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?

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-14-2007
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 4:11pm
but see, this is the part that I still think you're not getting. What's worked for the 165,870 children in the district over the past 30 years may not mean squat to what will work for MY child. While historical performance is an indicator of future performance, it isn't a guarantee. Especially when the parties involved (individual teachers, students, parents) change over that 30 year period.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-17-2007
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 4:12pm
i agree completely. i was not raised to be abused by anyone for any reason and certainly not for money.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-1997
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 4:12pm
Why do I need to read a pdf file to get your thoughts here?
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 4:12pm
I never said I knew anyone in my community, at the moment, who have chosen a private school or homeschooling.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 4:13pm
Maybe you should re-read the way it was worded.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 4:13pm
You can see Lois' post.
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-1997
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 4:14pm
But surely there are people within the district who do not use the district schools?
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-18-2007
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 4:14pm

<>

Agreed. In this debate I wouldn't doubt various parents here would define the "in your face" parent differently.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-04-1997
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 4:15pm
I did. Several times. It seems her assumptions were true.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-14-2007
Mon, 09-10-2007 - 4:17pm
But can't ANY district say those things? How are they anything more than words on a webpage? It's a great start; one that would prompt me (if looking for a district) to investigate further. But it wouldn't be enough for me to base my decision on -- whether that be where to buy a house or what school to send my kids to.

Pages