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: 09-04-1997
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 3:34pm
OK, fine. Do you have the necessary background to discuss Rousseau, Heidegger, and Dewey, the cognitive revolution and how educational philosophies differ? Do you have any theoretical background that would enable you to participate in a conversation about applying their ideas to the education of children in general or Suzy's children in particular?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 3:38pm
If the teachers are getting stopped from doing their lesson plans during the day to do conferences that are not normally planned, then they have to do this at home, on their time and I don't find that fair.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 3:42pm
Well I know my district as been great for at least 30 years so I am confident my children will do well and have so far.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 3:43pm
No, I would not want to.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-1997
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 3:43pm
What makes your district great?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 3:47pm

"Over the years, xxxx has built a strong reputation for the quality of our educational program.

We believe our schools are a reflection of our community. In fact, our District enjoys outstanding community support and a high level of dedication from the staff, school board, and parents. High standards, quality academic programs, and secure learning environments are the general expectation in xxxx. These are best achieved through a collaborative effort from students, staff, parents, and community."

"xxxx's Instructional Technology Program is among the most advanced in the nation."

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-17-2007
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 3:48pm
that is great but do you really believe that in those 30 years there have not been some kids who have not been well served by the district, or parents who just were not happy with their kids in school there. our school district is wonderful, but there are still people who do not want their kids to go to school here for whatever personal reasons they have - and there is nothing wrong with that.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-1997
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 3:51pm
Would not want to what? Would not want to be familiar with the authors and theories Suzy mentions, or would not want to discuss them with her?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 3:51pm
I am sure 100% were not happy from time to time. We do not have open enrollment as others have mentioned so unless you want to pay for private school or move from your home, you are stuck in that school.
There are so many resources available, especially now that if you are not satisfied, you can change teachers or get extra help.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 3:52pm
Would not be interested in them at all. I have different interests than suzy and I am sure she wouldn't want to talk about something I might like.

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