in the ledge. Add a shower cap for affect, and you will have a winner! What color is Tundra? The wolf hound in my vision is black & gray.

Yes, I can see it so well!

Yep, that he does, time to collect - waiter service, hot toddies and tea served to you in bed. Since you are having a heat wave, I think he should have to don a loincloth and get one of those big leaf's to fan you with

You know, he might actually be pretty cute in that loin cloth! He did sleep on the couch last night, so he wouldn't bother me at all (snoring or rolling around). Since he was gone, DD's cat took it up on himself to come sleep with me (he really misses her when she's gone). He likes to sleep with one of his little arms around your neck and his head on the pillow under your chin. He's not your run of the mill cat...

It's been 2 hours, so far have not heard back from the Principal..........grrrrrr I am not the most patient person.

Patience doesn't seem to be one of my virtues either. As it happens, I've been waiting on a principal to call me back for the last two hours too. I've been waiting to go to lunch, because I didn't want to miss his call, but it's almost 2, so I think I'm going after it now (I'll have to bring it back to the office to eat anyway).

Happily, I do think I'm starting to feel a little better, so that helps my feelings at least!

 

[Sandy V.]

I have this mental picture of a huge dog, with her head resting on the edge of a bubble filled hot tub looking miserable with a Mr. Bubbles bottle sitting in the ledge. Add a shower cap for affect, and you will have a winner! What color is Tundra? The wolf hound in my vision is black & gray.

Silver-gray with black ears, nose and tail. The topcoat has a lot of black along her back as well. The only detracting factor at the moment is the brown tinge to her coat from all of the DIRT. We're horrible pet owners, I know, but she is well fed and pampered. Just not particularly clean. She doesn't seem to mind, though.

I would LOVE to see Tundra in your vision - sounds perfect.

I'm pretty impatient too. It would take every fiber in me not to call again to "remind" them (okay, I'll admit that I WOULD call them again . . .)

Hang in there!!!

 

[horseshowmom]

Silver-gray with black ears, nose and tail. The topcoat has a lot of black along her back as well. The only detracting factor at the moment is the brown tinge to her coat from all of the DIRT. We're horrible pet owners, I know, but she is well fed and pampered. Just not particularly clean. She doesn't seem to mind, though.

I would LOVE to see Tundra in your vision - sounds perfect.

I'm pretty impatient too. It would take every fiber in me not to call again to "remind" them (okay, I'll admit that I WOULD call them again . . .)

Hang in there!!!

I can't make fun of you. I finally carried my Chihuahua to the groomer, because I never got around to giving him a bath (it's hard on my back to get down on my knees and wash him in the tub). DD kept "meaning" to do it and never got around to it. Finally, his nails got too long. I've always trimmed my dogs nails myself (have good dog clippers), but his nails are black, and I'm afraid to cut them because I can't see the quick. I decided that $15 at the groomer would be a bargain for a dip, bath, and nail clip. When he came back, my mother said that he smelled like a poodle (he's a very manly Chihuahua! ).