I have been Called to the Principal's Office

[Cecilie1200]

Samson, quick question, how much time do you spend volunteering at your child's school?

This Saturday I volunteered 3 hours during a relay race, but generally I leave the volunteering to soccer moms who have more spare time between bon-bon eating and soap operas.

That is about what I figured. In my experience the parents who complain the loudest are the least likely to be anywhere around to help. Just the way it goes I suppose.

So you're not allowed to expect a quality education for your child OR to expect regular contact from the teacher to keep you informed unless you have the free time to come in and help them do their jobs?

 

[Samson]

Samson, quick question, how much time do you spend volunteering at your child's school?

This Saturday I volunteered 3 hours during a relay race, but generally I leave the volunteering to soccer moms who have more spare time between bon-bon eating and soap operas.

That is about what I figured. In my experience the parents who complain the loudest are the least likely to be anywhere around to help. Just the way it goes I suppose.

I figure if I volunteer more then I probably wouldn't need to complain the loudest.

Just the way it goes, I suppose....

 

[Samson]

This Saturday I volunteered 3 hours during a relay race, but generally I leave the volunteering to soccer moms who have more spare time between bon-bon eating and soap operas.

That is about what I figured. In my experience the parents who complain the loudest are the least likely to be anywhere around to help. Just the way it goes I suppose.

So you're not allowed to expect a quality education for your child OR to expect regular contact from the teacher to keep you informed unless you have the free time to come in and help them do their jobs?

I guess this is exactly what the point is.

Furthermore, if you don't have time to help them do their jobs, that a nice cash donation would be most appreciated.

Perhaps Conhog prefers ass-kissing. Good for him.



I'll follow the district's proscribed method of complaining about being ignored, and receiving lousey service.

 

[saveliberty]

Samson, quick question, how much time do you spend volunteering at your child's school?

This Saturday I volunteered 3 hours during a relay race, but generally I leave the volunteering to soccer moms who have more spare time between bon-bon eating and soap operas.

That is about what I figured. In my experience the parents who complain the loudest are the least likely to be anywhere around to help. Just the way it goes I suppose.

Probably three hours more than 85% of the parents will put in this school year.

 

[Foxfyre]

This Saturday I volunteered 3 hours during a relay race, but generally I leave the volunteering to soccer moms who have more spare time between bon-bon eating and soap operas.

That is about what I figured. In my experience the parents who complain the loudest are the least likely to be anywhere around to help. Just the way it goes I suppose.

Probably three hours more than 85% of the parents will put in this school year.

As previously posted, members from my church have taken on a special miinistry to mentor and tutor kids at two nearby elementary schools both of which have a lot of kids from low income families. We aren't the only ones doing this, but a lot of our members do show up faithfully week after week to help kids with math, reading, and writing. The principles and teachers are very receptive to this and the kids are benefitting enormously.

There are other schools however who don't want any such volunteers and who go out of their way to discourage parental involvement. Personally, I would yank my kid out of a school that discouraged volunteerism so fast it would make your head spin, but that's just me.

But those parents who are working for a living to provide opportunities for their kids and maintaining a home for them and otherwise taking care of business may not have a lot of time to donate to the schools. I could when my kids were still in school because I had jobs I didn't have to punch a clock or be at my desk at all times. So I could help with the PTA and sports and band boosters and help sponsor field trips and be a home room mother and volunteer for some enrichment programs. Folks who don't have that kind of freedom don't have that much time to donate.

But they sure as heck can take an interest in their kids and pay attention to what they are being taught and what they are learning. And my hat is off to Samson for caring. So many many parents don't these days.

 

[Samson]

Situation Update:

On Friday, October 8th, Six (6) weeks after my original request to see one graded paper/week/class, I received graded papers from every teacher.

I thanked them and looked forward to this week's issue.

It isn't easy to get what you want from schools, but it is possible if you know how to play the their game: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.

 

[Samson]

Well, it seems one teacher wants to dance: for the past two weeks, there's been no papers graded in Biology, however they did watch a film.

The excuses are, we didn't have school (one day), she didn't have time, and my favorite, she didn't bother.

So, I'm finally going to send in the District Complaint Form.....<<<<sigh>>>>>

I asked the Principal if he'd rather simply handle the situation at his Administrative level, perhaps giving the teacher some "coaching" to help her plan, organize, and grade evaluative tools, but he gave me the run around...so....

Bombs Away.

 

[saveliberty]

Don't leave survivors. They just breed more.

 

[kwc57]

It is damned frustrating. Our school system uses an online system where grades are posted. But I can go a week or more seeing any update. While it is nice to be able to have easy access like that, it defeats the purpose if it isn't updated on a timely basis. If your kid is carrying an A in the class and hits a concept they have difficulty with and all of a sudden have several assignments in the 50's and 60's, their grade drops like a rock. If you don't know that until a week or two later, it is too late to address and then it is a struggle to claw the grade back up.

