Parents and school involvement

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2003
Parents and school involvement
2586
Thu, 08-23-2007 - 8:49am

My question stems from a personal experience. My middle child is starting kindergarten next week. I've become fairly close with one of my dd's friend's moms- this is her first child entering the school system. She WOH, I do not, plus I have experience with the school, so she's been calling me with questions and comments.

It started to go bad when she called to complain that the kindy orientation is during the day- when she is working. Then it led to complaints about the parents' read aloud program (when the kids are in library) and other opportunities for volunteerism in the school. I get that these things aren't convenient for her, but I'm getting annoyed with the complaining. How can the kids have an orientation at night when they go to school during the day? None of these events are mandatory for parents or kids. And plenty of activities are scheduled for evenings: Back to school night, the PTA picnic, etc.

She thinks because she can't participate, no one should be able to, apparently. Plenty of WOHP do show up for these things. I think she's being unrealistic if she thought she could put a couple of kids through school without ever taking a vacation day. Am I wrong? Am I missing something here?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 4:24pm
I really don't see why not if there is enough resources to help them.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 4:26pm
Even if I am unable to get to the school during hours, I know what is going from friends and our PTA is more than just social things. Like I said, the teachers are there every month and they will answer questions if you need them to.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 4:33pm

But I think the point that myself and some of the others are trying to make is that no...even if it's a great school, many parents look at education differently and don't put 100% trust into the school, they follow along side the school.


It wouldn't matter to me how great the school system was or is, I wouldn't change how I view my children's education nor would I change my actions in assuring that my child received the kind of education that we feel is needed.


PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 4:36pm

Didn't you just state that you put your trust in the school system to educate the child, that that is there job so you trust them to do their job?


PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 4:37pm

All the teachers attend the pta meetings?

PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 4:44pm
Yes, but I have also stated quite a few times that I am involved in my daughter's education by being involved in what is going on with the school and seeing what she is doing with her classwork. I CAN trust the school and still be involved.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 4:46pm
Not all, except for the 1st one-lol!! but there are many and the same ones are there all year long, from different grades and different resources. They have all answered questions by the parents at meetings as everyone who goes to these meetings are very involved in the school and their children's education.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 4:49pm

Just not my experience.


PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-27-1998
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 4:53pm

Trust to me implies a dependence or reliance without without fear or misgiving.

PumpkinAngel

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 09-06-2007 - 4:54pm

Even better I work in my kids' school 2 days a week. Truthfully it is invaluable. I get all the emails that are sent to the staff schoolwide for this school, have a relationship with the staff that is different than if I was just a parent or volunteer and I hear the insider stuff on what's doing on with who and what staff think of certain teachers (professionally/personally). At the end of the year when my kids are getting placed with a new teacher I discuss with the sped teachers I work with who would be a good choice for my kids. Then since they sit on those meetings, they tell the principal who I want. Works out wonderfully! : )

And it helps to work at my other 2 elementary schools. Even though they are part of the same district it is showing me there is a different vibe/atmosphere for each school. Like the principal at one of my schools (not my children's) wants to review every teacher's newsletter that goes home before it goes out! I wouldn't know that from attending any PTA meeting, that was in the staff newsletter & I was shocked that she wants to micromanage like that. She's not even new, she's been there as principal 4 years now.

Anyway I do agree with you that attending PTA meetings would usually not give you that much information besides how the PTA wants to raise money & what kind of extra things the parents or teachers want to provide it's students. That's interesting but certainly couldn't give a parent a full picture.

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