May 10, 2008 Ship of Thieves! Stealing the Magic..AGAIN!!! Panama Canal FL to CA!!! Part 4

[calmom]

We recently had Drew's 5th bday party there too! After having problems in the past with uninvited siblings, I decided to be very clear with the staff beforehand. I told them, if the kid's not on the list I provided, then he's not part of the invited group, even if the sibling is. They got it clearly and we avoided any problems but there were a few siblings there and I could see the looks on the mom's faces, like what about so an so. I'm normally not like this but I did say, "If so and so wants to do a bear, you can pay for it at the register over there" and I pointed and smiled.

Boy, I wish I had thought of that! I should have just said, "Sure, he can stay. It is $25/child so you can pay me or the cashier." That would have been so simple! Oh well, I was just so flustered that someone who force their child into a party after I was completely clear he wasn't invited!

I wonder what happens if you child misses some of the Star testing. Can they penalize you at all? We have no policy on number of absences so they can't get me there. I wonder who I should talk to? The principal? I'm thinking I will tell them now we will be out of town and maybe request taking the Star test before we leave or something. Probably not possible, but at least I'd be making an effort.

 

[endkaos]

We recently had Drew's 5th bday party there too! After having problems in the past with uninvited siblings, I decided to be very clear with the staff beforehand. I told them, if the kid's not on the list I provided, then he's not part of the invited group, even if the sibling is. They got it clearly and we avoided any problems but there were a few siblings there and I could see the looks on the mom's faces, like what about so an so. I'm normally not like this but I did say, "If so and so wants to do a bear, you can pay for it at the register over there" and I pointed and smiled. I'm just fed up with people doing this. And I have two boys...I would never dream of squeezing the uninvited one in EVEN if he's friends with the birthday child's sibling! I'm sorry that you had to go through that!!

Oh, I love this. I have three boys. I call people before hand to make sure it's okay to bring siblings. Most people who know us know I always come as a group and will pay for the others. The only way I get coverage for the kids is to go on the Disney Cruise.

 

[endkaos]

I wonder what happens if you child misses some of the Star testing. Can they penalize you at all? We have no policy on number of absences so they can't get me there. I wonder who I should talk to? The principal? I'm thinking I will tell them now we will be out of town and maybe request taking the Star test before we leave or something. Probably not possible, but at least I'd be making an effort.

If it's anything like the AIMS testing here in Arizona....nothing. The testing is really to "grade" the school and not the student. If there is a significant number of students who miss taking the test, the school will be investigated and it could possible effect its funding. So the school does doom and gloom to scare students and parents into keeping their numbers up. There is no real benefit for the student other than perhaps identifying them as "gifted". However most schools have separate testing, such as WIATT, to determine who qualifies for gifted services. Mostly, the school will want you to keep HUSH HUSH about the fact your child will possible get to skip the testing. It is more hassle to have your child make-up 2 weeks of testing than it is to let this "one" slide.

Time for bed. Good night all.

 

[LiserAnn]

Boy, I wish I had thought of that! I should have just said, "Sure, he can stay. It is $25/child so you can pay me or the cashier." That would have been so simple! Oh well, I was just so flustered that someone who force their child into a party after I was completely clear he wasn't invited!

I wonder what happens if you child misses some of the Star testing. Can they penalize you at all? We have no policy on number of absences so they can't get me there. I wonder who I should talk to? The principal? I'm thinking I will tell them now we will be out of town and maybe request taking the Star test before we leave or something. Probably not possible, but at least I'd be making an effort.

Lisa-I was only prepared with the sibling thing because I've gone through it so many times before and it just shocks me at how some mom's behave. The mom knew full well what you were trying to say, that's why she changed the subject on you....argh!!!

Really, it's the school that gets penalized, especially if your child is expected to perform well on the test. The STAR testing is what's used to rank the schools. Our STAR testing results are posted in the regional newspaper (by school and grade) and it lists all the schools in the district along with nearby cities results. It's like a public report card. So, they judge school performance by how well your kids do. That's why they want all the kids there, well rested and well fed and why they spend the few weeks before prepping the kids for the tests. The other thing the STAR testing is used for is to assess for GATE (gifted and talented) eligibility. Admission to the GATE program is usually for 4th and 5th graders and is usually based upon 2 years of STAR testing performance of your child....the STAR testing results is used for that along with teacher recommendation.

