OT- A question for teachers and moms.

[karapp75]

I was a teacher and mom, although now I stay at home. If you want to take a personal day then do it! You don't get these moments back and it obviously means a lot to you or you wouldn't be posting here. My husband and I both took our ds to his first day of preschool and last year I took him by myself. However, this year our twin DD's will start preschool and I want my husband to come along and he'll go to work late. Family comes first. Do what YOU think is best and don't worry about what other people think.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

It's really up to you how and when you use your personal days. If you want to take a day off for your DDs first day of Kinder, then you should. That's why the district has subs!

 

[donac]

I am a high school math teacher and a mom. 5 years ago I had to miss the first day of school to take my son to college. YOu have to be there for the important things in your life. Just have a good sub who can do paperwork because that is all there is the first day.

 

[mccathy]

I'm a preschool teacher and plan to take off for my son's first day of kindergarten (in like 2 years). UNLESS, it happens to be my first day as well. Then I'll just be sad and tell my husband to take the day off to make the day special. (Also - my aide is usually my sub and they get another aide to help her - so really - the kids do fine when I'm not there!)

 

[daisyduck123]

Hi! 1st grade teacher here (beginning my 18th year)...

Take the day off.....I wouldn't give it another thought. I can't believe the other teacher even said that to you. Is she pretty new to teaching? I don't think a veteran teacher would care one way or the other.

I've got the opposite situation coming up during this school year...I will be missing the LAST day of school to go to my DS's 5th grade "promotion" at his school. I'll just use a personal day for that.

 

[Tiger926]

My kids have been in Montessori school since 14 months old, and I didn't take their first day off as I needed to be at my school for my students. I guess I'm confused as to why you need to take the day off? Drop off should be quick as lingering around usually adds to stress and anxiety for children, and sometimes for the parents too - LOL!

I don't get personal days in my school board - we are not allowed to take any personal days off whatsoever, whether it be a wedding, honeymoon, first day of school, etc. so I have no experience with this at all as it's not part of our school board culture here. Even personal days were available to me, I absolutely wouldn't waste a whole day for this as drop off is short - what are you going to do for the rest of the day? I don't want to offend you either, but I agree with your colleague as well in that you should be at your own school on your first day of school. You can make the night before special, or, have a special breakfast the morning of the first day and then everyone can be on their way. I don't get the whole 'special' aura that surrounds the first day of school, anyway. Don't get me wrong, I love school as I am a teacher, but for us, it's just a regular day like all of the other regular school days in the year (my kids also go to school in the summer, so they don't get the whole 'Back to School' stuff either).

I wish you luck in whatever you decide - I hope your daughter has a great day at school and that you have a great first week back to school.

Tiger

 

[mccathy]

My kids have been in Montessori school since 14 months old, and I didn't take their first day off as I needed to be at my school for my students. I guess I'm confused as to why you need to take the day off? Drop off should be quick as lingering around usually adds to stress and anxiety for children, and sometimes for the parents too - LOL!

I think to some people the first day of a new school year is a sort of milestone - and the first day of kindergarten a HUGE milestone. The first time that child will enter that school building, a building she'll be going to for the next 3, 5, or 8 years. At the school I work at the first day is crazy with parents, pictures, and kids - all so excited to be there! I love it and would so want to be there on the first day for each of my kids. I think taking a 14 month to a Montessori school is a little bit different - some would compare that to taking your child to daycare. (I know, I know, all the wonderful things about Montessori - trust me - I wish I could have found a truly good Montessori Preschool for my son, but anyway - I think that may be way it feels different to you? ) But to a lot of people kindergarten is a big deal - and you know these kids won't let you pull that kind of stuff (pictures, etc.) for their first day of high school or junior high - at least not at drop off - so we might as well take it while we can!

 

[Tiger926]

I think to some people the first day of a new school year is a sort of milestone - and the first day of kindergarten a HUGE milestone. The first time that child will enter that school building, a building she'll be going to for the next 3, 5, or 8 years. At the school I work at the first day is crazy with parents, pictures, and kids - all so excited to be there! I love it and would so want to be there on the first day for each of my kids. I think taking a 14 month to a Montessori school is a little bit different - some would compare that to taking your child to daycare. (I know, I know, all the wonderful things about Montessori - trust me - I wish I could have found a truly good Montessori Preschool for my son, but anyway - I think that may be way it feels different to you? ) But to a lot of people kindergarten is a big deal - and you know these kids won't let you pull that kind of stuff (pictures, etc.) for their first day of high school or junior high - at least not at drop off - so we might as well take it while we can!

