Little Nyssa Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 Hi there! I just returned from Meet & Greet with my second grader at his new school. I was really mystified by a lot of this experience and I wonder if anyone here can give me some perspective on it? First, the principal gave a talk about a new program they are implementing: the kids as young as 2nd grade will be rotating classes to get the teachers who are experts in math, reading, and science. He was very defensive and unclear. The title of his talk was "Questioning Tradition" and he said this is what we all have to do. really??? This was the extent of his talk. He never mentioned where to drop off kids, where to pick them up, what time the doors open, whether you can send peanut items in lunches, where to go in case of emergency, etc. No map of the school was given. Then he finished his talk and we were to go to the classrooms. But no parents had been told which classes our kids belonged to. So everyone hung around. I went and asked the secretary and she was very snarky and got out the lists. Finally I figured out where to go and the lists got posted. When we went to the classrooms the teacher said he did not really know how the new program would go so he could not really answer questions. It seems like the teachers are not in favor of this program. That was the extent of his talk. But that is all the parents wanted to talk about. They were up in arms and very angry about it! Many criticisms were aired. This is with the kids all waiting, bored. After a long time I asked if he could tell us a little about himself. He spoke two sentences and then another mom interrupted, "He's a great teacher, we all know him well" and then it was back to the new program. This teacher is to be our 'homeroom' teacher and he is a specialist in math. So, deciding to be THAT PUSHY HOMESCHOOLING MOM, I told him we used Singapore and asked him about his approach. He said they use TERC and his approach is problem-solving, not math facts, but that DS will have no trouble if he has been doing Singapore. Well, I don't think he'll HAVE any trouble, rather he will MAKE trouble if he is bored! I'm sure his class is fun but I think we will be afterschooling more Singapore. I have a funny feeling we will. Then we visited the "Literacy" teacher. I told her that DS is way ahead in reading, but she gruffly assured me she "has books for that." I hope so, because he is 3 years ahead of his peers. This was awkward because a lot of other moms were listening and I felt completely prideful that I was boasting about my son, but still, she needs to know where he stands so she can teach him. The science teacher was so nice. She was pleasantly interested to find out that we homeschooled and was impressed with what we had done for 1st grade and said for me to be sure to tell her if there was anything she could do. I had to remind myself why we are doing this. I have a ton of reasons for PS+afterschooling, so I need to dig in and be brave. I do not like to be pushy, but I think sometimes things have to be said. I'm afraid I have already gotten on the wrong side of the secretary. I don't care in the least what new program they all have in mind, but it bothers me that that is all that was talked about. Aaauugh!!! any thoughts? are your PS like this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momsquared Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 Well, ours is at least more friendly. They hired another first grade teacher after three weeks of 30+ kids to a class which was good. Dd is definitely more advanced than her peers. I have not seen any differentiation in the reading and spelling that comes home. She gets her spelling list on Monday. Every Monday night we go through the words and she can already spell all of them. I wrote a note to the teacher about reading. They are giving them individual assessments to hopefully place them in reading groups. However, they do a lot of center work, and dd says she is in group with " the kids that know what they are doing" which made me laugh. I can deal with the academics at home, the rudeness would piss me off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matilda Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 Our school has the teachers teach in their area of expertise, and it works really well. The teachers who participate like it a lot, because they can focus on one subject and do a really good job of teaching it. This may work out well at your school, after everyone gets used to the new idea. If you are concerned about the different areas and levels where your child is working, you may want to make an appointment to talk with each of the teachers. Back to school night is always very busy and it would be easier on both of you to discuss those things one-on-one. Hopefully, you will get better answers from those meetings. Also, don't be surprised if the teachers want to wait a couple of weeks or a month before meeting. They will need time to get into their routine and meet and understand your child in order to have a productive meeting with you. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