In terms of makeups...there's a 21 day window that the STAR testing and makeups can be taken (which is why our testing ends on wed and the makeups are thurs/fri). So, you may have an opportunity to take it before...the makeup days are up to the school as long as it all occurs in the 21 day window. Normally the school follows the same schedule from year to year and normally the testing and makeups occur in the same time period as the year before.

I would talk to your son's teacher and I would wait until January '08 (that's my plan with my boys). That way she knows you and your child and what he's capable of...and she'll also tell ya the best way to handle it, whether it be the front office or the principal.

 

[LiserAnn]

If it's anything like the AIMS testing here in Arizona....nothing. The testing is really to "grade" the school and not the student. If there is a significant number of students who miss taking the test, the school will be investigated and it could possible effect its funding. So the school does doom and gloom to scare students and parents into keeping their numbers up. There is no real benefit for the student other than perhaps identifying them as "gifted". However most schools have separate testing, such as WIATT, to determine who qualifies for gifted services. Mostly, the school will want you to keep HUSH HUSH about the fact your child will possible get to skip the testing. It is more hassle to have your child make-up 2 weeks of testing than it is to let this "one" slide.

Time for bed. Good night all.

How funny...you essentially wrote what I wrote. I guess the testing serves basically the same purpose everywhere!!!

 

[been2marceline]

I do have some photos, but need to read up how to get them on here. The others I have posted before were put on disk in Orlando, so it was easy. There are none of me though as I did not feel photogenic at all!!

I always feel that way!!

put them in photobucket and then it will give you the IMG file to load here!

DIS is going down and second and I have just started to catch up!!

Karen

 

[been2marceline]

Sorry for not getting back to you last night....the DIS went down and so did I....couldn't keep my eyes open.

It's about to go down again, I am just getting caught up!

DD sounds like he is planning a nice Mommy's day for me, he really does surprise me sometimes!!

Karen

 

[granmaz]

Well, missed calling in before the Dis went down this morning and then couldn't get on later as it was playing up!!! Just been for a walk and a coffee and scone!! I really must stop eating as I would like to be be happy in our cruise photos next year. I think I will have them all taken at the beginning of the cruise before the weight piles on!!!

It was a quiet night on here - just wait till they come back from the Med cruise and start focussing on ours again.

I have added a second item to my cruise box - highlighter pens!!!

Still have 30 pages to catch up on yet so will need a time slot for that as it makes me look so lazy!

 

[granmaz]

Just realised that one year from today we might just be fully packed and ready to fly out to Orlando for a few days at WDW before the cruise!!! Might even be flying one year from today!!

May fly on Monday 5th or Tuesday 6th!!! Today is the 5th!!

 

[HollyTyler]

Yea, then you could have a John for your jeep in Aruba too!


It sounds like you have a great weekend planned, especially the Olive Garden and Spiderman 3 and then there's the Zoo with Tyler...sounds like a perfect way to spend your last weekend of freedom before classes start up again. Have lots of fun!

Yup, it's been a great weekend so far! Lots of fun last night at the Olive Garden.......turns out our waitress is in one of my classes this semester. Small world!

Not sure about Spiderman 3 today after all. Stayed out WAY too late last night and just want to sleep more today. Conserve my energy for running around the zoo all day tomorrow with Tyler! Plus, I have to do my schoolwork for the first week of class. I bought my books after work yesterday, but haven't cracked them open yet.

