This is just WRONG! Big vent

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

You have valid points.

I am angry because I don't want DS to have mandatory anything over the summer. We want him to finish 4th grade, then we will regroup. We will all take deep breaths and decide what needs to be done next. We will spend some time not worrying about academics. But not if we have 10 weeks worth of homework on the counter. We want to clear the 4th grade hurdle so we can be objective about the next challenge. We seem to be having difficulty looking beyond the last day of school because the next 7 weeks are going to feel like 7 years. We kind of need to finish the problem of 4th grade before we tackle anything else. DS doesn't even KNOW about the summer requirements. I told DH over the phone before he picked DS up from school.

DS does read every day during the school year and he logs his minutes on a calendar which has to be turned in each month. I MAKE him do the summer reading program at the library but that is just my thing. No penalty if he doesn't read every day. I don't want him to think having ADD is a good reason to not do all of his work. He is doing ALL of his homework every single night even though his ADD is NOT being managed. While we look for an effective treatment he continues to do the same work as everyone else even though his modifications say he can do less. I don't want him to have a free pass to be lazy. I also don't want my burned-out student to go all summer having to do worksheets, then go back to school as though he never had a break. The mere fact that it is required isn't a bad thing. What makes it a bad thing is that it comes to DS at a time where he is really starting to hate school and DH and I promised him if he can get through the school year he will have the summer to decompress.

I did get an e-mail back from the PTA secretary saying the workbooks have been ordered and when they arrive I can discuss the content with DS's current teachers. Which means either there was a vote and I missed it, or there was no vote. It is definitely a done deal.

 

[clh2]

So expecting him to work tasks all summer means he will have to be on meds (if we find one that works) or he will have to struggle like he has done all year. Not much of a choice there, huh?

Like I mentioned, I know very little about the medications, but I wasn't all that far off base. Your guy just sounds like he needs a break from the routine - that's why they call it summer vacation.

I really hope you are able to find a great solution to this. I never had to deal with IEP's - but I did fight various battles when my DD was in elementary school. I learned quickly that if you don't like something, you will be taken far more seriously if you have a reasonable alternative, which will lead to a nice compromise solution.

Maybe if push comes to shove, you can do the book in the first week or two and just get it done and then enjoy the rest of the summer.

I will have to add here, in regards to summer worksheet packets the experience my DD had in the summer between 2nd and 3rd grade. Her really awesome 2nd grade teacher sent home a bunch of worksheet packets at the beginning of the summer. Totally optional. Every kid in the class had the same opportunity to choose to participate or not. No penalty to not participate. But for those who did the packets - the teacher put up $150 of his own money. The kids who returned all the completed packets went to Target one night afterschool in the fall, and they evenly split the $150, on whatever they wanted to get. And - to make it even better - the teacher guaranteed a minimum of $10 per child. My DD had fun working on the worksheets, spent a lot of time on them (we didn't have to push) and was done with them in the first couple of weeks after school ended. She still has the rope lights in her room that she purchased on their shopping trip. (She is in middle school now.) 10 kids participated,about 1/2 the class. Sorry for taking this so far off topic - just wanted to make the point that too bad the PTA isn't finding a way to make this an optional thing to do,with a fun reward at the end.

Good Luck!!!

 

[momof2inPA]

I really don't think this is that strange or bad for kids to do over the summer. I'm 25 and since I was in 2nd grade we have had packets of work to do over the summer and some books to read-and everyone in the class had to read the same books too. By the time I was in high school the books were pretty substantial, there were several of them (at least 2 for English, 1 for history, and 1 for Spanish once I got to level 4 and higher) and we were either quizzed on them when we got back to school or had to write reports or fill out worksheets. Only difference was at that level you got books assigned according to your classes-like all honors English kids read the same 3 books, B track kids read a different couple of books, and C track kids read yet another set of books, though usually there was 1 that was common across all 3 levels. It just seemed like standard protocol to me, as this was the case in both my elementary and high schools. And we also had work assigned over holidays, breaks, and most definitely weekends.