I know some teachers and I know it is a thankless job with low pay and that they have a life outside of school. Hell, I learned long ago not to bring my work home with me in the evening. I'm paid on a salary based on a 40 hour week.......I'm not giving them 60 for the same price. That being said, we live in a day and age of technology that should be able to assist in some of the grading.

 

[Samson]

It is damned frustrating. Our school system uses an online system where grades are posted. But I can go a week or more seeing any update. While it is nice to be able to have easy access like that, it defeats the purpose if it isn't updated on a timely basis. If your kid is carrying an A in the class and hits a concept they have difficulty with and all of a sudden have several assignments in the 50's and 60's, their grade drops like a rock. If you don't know that until a week or two later, it is too late to address and then it is a struggle to claw the grade back up.
.

Precisely.

And then the parents are blamed for not paying enough attention to what their kids do in school.

 

[kwc57]

It is damned frustrating. Our school system uses an online system where grades are posted. But I can go a week or more seeing any update. While it is nice to be able to have easy access like that, it defeats the purpose if it isn't updated on a timely basis. If your kid is carrying an A in the class and hits a concept they have difficulty with and all of a sudden have several assignments in the 50's and 60's, their grade drops like a rock. If you don't know that until a week or two later, it is too late to address and then it is a struggle to claw the grade back up.
.

Precisely.

And then the parents are blamed for not paying enough attention to what their kids do in school.

My son is a senior this year. I've checked his grades daily since they put the sytem in when he started 7th grade. I don't need to check it but about once a week since it gets updated so infrequently........its just I never know WHEN it will get updated. As a concerned and involved parent, I want to know ASAP.

 

[Foxfyre]

It is damned frustrating. Our school system uses an online system where grades are posted. But I can go a week or more seeing any update. While it is nice to be able to have easy access like that, it defeats the purpose if it isn't updated on a timely basis. If your kid is carrying an A in the class and hits a concept they have difficulty with and all of a sudden have several assignments in the 50's and 60's, their grade drops like a rock. If you don't know that until a week or two later, it is too late to address and then it is a struggle to claw the grade back up.
.

Precisely.

And then the parents are blamed for not paying enough attention to what their kids do in school.

My son is a senior this year. I've checked his grades daily since they put the sytem in when he started 7th grade. I don't need to check it but about once a week since it gets updated so infrequently........its just I never know WHEN it will get updated. As a concerned and involved parent, I want to know ASAP.

I think it is wonderful that parents are able to log into their child's records now in some school systems. And knowing the grades helps. But to complete our parenting obligations, though, I think we have to appreciate Samson's concern that he know WHAT is being taught and know whether his child is being educated. Grades don't always provide information about that.

 

[Samson]

Precisely.

And then the parents are blamed for not paying enough attention to what their kids do in school.

My son is a senior this year. I've checked his grades daily since they put the sytem in when he started 7th grade. I don't need to check it but about once a week since it gets updated so infrequently........its just I never know WHEN it will get updated. As a concerned and involved parent, I want to know ASAP.

I think it is wonderful that parents are able to log into their child's records now in some school systems. And knowing the grades helps. But to complete our parenting obligations, though, I think we have to appreciate Samson's concern that he know WHAT is being taught and know whether his child is being educated. Grades don't always provide information about that.

Well, try fighting THAT BATTLE!

I'm having trouble simply getting a piece of paper that shows work on it that has been graded to determine whether or not anything, ANYTHING, was learned, much less anything that may be relative to the course of study, or the revelance to curriculum.

Goddamn I've never encountered such a stubborn institution. When I was teaching there is no way in HELL, I, or my principal would have challenged a parent over something so fundamental, and easily implemented.

 

[saveliberty]

There are other schools.

 

[Foxfyre]

My son is a senior this year. I've checked his grades daily since they put the sytem in when he started 7th grade. I don't need to check it but about once a week since it gets updated so infrequently........its just I never know WHEN it will get updated. As a concerned and involved parent, I want to know ASAP.

I think it is wonderful that parents are able to log into their child's records now in some school systems. And knowing the grades helps. But to complete our parenting obligations, though, I think we have to appreciate Samson's concern that he know WHAT is being taught and know whether his child is being educated. Grades don't always provide information about that.

Well, try fighting THAT BATTLE!

I'm having trouble simply getting a piece of paper that shows work on it that has been graded to determine whether or not anything, ANYTHING, was learned, much less anything that may be relative to the course of study, or the revelance to curriculum.

Goddamn I've never encountered such a stubborn institution. When I was teaching there is no way in HELL, I, or my principal would have challenged a parent over something so fundamental, and easily implemented.

Yes, the 'secrecy' involved in education these days is foreign to me too. When I was heavily involved in the school system, the very few parents who couldn't be bothered with parent teacher conferences etc. were pretty well advised of their negligence. And we scheduled orientations for parents where the teachers explained their philosophy and methodology and course content for whatever was coming up in the next term. If I couldn't get a satisfactory answer from my kid on any concern, the teacher did return my calls. My own education prepared me to compete with anybody anywhere.

