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
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 9:27am
I am a salaried employee and know that if I am needed, I will stay. That does not mean I will not run at 5pm when I am done working. Unless we are working on a huge project, there is no reason for me to have to leave. My boss is right next to me leaving at 5pm too. She doesn't need to stay any later unless she has something ongoing also.
Avatar for mkatherine
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 9:29am

I agree re: salaried positions. My jobs in nonprofit have always been salaried and that came with the understanding that I gained some flexibility during down times but had to stup up my game during busy tmes. at the theater that can mean working 4-5 shows a month during busy season (sometimes 3-4 a week...I think I'm goign to hit my record in September when we have 7 shows of one production in 4 days) -- working on grants at home etc..but also having the flexibiliyt to come in late the morning AFTEr a show... my paycheck never changes one way or another though --

 

Yes. We. Did.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 9:29am

"I don't think any of us really know the teachers and daycare providers/babysitters we use."


I completely and totally disagree.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2003
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 9:30am

I agree.

 

Shari mother to

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 9:31am
I am salaried but don't really have the flexibility to come and go. It would be nice if we could do that so we could come in earlier and leave earlier but we have a strict 9-5 day. Our dept. is also strict with lunchhour where others take their hour when they want to.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 9:32am

"I see no reason that hours every week in after-school care is better for any child than spending those same hours at home, among their own things, toys, homework desk, neighborhood friends, etc. None."


I can think of some reasons.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 9:32am
ITA with you. I have used the same daycare for over 8 years and there are some teachers that have been there longer than that and I know them well. I have also known the director for that long.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-27-2005
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 9:34am
ITA with you. This is the 5th year my dd will be using after-care and she really likes it. She gets to sit and do her homework, have a snack, do crafts and play with her friends. There really is not much of a difference if she came home right after school.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2006
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 9:42am
that's great.......but do know that some people's standards on this board and irl aren't determined by what a woh job can provide. my dd's horseback riding would not all of a sudden increase to 5 days a week because i could afford more of the expensive sport. it would remain as often as it is now. same wiht one soccer league for ds and one activity for dd2,too. to each really their own.

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2006
Wed, 08-29-2007 - 9:49am

thank you for answering what pka did not. i think a fair debate is more effective if you can answer why something doesn't work for *you* instead of challenging another's convictions which are sometimes general povs based on one's firm belief............ot but i caught cnn's glen beck last night. he's funny to watch. but the moral is he's got super huge conservative convictions abouot lots of issues. his opposing panels are always people who disagree with him. they don't challenge his words or commentaries,they challenge why his views don't apply to them. food for thought.




Edited 8/29/2007 9:51 am ET by egd3blessed

 

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