 

[HollyTyler]

DGD and I had a good day. It is a little over an hour drive from my house to her dentist so we had some visit/listen to Disney music time. She got one filling today and I scheduled her for 2 more visits. That child has a mouth full of work to be done still and has already had a bunch done. DSIL has always kept medical and dental ins for her (he and her mom divorced) that requires no copay at all! So he and DD thought mom would have been taking her for regular care. Well, about 4 years ago she came for her every other weekend visit and was crying with a tooth ache. DD made an appt with a dentist for her and it seems she had never been to the dentist before! This was 2 years after DD married her daddy. DD was so MAD!! They pay for the insurance so you'd think she could at least use it! DD then made follow up appts and told the mom when they were. DSIL then got bills from Kaiser for NO SHOW charges because mom "forgot" to take her. Finally, a couple of years ago DD just took charge of her dental care and started taking her to them herself, or scheduling them for when her daddy can take her which is Friday. Occassionally he has to work overtime on Friday and at those times I pinch hit and take her. Her mom did sign releases at least so that either DD, DSIL, Dennis or I can take her. It is hard for me to just stay out of it and be nice when we take her home. Her mom has now moved them in with her 5th boyfriend since the divorce. I did talk with DGD on the way home about telling one of us if anyone touches her or makes her feel uncomfortable. Pedifiles are known to build trust with single women to get at their kids and since mom does not seem to have much common sense I worry. Taylor told me she knows she could come to us and would for sure if anyone hurt her.

Sorry for the rambling, I am just frustrated that she is having to have so much work done. She had a root canal last month.

How awful for your poor little granddaughter........just terrible that her mother isn't doing what she's supposed to do. I can't understand mothers like that. Thank goodness she has you, Dennis, DD, and DSIL!

 

[HollyTyler]

...Just got home from my son's 7th birthday party. This mom really pushed my buttons: the party was at a place called Build-a-Bear where each child makes a teddy bear. It costs around $25/child. My son wanted to invite his class so I allowed him to do so, and we didn't invite his cousins figuring we would celebrate with them this week-end. Anyway, so he has about 20 kids in his class so it isn't cheap. Many of the children in his grade have brothers/sisters in my older son's class (3rd grade). One Mom came with her two sons, the one that was invited and then the older brother. The older brother went straight up to the personnel and asked for a name tag. I looked very surprised and the mom said "oh, I wasn't sure if he was invited or not. I figure your older son would want his friends." I said no, siblings weren't invited with the exception of one family (the mom that is going through her second round of chemo). I explained I was helping them out to give them a break but if her son stays it could be hard as other families might then have their siblings stay. She said something like "well I will just stay so you will have extra parents." I told her supervision wasn't the issue as the people in the store do it, and I said it is just that I already have over 20 kids coming. She then just changed the subject. By then, her child already had his name tag and was talking to the other children. ARGG. What do you guys think? I really got very flustered by the whole thing. I figure she must have been just completely oblivous to the fact it cost money per child. I know one child more doesn't sound like much but sure enough another family came and before I could say anything, their older sibling was getting his bear. I'm sure it was because they saw the other child there. It was so very frustating!...

I'd be upset too if I were you! Some people just don't think. Sorry that happened to you.

 

[EllaEnchanted]

Didn't quite finish packing last night...so getting off to a later start this am. Lisa, we should be there about 2pm-ish. cya then!

 

[LisaG520]

Didn't quite finish packing last night...so getting off to a later start this am. Lisa, we should be there about 2pm-ish. cya then!

Be careful driving!!

 

[MrsMork]

Hi all

I've missed my nightly chatting. I've tried to read here and there to stay caught up. I still have quite a ways to go. Just got home from my son's 7th birthday party. This mom really pushed my buttons: the party was at a place called Build-a-Bear where each child makes a teddy bear. It costs around $25/child. My son wanted to invite his class so I allowed him to do so, and we didn't invite his cousins figuring we would celebrate with them this week-end. Anyway, so he has about 20 kids in his class so it isn't cheap. Many of the children in his grade have brothers/sisters in my older son's class (3rd grade). One Mom came with her two sons, the one that was invited and then the older brother. The older brother went straight up to the personnel and asked for a name tag. I looked very surprised and the mom said "oh, I wasn't sure if he was invited or not. I figure your older son would want his friends." I said no, siblings weren't invited with the exception of one family (the mom that is going through her second round of chemo). I explained I was helping them out to give them a break but if her son stays it could be hard as other families might then have their siblings stay. She said something like "well I will just stay so you will have extra parents." I told her supervision wasn't the issue as the people in the store do it, and I said it is just that I already have over 20 kids coming. She then just changed the subject. By then, her child already had his name tag and was talking to the other children. ARGG. What do you guys think? I really got very flustered by the whole thing. I figure she must have been just completely oblivous to the fact it cost money per child. I know one child more doesn't sound like much but sure enough another family came and before I could say anything, their older sibling was getting his bear. I'm sure it was because they saw the other child there. It was so very frustating!
Lisa

Well I am speechless and that does not happen often! No, you don't bring extra kids to Build a Bear and I cannot imagine that she did not know the cost.