I don't want to get into a Montessori vs. mainstream education debate, but Montessori is very academic - our Montessori school is not daycare at all. It is based on an individual academic philosophy, and not play based as most, if not all daycares are. My just turned 5 year old has already mastered the SK curriculum (we have junior and senior kindergarten here in Ontario, Canada), and that is why she won't be attending kindergarten in a mainstream school. Her very first day of Montessori school was an important milestone to us (it shouldn't matter if it's daycare, Montessori or mainstream school), especially me since I'm a teacher, but it was made no more important than all of the other days in her academic year. She, as well as us, were very excited that she was able to attend this school - I guess I'm confused as to why you are implying that only 'mainstream' families can be excited about school? It really bothers me that most people assume that preschool or private school isn't a 'real' school like mainstream school?

I guess I have a different spin on the whole "First Day of School" or "Big Girl/Big Boy School" than most people. That being said, if the OP feels comfortable missing her own first day of school, then I wish her and her daughter a great day!

I wish a happy start to school to all, Tiger

 

[mommytoone]

I am a SAHM, and would not have missed my DD first day of preschool, K, or First grade for ANYTHING!!! And I will be there for her first day of Second grade as well, which will be starting in 2 weeks. Those are days I will never get back. I personally beleive that you have to do what is right for YOU and not let others tell you what they beleive is right. I wish you luck in your decision. I would take the time off, there will never be another first day of Kindergarden.

 

[Nicoleclaw]

I don't see a prob with you taking it off, as a teacher and mom. I would never question why a teacher is taking off anyway, unless it is over a normal amount of allotted days. Even then I probably wouldnt ask because I remember the year I had 2 miscarriages and my dd was sick all year, and I would never want to question someone when I don't know what their situation could be. In anycase, I am wondering how I am going to get to work on time on my dd first day of kindy this year. Between the time I can drop her off at before care and the time I have to be at school, there really is no time to spare. I want to have a couple minutes to introduce her to the before care people, etc. She is VERY SHY. SO I don't know what to do about that!

 

[Elissajoy]

I am a mom of 3 and a teacher as well. My opinion is that there is nothing wrong w/ what you are doing. Take the day off, get your DD off to a happy, non-rushed start and then have some quality time to yourself. An idea: You can prepare a nice "after-school" snack for the two of you and have some beautiful, memorable mommy and daughter time. Some teachers in the school I teach at take off for the silliest things. Your day is a meaningful one !!! Enjoy !!

P.S. Have you read the book, The Kissing Hand, to your DD ????

 

[wlwilliams9]

I wouldn't care what the other teachers think, I would not miss my DD's first day of school...You're right, you have personal days for a reason!

 

[HappyDznyCamper]

My kids have been in Montessori school since 14 months old, and I didn't take their first day off as I needed to be at my school for my students. I guess I'm confused as to why you need to take the day off? Drop off should be quick as lingering around usually adds to stress and anxiety for children, and sometimes for the parents too - LOL!

I don't get personal days in my school board - we are not allowed to take any personal days off whatsoever, whether it be a wedding, honeymoon, first day of school, etc. so I have no experience with this at all as it's not part of our school board culture here. Even personal days were available to me, I absolutely wouldn't waste a whole day for this as drop off is short - what are you going to do for the rest of the day? I don't want to offend you either, but I agree with your colleague as well in that you should be at your own school on your first day of school. You can make the night before special, or, have a special breakfast the morning of the first day and then everyone can be on their way. I don't get the whole 'special' aura that surrounds the first day of school, anyway. Don't get me wrong, I love school as I am a teacher, but for us, it's just a regular day like all of the other regular school days in the year (my kids also go to school in the summer, so they don't get the whole 'Back to School' stuff either).

I wish you luck in whatever you decide - I hope your daughter has a great day at school and that you have a great first week back to school.

Tiger

The op explained that for her DD it would be a half day and the regular afterschool program that DD would attend is not available on that day so other arangements would have to be made(op or her dh taking time off anyway). As far as it being a first day, it is for DD not for the OP, for the OP school will have been in for a week and a half. Since she is a middle school teacher I really do think her kids will be fine withour her for 1 day.

OP, don't miss this day, your child may not remember it, but you will, one way or the other. Make it a great day for both of you.

 

[mccathy]

I don't want to get into a Montessori vs. mainstream education debate, but Montessori is very academic - our Montessori school is not daycare at all. It is based on an individual academic philosophy, and not play based as most, if not all daycares are. My just turned 5 year old has already mastered the SK curriculum (we have junior and senior kindergarten here in Ontario, Canada), and that is why she won't be attending kindergarten in a mainstream school. Her very first day of Montessori school was an important milestone to us (it shouldn't matter if it's daycare, Montessori or mainstream school), especially me since I'm a teacher, but it was made no more important than all of the other days in her academic year. She, as well as us, were very excited that she was able to attend this school - I guess I'm confused as to why you are implying that only 'mainstream' families can be excited about school? It really bothers me that most people assume that preschool or private school isn't a 'real' school like mainstream school?