I really think it's good to have some continuity over the summer for kids, and I really doubt that the packet your son has will take up everyday of the entire summer so I wouldn't stress about it too much (and I have ADD too, though fairly mild, and I especially feel this is good for kids like me who had difficulty focusing after returning from summer break). Instead of seeing the bad in it (which I know is easy when you're not happy about the plan), I'd look for ways to make it fun and help him complete it in as short an amount of time as possible. Or if you think he'd be better off splitting it up, maybe set aside 30 minutes after he wakes up to work on the workbook and then he's got the rest of his day free, or something like that. It really won't be that bad and I would guess that as he gets older this will be more and more common so might as well get him used to the idea now.

Hold on a second. All that structure and categorization doesn't sound a bit like Montessori. Don't they promote following your own interests? Shouldn't that be especially true during the summer?

OP- I'm with you. I can't wait for Spring and Summer breaks and the vacation from structure. If my kids want to read or do Math for fun, and they sometimes do, then great. If they would rather swim, ride bikes, play ball with friends, go to the park, go to a museum or the zoo, play board games, or play chess, go to an amusement park, that's fine, too. To be honest, my kids don't have a problem retaining knowledge over the summer-- especially their ability to read, it's like riding a bike-- and I think the teachers spend way too much time reviewing in the Fall.

As for the ADD, I know many parents like to give their kids a break from the pressures or change or cut back on the meds during the summer. If I know that, why doesn't the school know that?

 

[simpilotswife]

Just wanted to correct a misconception.....

You might want to call your PTA to check this out. I don't believe that PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) can make anything academic mandatory for your child. They may be working in conjunction with the school district for this mandatory summer reading project but they don't have the authority (nor should they) to implement a mandatory academic program.

And if they are sponsoring something like that I would contact the Region PTA cause it sounds like someone got too excited about helping the school and forgot the rules.

 

[JPN4265]

I just got an e-mail of the meeting minutes from the last PTA meeting. The PTA has decided to have a summer literacy program. Fine. Whatever.

BUT it is MANDATORY. Each child will get a book according to grade level, and with the book there will be a WORKBOOK to be completed over the 10 weeks of summer. In addition there will be a major activity which also must be completed, and all of this is due the first day of school.

This is a PUBLIC school. The very SAME public school that theatened to fine me and take me to court for truancy violations for taking DS to Disney for 4 days in October. Excuse me? If I can't take my child on vacation during the year then we will go in the summer. There will NOT be mandatory homework over the summer. I am the parent and I will say how my child spends his time away from school. I am POSITIVE that the other elementaries in the district don't have this program because the other PTAs wouldn't have nearly as much money to spend on it.

I am so angry I can't see straight, and of course I read the stupid e-mail after everyone was gone for the day so I couldn't call the school. If they want to give every child a book, great. RIF already gives the kids a book twice a year, but that's still fine. If they want to have a companion workbook that's fine too. But how dare they dictate to me how my child will spend his time this summer? My ADD child who spends 3-5 hours on homework every night and is developing a raging hatred of school? DH and I keep promising DS that this school year is almost over, and come hell or high water he will NOT be doing some workbook all summer.

Do other public schools have MANDATORY summer work like this where the child won't have any choice? I do make DS read every day during the summer. He participates in the summer program at the library where he can CHOOSE the books he wants to read. For the rest of his time in school there will be assigned reading. I refuse to support mandatory summer work before he even gets to 5th grade.

There. Vent over.

Just tell them that the dog ate your homework and enjoy your summer.

 

[In a hurry]

Could he just do this rather than the summer reading program? (I do realize that this is not what you want, but is it a compromise that would suffice?)

FTR, I do not agree with summer work, as a 1st grade teacher. I encourage parents to read with their children, always, but kids need a break, IMO. The world is stressed out enough without adding more requirements! Reading should be for fun, kids should be running, swimming, biking, and driving their parents nuts as their full time summer jobs!

 

[ryka]

We are brand new to the IEP arena - DS was just diagnosed in March although we have suspected the inattentive ADD for quite awhile. At our 504 meeting we had the guidance counselor (we don't have a school psychologist - we had DS tested privately) two teachers, DH and me. The guidance counselor filled out the forms and made copies of the letter of diagnosis and so forth. She documented the modifications indicated by the diagnostician and made notes that the modifications had been discussed and agreed upon by the teachers and the parents. Those modifications are in place for 3 years, so no matter who the teacher is we can always refer back to that and say "Well, under this modification..."
Our school isn't very well versed in the legal mumbo jumbo of special needs kids. The guidance counselor said she wasn't aware of half of this stuff until she read the paperwork in preparation for our meeting. And I am assuming she meant she read it that same morning.
I don't want DS to purposely opt out of things he is capable of doing, but I know that this year has really burned him out and our mantra has been "Get out of 4th grade, get out of 4th grade". We want to get his ADD under control if we can so he can start fresh in 5th grade with more confidence. I never thought that there would be some long assignment over the summer that would derail my plans to let him have the summer to forget about structured academics for awhile.