 

[MrsMork]

We recently had Drew's 5th bday party there too! After having problems in the past with uninvited siblings, I decided to be very clear with the staff beforehand. I told them, if the kid's not on the list I provided, then he's not part of the invited group, even if the sibling is. They got it clearly and we avoided any problems but there were a few siblings there and I could see the looks on the mom's faces, like what about so an so. I'm normally not like this but I did say, "If so and so wants to do a bear, you can pay for it at the register over there" and I pointed and smiled. I'm just fed up with people doing this. And I have two boys...I would never dream of squeezing the uninvited one in EVEN if he's friends with the birthday child's sibling! I'm sorry that you had to go through that!!

This makes it seem like it is common for people to be this rude! Oh my!

 

[birkner]

Hi all

I've missed my nightly chatting. I've tried to read here and there to stay caught up. I still have quite a ways to go. Just got home from my son's 7th birthday party. This mom really pushed my buttons: the party was at a place called Build-a-Bear where each child makes a teddy bear. It costs around $25/child. My son wanted to invite his class so I allowed him to do so, and we didn't invite his cousins figuring we would celebrate with them this week-end. Anyway, so he has about 20 kids in his class so it isn't cheap. Many of the children in his grade have brothers/sisters in my older son's class (3rd grade). One Mom came with her two sons, the one that was invited and then the older brother. The older brother went straight up to the personnel and asked for a name tag. I looked very surprised and the mom said "oh, I wasn't sure if he was invited or not. I figure your older son would want his friends." I said no, siblings weren't invited with the exception of one family (the mom that is going through her second round of chemo). I explained I was helping them out to give them a break but if her son stays it could be hard as other families might then have their siblings stay. She said something like "well I will just stay so you will have extra parents." I told her supervision wasn't the issue as the people in the store do it, and I said it is just that I already have over 20 kids coming. She then just changed the subject. By then, her child already had his name tag and was talking to the other children. ARGG. What do you guys think? I really got very flustered by the whole thing. I figure she must have been just completely oblivious to the fact it cost money per child. I know one child more doesn't sound like much but sure enough another family came and before I could say anything, their older sibling was getting his bear. I'm sure it was because they saw the other child there. It was so very frustrating!

Anyway, sorry to be all after not being on the boards for awhile. I'm getting nervous about the Star testing for next year - my school is saying the testing is for 1 1/2 weeks and I thought is was just for one week?? Very confusing. The testing starts next week and they are sending out all the warnings that everyone needs to be in town and all appointments need to be canceled. I'm nervous to bring up the trip but there is just NO WAY we aren't going!!! Can't wait to start booking hotel, air, etc!
Lisa

Being a fellow Woodside parent, in my experience having uninvited siblings come is a very common practice. I have always had 4 or 5 "invited" extra guests at Samantha's birthday parties over the years. I knew the drill so I did not have extra goodies and when we did the bear thing in San Francisco, I already had the name tags made out. I actually had one mother tell she was very upset that I did not have extra "goodies" for the siblings so they would not feel left out. Needless to say my answer that I only provided "goodies" for invited guests did not set well with her.

The most "extravagant" party Sam ever attended included a bus ride to San Francisco with the "Blue Fairy" for entertainment, The parents had nanny supervision and healthy snacks on the bus for all 25 kids who were invited. The party was held at FAO Schwartz and included dinner. The "goodie" was a choice of toys (all from $50-100) that were chosen by the guests. I don't even want to hazard a guess what that party cost. The next year, the girl had a kiddie rock band etc with makeovers etc. I was hoping by the time the girl turned 18, her parents would offer college tuition checks but alas no luck.