I couldn't quite figure out how to explain it - but to me taking a toddler to school isn't the same as taking a kindergartener to her first day of school (private or public). I admit that comparing that to daycare is probably the worst comparison (especially since I teach preschool and HATE when people compare it to daycare, so yeah, my bad!). And I think it would feel different if you were taking your kids back to the same school (montessori or other) since they were toddlers. (and as a side note - of all the philosophies I adopt from the most - Montessori is one of the ones I admire the most! I only wish there were more true Montessori schools around here (and that they were more affordable) and less that just slap on the name, but then appear to be a "mainstream" preschool. But that's a whole 'nother thread, I suppose!)

I guess I have a different spin on the whole "First Day of School" or "Big Girl/Big Boy School" than most people. That being said, if the OP feels comfortable missing her own first day of school, then I wish her and her daughter a great day!

I'm pretty sure the OP isn't taking off her first day of school - it sounded like her school starts about 2 weeks before her child's school. So her students would have already been in school for at least a week before she took a day off.

Now I'm just curious - how long are your children staying in the Montessori program? The oldest I've heard of children staying in Montessori is 8 years old? Is this wrong??? I'm more interested in the preK - K programs, but I do know some of our 2nd and 3rd graders will come from a Montessori program.

 

[holly7347]

I'm not a teacher just a mom. My DD had a few subs last year and she thought it was cool to meet a new teacher and see different ways things were done. Except last year she had a sub names Mr. Lion and the teacher told them ahead of time I'll be out tomorrow and Mr. Lion will be here to teach you. DD came home freaked out that there was going to be a Lion in her class What can I say she was only 4.

Next year I would like to become a teachers assistant. I hope to be able to find a job in the same district where my DD's go to school so we will be on the same schedule. But I have considered if I can't be in the same district maybe I'll just enroll them in the school where I work so I won't have to worry about babysitters/daycare for the days we I would have to work but she doesn't have school.

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

I'm not a teacher but I am a mom and a nurse. I take the first day of school off every year for my kids. not only is it a perfect time to meet their teacher (they don't tell us here who teacher is until 1st day) but also to help them manage their supplies the first day. It's alot for them to carry on the bus.

Dd 1 is going into grade 3 this year and likely won't care much if I am there next year for her but I promised her I'd go if she wants me to. dd 2 doesn't go to big girl school yet but I love to be there for her first and last days of preschool. They're only young and doing these things once. Since she's my last baby I personally feel the need to cherish these moments.

OP I don't think it's unreasonable at all for you to take her first day of kindergarden off. it's a special day! enjoy!

 

[sk!mom]

I would do it. I've known teachers who missed the first day of school. Do you have plenty of days? Will your supervisor be understanding?

I missed an important day toward the end of last year (teacher talent show day) because it was an important day for my DD12. My principal, a great mom herself, understood that I needed to see my DD in the opening performance of a local HSM production and completely supported me taking off. I will say though that I don't miss a lot and no one doubts my commitment.

Actually my DH has gotten to do the first day of school every year because DD went to the Elementary that I teach at. It's been special for him and I am always there for pick up to hear all the big news.

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

I am a sub and a teacher I regularly sub for does this same thing. Our school starts the Wed before Labor Day. Her kids school starts the Tuesday after Labor Day. She is always there to take the kids to school on the first day of school. She takes 1/2 day off on their frst day EVERY year to make it special for her kids.... It would be her 4th day of teaching and the kids are in good hands with a sub (me!) for 1/2 day. The beginning of school is mostly review anyway and getting used to the classroom rules...
I think you will regret it if you don't do this...... It is personal day and you are entitled to use it however you wish.....

 

[weesignlanguage]

If you scroll down a few more threads on this board and read my thread about my Vent on my Principal then you will understand that I TOTALLY think you should take your personal days for whatever you want to take them for! You enjoy being off that day regardless of the circumstances and don't let anyone tell you different! I'm sure your kiddos will survive a day without their teacher...for goodness sakes...some of the founding fathers and/or greatest leaders of our country were barely educated! I'm sure a day without their teacher won't kill their 13 year education! HA! Hope you have a great day watching your little one enter into school...you won't regret it ever that you did take this day to be with her...but you just might regret it if you don't take this time off to support her in her first day of kindergarten! Just do it!!

I just wanted to add that after I went back and read your post, I was shocked at how your co-worker made you feel about taking this day off. People need to realize that although we teachers love our jobs, we do have families of our own and they are wayyyy more important than any job! Not everyone let's their life revolve around their job! I think that your co-worker needs to get out of her classroom a little more often and find out the world is not all about school. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE my job/students and I am a 100% teacher from 7:30-3:30 everyday but when 3:30 rolls around I am a mother and wife first! You sound like that too...so stand your ground and don't feel bad b/c of her warped opinion! (suppose you can tell that this post hits a nerve just like my post on this board...ha!)

 

[PollyannaMom]

Take the day!

As a mom, I think you are way more likely to regret NOT taking it than taking it.

As a substitute teacher, I would not feel it was at all odd to be called in for that. It's a whole week and a half after school starts for you! It's fine.