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: 08-08-2006
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 9:57am
Because I can and their teachers agree to it. Why would I not, since its important to me to establish a relationship with my children's teachers so I can participate in their education. Is it really that difficult to understand? I have no earthly idea what most other parents do, but I do know other parents take as active interest as I do myself. The teachers have never indicated they are overburdoned by our interest. I'll let you know when a teacher tells me to back off.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-08-2006
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 10:03am
I will ask the question why they think 7th graders' need spelling drills; the teacher may have a good reason. It doesn't hurt to ask, and I may or may not like the answer.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-08-2006
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 10:12am

Where did I say my kids have special needs? Each is, of course, special, but they don't have any academic special needs. They go to a small public school.

Being an active participant in their education is not micromanaging IMO, it's a parent/student/teacher partnership to make sure my children maximize their potential and enjoy learning. That's my special need, I guess. Hands off is not for me.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 10:31am

Sure it is criticism, you are elevating anyone who speaks to the principal frequently or daily as someone who harasses the principal, etc.

VickiSiggy.jpg picture by mamalahk

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 10:36am
Ok I just answered you and didn't see this post with the links.

VickiSiggy.jpg picture by mamalahk

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-06-2004
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 10:36am
I am not understanding this argument.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 10:37am
I just described one such scenario.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 10:38am
PA said pop in for lunch, she never said pop into the classroom to bother anyone.

VickiSiggy.jpg picture by mamalahk

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 10:38am
Okay, fair enough, but would 7th grade spelling lists bother you so much you'd contact the teacher about them?

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-1997
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 10:39am
I cannot, then, imagine a scenario where it is best for a family that one member of that family suffer abuse.

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