~Snowbird Chat~

[Disney Mommy 3]

Kim...I don't know how your school was, but our standard class was 32 kids. With ONE teacher and no aids! Poor teachers...same kids allllll day...she even ate her lunch with us in the cafeteria! I bet she will handle them just fine...glad you had a better experience with her tho...make that mamma heart rest easier!

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

OMG 28-32 kids in one class!! Really? That's way too many.

Our school has 7 teachers per grade. DS7's grade has about 20 kids per class. DS10's has about 24, and I thought that was a lot!

We get to meet their teachers next week!

 

[crzyred]

Hello Snowbirds!

Just found out this week that DS10 needs braces. We kind of knew this was coming, but I guess we just didn't expect it so soon. He went for a full ortho exam/evaluation this morning. He did very well considering he has been freaking out ever since Tuesday when he found out he needed braces. He doesn't deal well with any discomfort. Plus he heard them discussing the price with me and he said - that costs as much as a trip to Disney!!

Oh well, I'm sure lots of people have been through this and we will get through it too. It just seems like it is going to be a long drawn out process.

I had braces twice. I was in 3rd grade the first time and then a Freshman the second. I also had some other things, "night-brace" - not fun (bracket worn only at night) and upper jaw expansion turn key - sticking a little key into the bracket across the top of my mouth and turn it to expand my jaw in hopes of avoiding jaw surgery, which worked, while having braces.

My suggestion is to have him take some ibuprofen before having them put on. It does hurt at first and takes some time to get used to, but after a while he won't even notice he has them!

On the money front, my parents had to pay for 3 kids to have orthodontics stuff. Started when my sister was 7, and about 4 years ago my mom made the final payment. At that time I was about 20 and we had been done with everything for about 4 years!!

I went for Andrew's conference with his teacher this afternoon and got a MUCH better impression of her today. What a relief.
The only part that is not a relief is that his class has 28 kids in it already! Budget cuts have taken away the third K teacher

When I was in grade school (1st grade - 5th grade), there were 33 of us every year. Then I transfered schools and had about 30 (I think) for 6th. I never once felt like I didn't get the appropriate student/teacher attention. Both schools really promoted parents being one on one with their children and going through homework and projects with them.

 

[MAGGIED]

Hello Snowbirds!

Just found out this week that DS10 needs braces. We kind of knew this was coming, but I guess we just didn't expect it so soon. He went for a full ortho exam/evaluation this morning. He did very well considering he has been freaking out ever since Tuesday when he found out he needed braces. He doesn't deal well with any discomfort. Plus he heard them discussing the price with me and he said - that costs as much as a trip to Disney!!

Oh well, I'm sure lots of people have been through this and we will get through it too. It just seems like it is going to be a long drawn out process.

Shelly... we did the braces thing for both kids... yikes... I think I could have bought a new car with what I paid for them... but they both have beautiful smiles now so it was worth it.... I know that when my kids had them on they had really tender mouths the day they went for check ups.... lots of pudding and ice cream....

 

[sarbah77]

Sarah, if you do a deluxe so you can walk to Epcot ,we llooooooovvveee the BC!!! I would stay at the YC if the BC was too packed, but that's where we stayed and I love it! We actually went there 3 trips in a row!! I am kinda hem-hawing back and forth now that I have planned the CR!!! Why do we do this to ourselves? Crazy.

I've been in love with CR since 1985, which was our first trip. I will stay there. Yes, I will.

But probably without the husband who'd rather stay at an Epcot resort.

We're considering a family-sized DVC resort for my parents 40th in 2011, but I'm just not sure that my brother can (or, really, wants to, which amounts to the same thing!) afford it.

I'm so glad it's Friday. My husband and I had a late (for us!) dinner last night, for his birthday, and we both woke up at 5:15 as a result. When i dozed off, I had some crazy dreams that combined most of my recent stresses (like my husband's upcoming trips, the lack of an academic advisor in my department despite the students return next week) and then weird things (like lots of puppies and chocolate cake, though not puppies trying to eat cake).

And the boss brought in donuts.

 

[Monny2AE]

She does have an aide but still, especially as a former first grade teacher, 28 is too many even with an aide. He's a pretty decent kid (yes I'm biased but he really is ) and I've worked with him so he's a little advanced, I'm worried that that he'll just get shoved to the side and not be noticed amongst the 27 other kids that may be struggling with behavior or learning. I did voice those concerns to her and of course she's not too happy to have 28 in her class so she definitely understands. I'm crossing my fingers for the best.

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Sarah...I always have crazy dreams....but if I eat late, forget it! I am dreamin' like a crazy person!! Ha!!

Kim...I hope he does okay! I am sure he will, but if he doesn't, your being a teacher will help you make any decisions you make easier. I know for me, since I wasn't(a teacher or anything), when I had concerns in 2nd grade, I was blown off. But, since they know you were teaching, they will probably listen to you more. Has he enjoyed it so far this week?