regentrude Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 Our ps was a lot more organized, they had class lists, sent information home etc. I think having teachers who are experts in the subject they are teaching is a GOOD thing. You may want to discuss your child's specific situation in private with the teacher AFTER the teacher had a chance to get to know your son and assess his level. Teachers are not idiots - they can usually find out by themselves what a child's reading level is and whether he is advanced in math. In fact, the teachers I have met preferred to be treated like professionals whom I trust to form their own opinion. A good time to make an appointment with your child's teacher would be after about six weeks. A good teacher can assess the level and will try to accommodate the child's learning needs. A bad teacher won't care even if you told him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmilyK Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 every school is different, but one thing i've noticed -- those group meetings aren't really for talking about your individual child, more for small talk and announcements (though those announcements were strange). talking about a specific child and where they are is more in one on one meetings that you schedule by email or note. on the other hand, odd that they didn't announce that. when my kids were in public school, there was always an annoucnement to that effect at the beginning of the event. we had good experiences with the teacher's assessments. they did a good job of determining reading and math level. i have lot of complaints about public school, but that wasn't one of them. i would be optimistic that the teachers -- especially if they are specialists -- will assess well. the plus of the expert teacher approach is that they will be more likely to differentiate for an advanced child too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Nyssa Posted September 7, 2011 Author Share Posted September 7, 2011 Thank you all-- you are right, it would be best to leave specific concerns about DC for the individual conferences-- that is good advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BabyBre Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 (edited) The experience of speaking to brick walls and getting nowhere is certainly a common theme. I've found that most teachers don't care in the slightest that you've homeschooled and have even less interest in learning what you've done. At first I thought this was because it drew the assumption that I think I know better than they (certified teachers). However, having spent more time with teachers, I now believe it's due to the anxiety of knowing that they've got an impossible task ahead of them, with a principal and a district administration breathing down their neck, and in walks a vigilant and "pushy" parent (as parents should be, but most are not) who may add to the incredible pressure they're already under. I've found it very helpful to take the "we" approach ("How can I help you do...?"). My dc's teachers have about burst with excitement at my offering to dive head first into math fact mastery with the kids. Our school also uses TERC and, your teacher's right, they don't teach math facts yet they expect students to build on them year after year. I think my taking initiative on a project they all know needs to occur, but they just cannot accomplish has gained me quite a bit of respect among the teachers and our principal. One teacher told me last year she's glad I'm putting my money where my mouth is, meaning I'm not just nagging about how I think they should be doing this or that - I'm helping them do it and benefitting kids besides my own as well. And, yes, you've described our school secretary to a T. :glare: Edited September 7, 2011 by BabyBre Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tex-mex Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 Thank you all-- you are right, it would be best to leave specific concerns about DC for the individual conferences-- that is good advice. If you are concerned, ask the teacher in private. I am a former schoolteacher and back in 1992-1995, we did this type of teaching within our 1st grade level. It made it easier to teach, but at the same time, prevented me from truly understanding where my students skills were in certain areas like reading comprehension and math skills. I had to trust the other teacher in that area. After 2 years of this style of teaching, we ended up going back to traditional classroom format. It sounds like this is what the school wants to focus on and the teachers may not have a choice? Give it time. Wait til October to discuss concerns. If you are afterschooling, you will help with gaps this new format cannot cover. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 No, that sounds nothing at all like our school. We got class rosters in the mail a couple of weeks before school started, and my younger DD got a letter and a treasure map from her teacher in the mail before school started to introduce herself and help her find her classroom at the open house. She didn't need a map but still thought it was fun, especially since the teacher gave each child a treasure bag that night. I already know what our elementary school uses for math (Saxon), spelling (Scott Foresman), and English/grammar (Shurley) because they're used in multiple grades and this isn't our first year at the school. I don't remember which publisher they use for science and history textbooks, but it doesn't really matter because I don't like the textbook approach to either subject regardless of the publisher and will supplement those at home anyway. I'm going to email my older DD's teacher to get a list of the books they'll be reading and discussing as a class this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenbrdsly Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 I think a rotation system could work... But the teacher/principal reactions you are describing make me think that this is a plan the school district is making the school do. They might not be on board, and that's why they are coming across as gruff and unorganized. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 One of my dc went to public school for second grade and his school did switching for reading and math, but not science and history. It worked very well. Your school sounds disorganized and it would disturb me if a principal appeared defensive or unsure or what he was presented. That said, I do not think open house is the time to bring up your dc's individual abilities/needs academically. There are 20 other parents observing. It should be a private conversation. If it had been me I would have sent an email to the appropriate teacher. A short email "Dear Reading Teacher, I know you will be determining reading groups soon and since ds didn't attend your school last year you may not know much about him. Ds learned at home for grades---. His last evaluation showed he was reading at X level. Tests scores have been given to school. He is currently reading " Title of Book " on his own at home. I hope this helps in your efforts." Even that seems a bit long to me. YMMV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Create Your Ritual Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 Little Nyssa, Yes, our ps has the rudeness factor as well. When my dc were enrolled in kindergarten, I spoke to the teacher about the fact that they had already learned to read. Her response was, "Why did you already teach them do to that?" I had another mom go in about her dd and met with said kindergarten teacher and the 1st grade teacher who told her at the beginning of the meeting, "Before we start, we just want to warn you that between us we have over 30 years experience, so we know what we are doing." ;-( They can be snarky, at least in our small community they can be. Sorry... I hope you have a better year with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 No, not all schools are like that. Our school is more organized that I ever could be. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Nyssa Posted September 7, 2011 Author Share Posted September 7, 2011 Thanks again everyone-- Today was DS's first day of actual school and it seems to have gone well. DS was cheerful and had a lot to tell me about. More things I had to find out for myself, though: where to pick up my child (outside), and I just happened to notice a sign outside DS's classroom that it is a peanut-free zone. I do think it's not safe to have that information not clearly communicated to the parents in advance of when they make their lunches. They won't know since they met their kids outside to go home. (Today we got the teachers' emails, so I have made use of them to communicate--politely & briefly!-- with them.) DD had her 'kindergarten readiness' meeting with her K teacher. This teacher is excellent. Very good information, good structure, truly interested, well-organized. She had her assistant test DD for while she talked to me. This was a night&day difference from yesterday. I spoke with the principal (briefly), told him a few of my questions, and volunteered to make up a school handbook, which they don't have-- this is why nobody knows what is going on. He was extremely pleased with this idea. It will be some work for me, but I guess that one reason I wanted to be at PS, to be helpful. The handbook will make things not just easier and more welcoming for parents, but also safer-- in terms of managing allergies and emergencies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pamela H in Texas Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 Just on the changing classes thing? A local school I did most of my elementary subbing at just went back to keeping elementary students with one teacher, deciding that switching classes didn't do what they wanted it to. I have mixed feelings about it. It seems that there are teachers who are better at certain things rather than other things. I know *I* am. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simka2 Posted September 8, 2011 Share Posted September 8, 2011 (edited) I hope things continue to improve for you and your kiddos! :grouphug: As for my experience, the atmosphere you are discribing is why we chose to pull th ekids out mid-year and homeschool. My 3 older kids went to public school for k,1,2, and some of 3. K, 1, and 2nd were wonderful. Then when the twins went into 2 and dd into 3rd it was like the entire school fell apart. They got a new Principal and started to make quite a few changes. You could feel the tension between the some of the teachers and the new regime. I have never seen a school devolve so quickly. Here were the final straws. Ds twin A is lactose intolerant and that was written in his school file. He wanted hot lunch that year so we worked very hard on educating him on what he could and could not eat. Multiple times they would put his lunch money in his twins account, but eventually they would sort it out and things would be fine. About the 4th time this happened he went in to lunch and they told him he couldn't have a hot lunch because there wasn't any money in his account. (I had sent a check 2 dats before, but it was posted to his brothers account) They gave him a cheese sandwhich and a milk :glare: A few moments later his twin's class came in and his twin tried to give him his "hot" lunch. The lunch room ladies refused to let him out of his seat to give his brother his lunch. I set up a meeting with the Principal to discuss alternative ways of communication that would prevent this