Does he have a 504 or an IEP? Do you have a child study team? My son has ADHD and ODD. I had to fight with the school alot to get my son what he is entitled to. An education. There are alot of places that can help and you can get an advocate to help you with things. If your son needs more time to do this or anything else it should be in the IEP. If he needs more times testing or a quiet room to test It should be in the IEP. We had to go as far as placing my son in an out of district school because the school here isn't prepared to deal with a child like him. I had to fight to get them to pay because they are legally responsible to. I do have 2 great advocates that help me but it also helps if you read up on laws yourself so you know what you and your son are entitled to. School like to make you feel like you can't do anything and they don't have to help you but that isn't true. You have alot of rights. If you need any help with finding advocates or laws just pm me and I wil be glad to help.

 

[chris1gill]

Uh, you must be KIDDING?! You are upset because your child has to read a book, work in a work book & do a project over a TEN week period?? Welcome to the real world, he'll have a heck of a lot more homework than that next year, so just encourage him to do it in the spirit of furthering his academic progress....

And we wonder why our kids are so academically far behind other industrialized countries

Our kids have three books, three book reports & projects due over their summer

 

[OzFan]

As a former PTA President I can say that the PTA CANNOT make ANYTHING acedemic mandatory. As said in a previous post, they can be working WITH your board of education to implement this program. For instance, maybe the district wants the program but can't afford the books, they then in turn go to the PTA and ask for funds. The PTA votes on the asked amount of money from the district. Any and ALL transactions that are not budgeted for MUST go to the membership for a vote. They cannot spend 1 dime of the membership's money wothout them voting for it. As for the program itself, 2 of my daughters that are in high school have MANDATORY reading every summer. They are given a list of books and according to thier grade level they are required to read at least 2 books. They have to keep a daily log and they are tested on their reading choices the 1st day back. It is 25% of their grade. It hasn't been a problem for us, usually at night they will spend about 30 minutes reading, log down thoughts and go to bed. The PTA is a VERY wonderful organization, I think if you look into this more closely you will find that they are truly looking out for all the children, not trying to make anyone's summer miserable.

 

[tar heel]

I doubt very seriously if the PTA is mandating the assignment. I feel confident the PTA is providing the materials and the school is mandating the assignment.

I'll go on record as saying this is a GOOD IDEA and it's wonderful, that unlike most schools, you don't have to go out and find the materials yourself.

When my kids were in private school, they had projects on three-five books (depending on grade level) for the summer. In public school, they have had summer assignments for honors/AP English classes and for AP history.

 

[Goobergal99]

I agree with the original poster, school is already to rigorus in my opinion. Kids are expected to learn an incredible ammount of information in a to short time frame (and they wonder why our kids have anxiety problems before they reach highschool )

It's the summer and kids should be able to play, interact and socialize with other kids. It shouldn't be a time when they have to stress over school work. I think this is just another example of the school districts wanting the parents to be the teacher. If I wanted to home school my child, I certainly wouldn't be paying tuition. I know most of you send your kids to public school and if you felt the same way then you wouldn't be forking out all that tax money to live where ever it is you live.

As far as you taking your child out of school for vacation, HA! How ridiculous is that. They actually threatned to take you to court for truancy? What a joke, I am taking my DD out of school in October to go to Disney and I certainly don't want to worry about having charges pressed against me. It's the only time myself and DH can get off together and even if it wasn't I would still be taking my child on vacation. When I think about what a sick kid I was growing up with severe asthma, I was out of school alot and I still managed to have honors. That to me is just insanity, and to think all those kids who are obviously being abused at home and the school districts do nothing to stop it.

 

[In a hurry]

Uh, you must be KIDDING?! You are upset because your child has to read a book, work in a work book & do a project over a TEN week period?? Welcome to the real world, he'll have a heck of a lot more homework than that next year, so just encourage him to do it in the spirit of furthering his academic progress....