Never had to deal with Star testing as my kids went to private school. We had to deal with getting into the private schools by preparing for the test they administer but beyond that stress and the politics involved in getting into a private school, we did not deal with a yearly test until the PSAT, SAT and ACT's in high school.

 

[Tahoe]

I'm getting nervous about the Star testing for next year - my school is saying the testing is for 1 1/2 weeks and I thought is was just for one week?? Very confusing. The testing starts next week and they are sending out all the warnings that everyone needs to be in town and all appointments need to be canceled. I'm nervous to bring up the trip but there is just NO WAY we aren't going!!! Can't wait to start booking hotel, air, etc!
Lisa

I know I'm not on here much anymore, but I have been lurking a little and the STAR test conversation struck a chord with me, as I have been worrying about next year as well! I agree with everyone else regarding the STAR tests being important for the schools, districts, principals and teachers. (Our district tests Tuesday-Friday for two weeks. I know that they can get the tests all in in one week, but I think they spread it out so that the kids don't burn out over the course of a day.) My poor son was a nervous wreck last week after being "scared" about the importance of this test; I had to remind him, that this was a test for the teachers, etc., and not him.

Though, I didn't know about the connection between the Star tests and GATE...hmmm. I need to call our district about that one, being that my son will be in 4th grade next year.

I can only hope that the testing is this time next year, too. I will be waiting at least until January, as well, to tell the teachers. My son, esp, will be having a ton of work to make up, so I'm in the mindset now that every sea day, he will have to spend several hours throughout the day doing school work.

Honestly, I'm looking forward to meeting a lot of you in a few weeks--since I don't get a lot of time to read the board!!

 

[ibouncetoo]

Karin, looking forward to meeting you and the kids also!

Two weeks from right now I'll probably be leaving the outlet mall and be on my last leg of the journey OR, already be there if I get my tush out of bed earlier! Oh, lunch on the patio at Jazz Kitchen sound good. Hmmmmm....where shall we have dinner Sat night? And the question is...will I find Cheri in the madhouse of people leaving DL after the red carpet stuff? I think we'd better decide on a plan. Maybe I'll just grab a comfy chair in the Grand Californian lobby and read my book till she finds me! Guess we'd better decide on dinner too or we won't be able to get in anywhere. Oh well, there's always WhiteWater Snacks!

Who will be in the parks on Sunday? A couple of hours at DL right at opening should start off the day nicely. I plan on spending some time at CA for sure, to check out the last day of the Food & Wine stuff. And if we're ready to head over for the meet a little early, you may find us on the fifth floor covered patio at the Grand Californian, overlooking the pool...a nice place to bring a cool beverage and take a rest.

Time to go build some lunch and check in on TiggersPal, who's suffering from a sore throat, poor baby!

 

[LisaG520]

Karin, looking forward to meeting you and the kids also!

Two weeks from right now I'll probably be leaving the outlet mall and be on my last leg of the journey OR, already be there if I get my tush out of bed earlier! Oh, lunch on the patio at Jazz Kitchen sound good. Hmmmmm....where shall we have dinner Sat night? And the question is...will I find Cheri in the madhouse of people leaving DL after the red carpet stuff? I think we'd better decide on a plan. Maybe I'll just grab a comfy chair in the Grand Californian lobby and read my book till she finds me! Guess we'd better decide on dinner too or we won't be able to get in anywhere. Oh well, there's always WhiteWater Snacks!

Who will be in the parks on Sunday? A couple of hours at DL right at opening should start off the day nicely. I plan on spending some time at CA for sure, to check out the last day of the Food & Wine stuff. And if we're ready to head over for the meet a little early, you may find us on the fifth floor covered patio at the Grand Californian, overlooking the pool...a nice place to bring a cool beverage and take a rest.

Time to go build some lunch and check in on TiggersPal, who's suffering from a sore throat, poor baby!

Oh wow - two weeks already! We will be in the parks Sunday for sure and maybe Saturday - if we can get a priceline hotel.

Can't wait