from happening. I asked to have a checklist that would be intialled daily between the teacher and myself to verify communication. Basically, something I could markoff when I sent money or a note to the teacher. The principal told me, "No." They were doing all they were going to do and this was my son's fault for not communicating well enough. :tongue_smilie: At this same time dd was in speech therapy. When we set up her IEP I asked to be updated once a month on her progress. I did not hear anything for 6months! The speech therapist had gone on maternity leave and so they stuck dd in a classromom and had her doing word searches. Between those 2 issues the kids came home. In your situation I am not as bothered my the actual changes in structure, but in the atmosphere that is being created. My kids had about 3 wonderful PS years; I am very pro PS, but I cannot tolerate rudeness, blameshifting, or tension that spills into the classroom. I really do hope things smooth out for you. Keep your eyes open and help where you can. :grouphug: Edited September 8, 2011 by simka2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartosunshine Posted September 8, 2011 Share Posted September 8, 2011 Hi there! I just returned from Meet & Greet with my second grader at his new school. I was really mystified by a lot of this experience and I wonder if anyone here can give me some perspective on it? First, the principal gave a talk about a new program they are implementing: the kids as young as 2nd grade will be rotating classes to get the teachers who are experts in math, reading, and science. He was very defensive and unclear. The title of his talk was "Questioning Tradition" and he said this is what we all have to do. really??? This was the extent of his talk. Hmmm...sounds like he's not really on board with the changes but he's stuck. He never mentioned where to drop off kids, where to pick them up, what time the doors open, whether you can send peanut items in lunches, where to go in case of emergency, etc. No map of the school was given. Then he finished his talk and we were to go to the classrooms. But no parents had been told which classes our kids belonged to. So everyone hung around. I went and asked the secretary and she was very snarky and got out the lists. Finally I figured out where to go and the lists got posted. Wow! Is this a new school? New administration? Talk about disorganization. When we went to the classrooms the teacher said he did not really know how the new program would go so he could not really answer questions. It seems like the teachers are not in favor of this program. That was the extent of his talk. But that is all the parents wanted to talk about. They were up in arms and very angry about it! Many criticisms were aired. This is with the kids all waiting, bored. After a long time I asked if he could tell us a little about himself. He spoke two sentences and then another mom interrupted, "He's a great teacher, we all know him well" and then it was back to the new program. We've always had organized teachers that outlined class policies and academics as well as introducing any new changes. Sounds like he wasn't prepared, either. This teacher is to be our 'homeroom' teacher and he is a specialist in math. So, deciding to be THAT PUSHY HOMESCHOOLING MOM, I told him we used Singapore and asked him about his approach. He said they use TERC and his approach is problem-solving, not math facts, but that DS will have no trouble if he has been doing Singapore. Well, I don't think he'll HAVE any trouble, rather he will MAKE trouble if he is bored! I'm sure his class is fun but I think we will be afterschooling more Singapore. I have a funny feeling we will. I agree with afterschooling using SM. Hopefully, they'll do assessments & put your ds in an appropriate level of math. But, in my opinion, it can't replace Singapore. Then we visited the "Literacy" teacher. I told her that DS is way ahead in reading, but she gruffly assured me she "has books for that." I hope so, because he is 3 years ahead of his peers. This was awkward because a lot of other moms were listening and I felt completely prideful that I was boasting about my son, but still, she needs to know where he stands so she can teach him. It's best to discuss these types of things in private via email or conference. The teachers will hopefully do assessments during the first couple of weeks for reading & divide the kids into several groups based on ability.That's been my experience, anyway. The science teacher was so nice. She was pleasantly interested to find out that we homeschooled and was impressed with what we had done for 1st grade and said for me to be sure to tell her if there was anything she could do. Great! I had to remind myself why we are doing this. I have a ton of reasons for PS+afterschooling, so I need to dig in and be brave. I do not like to be pushy, but I think sometimes things have to be said. I'm afraid I have already gotten on the wrong side of the secretary. I don't care in the least what new program they all have in mind, but it bothers me that that is all that was talked about. I agree. They should have broadened the focus of the talk. Aaauugh!!! any thoughts? are your PS like this? Hang in there! :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Nyssa Posted September 9, 2011 Author Share Posted September 9, 2011 Update: One reason I was reconciled to coming to this PS was that they had a foreign language program-- I heard at my first PTA meeting that it is not happening this year! :001_huh: Guess who volunteered to take it on and get it restarted. :001_smile: :tongue_smilie: Fortunately I have a ton of confidence based on my short life as a homeschooling mom that I can do this-- find a teacher and get it funded. Lesson #1 (for me): Don't go to any more PTA meetings.:001_smile: Lesson #2 (for the Hive): Somebody slap me if I volunteer for anything else.