And we wonder why our kids are so academically far behind other industrialized countries

Our kids have three books, three book reports & projects due over their summer

You honestly believe we are behind because our kids get a summer break? Pretty far reaching. In case you haven't noticed the more the schools push, cram, take away electives, etc., the further behind we are getting.

The OP's child does read over the summer, thru the library program. Reading for interest and enjoyment will do one heck of a lot more for our youth than reading as a mandatory requirement.

 

[Goobergal99]

Uh, you must be KIDDING?! You are upset because your child has to read a book, work in a work book & do a project over a TEN week period?? Welcome to the real world, he'll have a heck of a lot more homework than that next year, so just encourage him to do it in the spirit of furthering his academic progress....

And we wonder why our kids are so academically far behind other industrialized countries

Our kids have three books, three book reports & projects due over their summer

Ok now I know I am but, the reason why we "our" kids are so far behind kids in other first world countries academically is because the government proportions the budget poorly. Perhaps, if the right ammount of money was spent on educational resources (like hiring and retaining qualified educators) then our children would prosper.

I think it is an overstament to say that reading three books and completing three papers over the summer is going to further a childs academic process.

Maybe if todays children were less structured, they would be more creative and we would have less children with anxiety problems. Whatever happened to the days when you went out and played, knocked on "Johnny's door" and asked if he could come out?

There is way to much expectation on children today IMO.

 

[Goobergal99]

You honestly believe we are behind because our kids get a summer break? Pretty far reaching. In case you haven't noticed the more the schools push, cram, take away electives, etc., the further behind we are getting.

The OP's child does read over the summer, thru the library program. Reading for interest and enjoyment will do one heck of a lot more for our youth than reading as a mandatory requirement.

Exactly what I was thinking

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I have not read all the replies, but I do understand your frustration. I'm not sure what our elem schools do regarding reading (used to be they had a math packet and encouraged the kids to take part in the library summer reading program). The middle and high school kids had a mandatory program, but they have books to choose between. I'm starting over at the elem school with a child in K, so I will learn what they now do.

The frustration is that all year long you revolve your life around school and then are expected to follow their rules during the summer. I do understand that. I think that in summer children should be reading, but they should have more choice in what books they are reading. They are directed during the school year to read certain books (for good reason), so summer should be a time when they have more choices, even if they are based on books within a certain group, which in turn are based on their reading level.

 

[auntpolly]

I haven't read the whole thread, but couldn't you try to make it fun? I guess I was a giant geek when I was in grade school because I read alot and loved to read so much. I'd go lay out under the trees and read for hours and really, they are some of my favorite memories. I know you don't get to select the book, but maybe it will be good. I was up for reading just about anything.

Make the project fun. Have the whole family get in on it.

The workbook? I wouldn't kill myself getting it done. I'll bet you a million dollars there will be plenty of kids who never touch it no matter what they do. MyDD went to a private school that had this and she was one of the only kids who read even read the book.

 

[rabx5]

I would be ticked too.

The PTA can not enforce this.

Go to the next school board meeting. Ask to see their minutes and show where the school board approved this mandatory summer homework.If it's not in there- then have at it. Get your IEP advocate in there and make some changes now.

Good luck.

Jodi

 

[CheshireVal]

Summer reading requirements are pretty much standard, at least here in Georgia.

I'm not quite sure why a parent would be upset that a child would have to.... gasp.... READ over the summer. No biggie. Books are fun.

 

[nliedel]

I encourage my kids to read whatever they want in their free time. That said that's my job as a parent, not the schools, imo, to dictate how they will spend time away from school. In the summer I want my boys outside, stress free, having a good time and doing things that are fun for them. Chasing their friends, building forts, getting away from stress because there will be more than enough, soon enough.

I want my kids to fall in love with reading and work hard to find enchanting books for them. Not to be dragged kicking and screaming with workbooks. I also do not want other parents telling me how to handle my children. Imo this seems to be a PTO that thinks their way of parenting is the best way and other parents should do as they say. Maybe I am overstating it but in our school district that's not the PTO's job.

 

[golfgal]

Many schools use summer programs for reading and math to keep the kids up on their studies so they don't spend the first 2 months of the school year relearning what they learned the previous year. Three months is a long time to not do any reading, math, etc. I guess I don't see what the big deal is. We always had summer reading to do, especially in high school. They weren't easy books either.

What I don't understand is why you WOULDN'T want your child to read in the summer.