Such an education concept seems to be pretty rare these days.

 

[Samson]

There are other schools.

True, then I could be another of the love-it-or-lump-it croud.

I've already invested too much time and effort to abandon the fight now, but I'm encouraging my 14 yo to go somewhere else next year.

 

[Samson]

I think it is wonderful that parents are able to log into their child's records now in some school systems. And knowing the grades helps. But to complete our parenting obligations, though, I think we have to appreciate Samson's concern that he know WHAT is being taught and know whether his child is being educated. Grades don't always provide information about that.

Well, try fighting THAT BATTLE!

I'm having trouble simply getting a piece of paper that shows work on it that has been graded to determine whether or not anything, ANYTHING, was learned, much less anything that may be relative to the course of study, or the revelance to curriculum.

Goddamn I've never encountered such a stubborn institution. When I was teaching there is no way in HELL, I, or my principal would have challenged a parent over something so fundamental, and easily implemented.

Yes, the 'secrecy' involved in education these days is foreign to me too. When I was heavily involved in the school system, the very few parents who couldn't be bothered with parent teacher conferences etc. were pretty well advised of their negligence. And we scheduled orientations for parents where the teachers explained their philosophy and methodology and course content for whatever was coming up in the next term. If I couldn't get a satisfactory answer from my kid on any concern, the teacher did return my calls. My own education prepared me to compete with anybody anywhere.

Such an education concept seems to be pretty rare these days.

I suspect the "secrecy" involved is a result of petty complaints over non-learning related issues like whether or not a moment of silence is "prayer," and if putting a condom on a cucumber is "obscene."

 

[Foxfyre]

Well, try fighting THAT BATTLE!

I'm having trouble simply getting a piece of paper that shows work on it that has been graded to determine whether or not anything, ANYTHING, was learned, much less anything that may be relative to the course of study, or the revelance to curriculum.

Goddamn I've never encountered such a stubborn institution. When I was teaching there is no way in HELL, I, or my principal would have challenged a parent over something so fundamental, and easily implemented.

Yes, the 'secrecy' involved in education these days is foreign to me too. When I was heavily involved in the school system, the very few parents who couldn't be bothered with parent teacher conferences etc. were pretty well advised of their negligence. And we scheduled orientations for parents where the teachers explained their philosophy and methodology and course content for whatever was coming up in the next term. If I couldn't get a satisfactory answer from my kid on any concern, the teacher did return my calls. My own education prepared me to compete with anybody anywhere.

Such an education concept seems to be pretty rare these days.

I suspect the "secrecy" involved is a result of petty complaints over non-learning related issues like whether or not a moment of silence is "prayer," and if putting a condom on a cucumber is "obscene."

Or not wanting parents to see whatever papers their kids are or are not completing.

But we had just as much controversy when I and when my kids were in school as there is now. So I don't think that is it.

 

[kwc57]

Precisely.

And then the parents are blamed for not paying enough attention to what their kids do in school.

My son is a senior this year. I've checked his grades daily since they put the sytem in when he started 7th grade. I don't need to check it but about once a week since it gets updated so infrequently........its just I never know WHEN it will get updated. As a concerned and involved parent, I want to know ASAP.

I think it is wonderful that parents are able to log into their child's records now in some school systems. And knowing the grades helps. But to complete our parenting obligations, though, I think we have to appreciate Samson's concern that he know WHAT is being taught and know whether his child is being educated. Grades don't always provide information about that.

Well I guess we've been lucky with our public school system. At the beginning of each year the teachers send home documents to be signed by the parents that list their classroom/grading policies and procedures along with what they will be teaching. Then of course all we have to do is tell our son to bring his textbook home if we want to see what material is being taught. I don't think he has had a single teacher that I have not been able to communicate my questions or concerns to by email or conference since he began school.

Public education is not equal across the board. Some are good and some are bad.

 

[Samson]

Yes, the 'secrecy' involved in education these days is foreign to me too. When I was heavily involved in the school system, the very few parents who couldn't be bothered with parent teacher conferences etc. were pretty well advised of their negligence. And we scheduled orientations for parents where the teachers explained their philosophy and methodology and course content for whatever was coming up in the next term. If I couldn't get a satisfactory answer from my kid on any concern, the teacher did return my calls. My own education prepared me to compete with anybody anywhere.

Such an education concept seems to be pretty rare these days.

I suspect the "secrecy" involved is a result of petty complaints over non-learning related issues like whether or not a moment of silence is "prayer," and if putting a condom on a cucumber is "obscene."

Or not wanting parents to see whatever papers their kids are or are not completing.

But we had just as much controversy when I and when my kids were in school as there is now. So I don't think that is it.

Then why?

My answer is that teachers have become to fucking lazy: Planning a lesson, putting together an evaluation instrument for the lesson, grading the instrument, entering the grades, sending the bad grades home, dealing with unhappy parents.....hell, its much easier not to grade anything.