 

[sarbah77]

Sarah...I always have crazy dreams....but if I eat late, forget it! I am dreamin' like a crazy person!! Ha!!

Yeah, my dreams are generally WAY out there... this one, in particular, had the hot dog dogs trying to jump on my bed which is WAY to high off the floor, so I was sweating that. Didn't want them to injure themselves!!

Thanks, brain! I'll keep that in mind next time I have any at my house? Trying to jump on my bed? It's no wonder my cat got up and left!

 

[sarbah77]

Oh, you know... I totally forgot. The other day at the Post Office I bought some Post Card stamps.

Simply for the purpose of playing Fairy Godmother and mailing out postcards addressed to kids who want to hear from the parks before they get there!

Anyone want me to send one to your kids? I can take 4 - if you'll PM me, we can work it out!

 

[BellaSoleil]

Just wanted to say hello. I've been so bogged down by house building and my 10 year high school reunion (5 weeks away, I'm on the committee) that I can hardly think about anything else. BLAH! Vacation is much needed!

 

[Dancegrl624]

OMG 28-32 kids in one class!! Really? That's way too many.

Our school has 7 teachers per grade. DS7's grade has about 20 kids per class. DS10's has about 24, and I thought that was a lot!

We get to meet their teachers next week!

WOW! 7 teachers per grade! I think that there are 4 2nd grade teachers at Maddie's school. There were 4 1st grade teachers last year too and Madison had 18 kids in her class. Each year, the number of teachers changes depending on how many kids are in that grade. When she was in Kindergarden, I think there were 24 kids in her class. What happened was there was a huge amount kids that registered late and by that time, the district couldn't hire a 4th kindergarden teacher. That class was actually much more orderly than her 1st grade class last year.

 

[jenjolt]

What I would give to have 18 kids per class...unfortunately this year I'm running 24 as my lowest and 28 as my highest in my class. Thankfully this year seems to be a great year, my students are amazing and I'm really looking forward to teaching them!!

 

[Lil'Mermaid75]

I went for Andrew's conference with his teacher this afternoon and got a MUCH better impression of her today. What a relief.
The only part that is not a relief is that his class has 28 kids in it already! Budget cuts have taken away the third K teacher

She does have an aide but still, especially as a former first grade teacher, 28 is too many even with an aide. He's a pretty decent kid (yes I'm biased but he really is ) and I've worked with him so he's a little advanced, I'm worried that that he'll just get shoved to the side and not be noticed amongst the 27 other kids that may be struggling with behavior or learning. I did voice those concerns to her and of course she's not too happy to have 28 in her class so she definitely understands. I'm crossing my fingers for the best.

We're right there with you. We have 5 first grade classes in our school this year. Our son's class has 28 kids in it. I was told by the principal that they can add another 1st grade class when the class "average" (of the 5 classes) is 28. The average is 26. That's just crazy. Add to that the fact that we are a "choice" school in the district, which means if there is a student in one of the other 3 elementary schools, they can be asked to be transfered to our school. So, we very well may get that extra class if many kids ask to be transfered. We're definately the best school (academically) in the district, but I don't think I agree with allowing the transfers to happen. Oh well.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

WOW! 7 teachers per grade! I think that there are 4 2nd grade teachers at Maddie's school. There were 4 1st grade teachers last year too and Madison had 18 kids in her class. Each year, the number of teachers changes depending on how many kids are in that grade. When she was in Kindergarden, I think there were 24 kids in her class. What happened was there was a huge amount kids that registered late and by that time, the district couldn't hire a 4th kindergarden teacher. That class was actually much more orderly than her 1st grade class last year.

Yes, we are busting at the seems here! We barely have enough class rooms. People keep moving out of the city (Pittsburgh) for lower taxes and better schools. And somehow they all seem to end up here. Last I checked we were ranked 9th in the state academically. Plus we are a very Christian oriented town. The only public school that I know of that still lets their kids have a moment of silence to pray every morning. We are supposed to get a new building for the 2011/2012 school year, so that will give us additional class rooms and hopefully more teachers if enrollment keeps increasing.

 

[Monny2AE]

Sarah...I always have crazy dreams....but if I eat late, forget it! I am dreamin' like a crazy person!! Ha!!

Kim...I hope he does okay! I am sure he will, but if he doesn't, your being a teacher will help you make any decisions you make easier. I know for me, since I wasn't(a teacher or anything), when I had concerns in 2nd grade, I was blown off. But, since they know you were teaching, they will probably listen to you more. Has he enjoyed it so far this week?

Unfortunately, when they know you're a teacher they think you're a pain in the tush more than anything because you're on top of things!

Oh, you know... I totally forgot. The other day at the Post Office I bought some Post Card stamps.