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BabyBre Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Guess who volunteered to take it on and get it restarted. :001_smile: :tongue_smilie: You rock, Nyssa!! :thumbup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roadrunner Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Update: One reason I was reconciled to coming to this PS was that they had a foreign language program-- I heard at my first PTA meeting that it is not happening this year! :001_huh: Guess who volunteered to take it on and get it restarted. :001_smile: :tongue_smilie: Fortunately I have a ton of confidence based on my short life as a homeschooling mom that I can do this-- find a teacher and get it funded. Lesson #1 (for me): Don't go to any more PTA meetings.:001_smile: Lesson #2 (for the Hive): Somebody slap me if I volunteer for anything else.:tongue_smilie: Your are fantastic! Parents like you make all the difference. I know in our school one of the best program is run by parents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvmy4blessings Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I've had good and bad experiences. The ps my 3 youngest are at right now is very unorganized. In fact, it sounded like you described. I believe the principal sets the tone. When the principal has no clue what is happening I'm not sure how anyone else can know. Every morning I see the principal running around like she is lost. The assistant principal on the other hand seems to know what is happening all the time. They seriously need to switch jobs. Even their pick up line after school is disorganized! And the secretary is also rude! Gosh maybe our kids go to the same school ! lol...hang in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BabyBre Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Those PTA folks will get ya every time! On the first day of school, the president of our PTA was standing in the hall way trying to get everyone's application forms and dues. He said, "Come on, I know you want to sign up right now." I said, "I thought I took a blood vow last year. I've pretty much resigned myself to never getting out. Don't worry. You'll get my money." :tongue_smilie: Last night at our open house, PTA folks were recruiting members and aggressively recruiting volunteers for all the little social events they plan. A friend and neighbor/PTA member came up to me and another friend and neighbor of ours and asked what job we'd like to do for the upcoming sock hop. As my friend is saying, "Umm..." I said, "Oh, none, thanks." PTA friend comes back with, "Why? What's your excuse?" as if it's an obligation of all parents to make the sock hop happen. I said, "No excuse, I just don't enjoy volunteering for the sock hop." I do enjoy volunteering for other things, mostly classroom time, but not the sock hop. It's long, hot, stinky, and I don't get to cut a rug or sneak out early if I'm working! The abundance of social events and pressure to donate my time to them aside, I am considering going to the first meeting. I did that two years ago and it was not a very good experience and was a real waste of time. :glare: But we have all new officers this year, so I'm hoping they'll be a little more open to suggestions than the last group. Worth a try. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eloquacious Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 WI have not seen any differentiation in the reading and spelling that comes home. She gets her spelling list on Monday. Every Monday night we go through the words and she can already spell all of them. There are a ton of cool ways you could work with that same list, like have her create her own "visual thesaurus" connecting similar words, writing sentences with them, etc. Or, you know, just make sure she knows them and teach her at her own level at home. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Nyssa Posted September 12, 2011 Author Share Posted September 12, 2011 Postscript: I told the principal I would not volunteer for anything more. So he asked me if I would volunteer to be on the District's parent advisory committee whic meets every month for two hours. Good grief! I said No thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartosunshine Posted September 12, 2011 Share Posted September 12, 2011 Postscript: I told the principal I would not volunteer for anything more. So he asked me if I would volunteer to be on the District's parent advisory committee whic meets every month for two hours. Good grief! I said No thank you. Good for you!! :D You may have to repeat the bolded many times throughout the school year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Nyssa Posted September 25, 2011 Author Share Posted September 25, 2011 I'm posting again just to update-- in fairness I am glad to say that two of Ds' teachers are great so far-- very willing to meet Ds where he is and teach him the next step-- very engaged with the kids and playing while they learn. Also Dd's K teacher is excellent. The only thing I'm not sure about yet is the English teacher. And-- secretary has been very polite & friendly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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