Simply for the purpose of playing Fairy Godmother and mailing out postcards addressed to kids who want to hear from the parks before they get there!

Anyone want me to send one to your kids? I can take 4 - if you'll PM me, we can work it out!

That's so sweet We had a Fairy Godmailer send some to our kids before our trip last year and they got a big kick out of it.

Just wanted to say hello. I've been so bogged down by house building and my 10 year high school reunion (5 weeks away, I'm on the committee) that I can hardly think about anything else. BLAH! Vacation is much needed!

Been wondering how you are Are things going well with the house? Did you break ground yet?

WOW! 7 teachers per grade! I think that there are 4 2nd grade teachers at Maddie's school. There were 4 1st grade teachers last year too and Madison had 18 kids in her class. Each year, the number of teachers changes depending on how many kids are in that grade. When she was in Kindergarden, I think there were 24 kids in her class. What happened was there was a huge amount kids that registered late and by that time, the district couldn't hire a 4th kindergarden teacher. That class was actually much more orderly than her 1st grade class last year.

Thanks! That gives me hope! After talking more with his teacher, she seems like the type that can handle it so I'm hopeful that things will be good for him! This is all a new experience for me and I'm probably just over worrying.

 

[danceintherain]

I had an interesting dream last night too. It was a combination of a trip to Disney, well really Akershus (there was a never ending line of characters) then my Aunt had twins. I think she's getting induced next week.

We never had more than 4 classes at my elementary school, but our district was pretty small when I started school. My 6th grade year we only had two classes, and I think each one had around 20 kids (it's hard to remember).
The whole area has been expanding since we first moved there around 20 years ago, and they're definitely having problems now, due to budget cuts and a variety of different things.

 

[danceintherain]

OK, so I think we've decided the basics for our trip (if we actually go - hopefully we'll know soon if its an option)

Logan says he wants to do the Dining Plan we did last time, so that means Basic Dining.
He also says that he thinks we should stay in a Value, because it will be less expensive and "you want to be able to go to Disney again in the future with our babies, right?"
Since it's Pop Warner week, that means POP, which I would probably do anyways.

Now we just have to decide on our 4th meal. It will most likely be on our DHS day, but I can't decide where we should eat. I don't want to do Sci Fi again (that'd be the third time this year) 50's Prime Time is an option, but I kind of want to try somewhere knew.
Basically, all the other places include the Fantasmic Dinner Package which I'm not sure we would want to do.
That led me to thinking about the Boardwalk restaurants.

Can anyone give me recommendations on the Boardwalk (1TS credit places)?

We could just make it a no plan day and do Beaches & Cream, but I don't know.
Also, they just put in that new place, Kouzzina. It looks nice on the menu, but what about the other places nearby?

Our other three (all dinners) will be Ohana, Hoopdeedoo, and Le Cellier.

Maybe I should really wing it, and just call Disney Dining in the morning and see what they can get me?

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

OK, so I think we've decided the basics for our trip (if we actually go - hopefully we'll know soon if its an option)

Logan says he wants to do the Dining Plan we did last time, so that means Basic Dining.
He also says that he thinks we should stay in a Value, because it will be less expensive and "you want to be able to go to Disney again in the future with our babies, right?"
Since it's Pop Warner week, that means POP, which I would probably do anyways.

Now we just have to decide on our 4th meal. It will most likely be on our DHS day, but I can't decide where we should eat. I don't want to do Sci Fi again (that'd be the third time this year) 50's Prime Time is an option, but I kind of want to try somewhere knew.
Basically, all the other places include the Fantasmic Dinner Package which I'm not sure we would want to do.
That led me to thinking about the Boardwalk restaurants.

Can anyone give me recommendations on the Boardwalk (1TS credit places)?

We could just make it a no plan day and do Beaches & Cream, but I don't know.
Also, they just put in that new place, Kouzzina. It looks nice on the menu, but what about the other places nearby?

Our other three (all dinners) will be Ohana, Hoopdeedoo, and Le Cellier.

Maybe I should really wing it, and just call Disney Dining in the morning and see what they can get me?

We went to Big River Grille in January and loved it and are going again next time! And they don't take ADR's. So no real planning needed, you can just go whenever you are good and ready!

 

[Disney Mommy 3]

Soleil~ good to hear from you. My word, you are a busy beaver!!!! How's the plans/foundation stuff going with your house? Keep us posted!!!!

Okay, I just found a thread that cracked me up...ya'll need to read it. It's on the community board too, it's 'Worst Date Ever'....ya'll gotta check it out! It's about bad dates people have had! got to admit I had to add a scary/crazy date as well.... I know some of you can surely contribute!!! Don't let me feel like the only one that went on a date with a nut!!

 

[MAGGIED]

Good moring Snowbirds.... hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday!!!