kindergarten update

NicoleWI · August 2014

Called the school again today to try to remedy my school-provided log-in not working for the required online registration system. Although the info says that the office is open until 4:15, I missed the secretary again. She leaves at 2:00. I asked the principal if they have any idea what will happen with the teacher with the disorderly conduct citation and whether she is likely to be suspended. He said all he can say is that there is an internal investigation and they aren't sure what will come of it. GREEEAAAATTT.

Annoyed again!

barnwife · August 2014

Did you really expect the principal to comment on an on-going investigation?

I mean, I am sorry you are dealing with that uncertainty, but that just seems unreasonable to me.

As for everything else, it seems like you are dealing with office issues and haven't had contact with a teacher yet. It could still be a wonderful year!

Andrewsgal · August 2014

barnwife said:
Did you really expect the principal to comment on an on-going investigation?

I mean, I am sorry you are dealing with that uncertainty, but that just seems unreasonable to me.

As for everything else, it seems like you are dealing with office issues and haven't had contact with a teacher yet. It could still be a wonderful year!

This! Did you really think you were a special snowflake she would give information to about the investigation. I am dumbfounded you think you should get this information.

NicoleWI · August 2014

I didn't expect him to give me details, but I did expect him to perhaps be able to say that they are considering disciplinary action but it would not include suspension, or something similar. Or, that they will have more info as of DATE. Or something. Seems like she could be suspended.

There are 3 kindergarten teachers. One is new to the district, one is in trouble, and then there's the third one. It's not a great situation.

School starts Sept. 2.

irishgrl317 · August 2014

What is wrong with a teacher new to the district? And, just to throw this out there if the other teacher is suspended--DS started the first 9 weeks of kindy with a long term sub last year and she was AMAZING! Don't fret until you actually have reason to fret.

NicoleWI · August 2014

You got notes from the teacher! That is miles ahead of where I am. YES, I expect some ducks in a row! Not a crappy mailing with wrong dates, incorrect office hours and a log-in that doesn't work. I expect a basic level of organization and competence!

dizzycooks · August 2014

diapersnwipes said:
Do the teachers even know who their students are 3 weeks out? Serious question. Teachers!!! Answer me.

Nope I never have. I actually use to get my student list in open house day!

NicoleWI · August 2014

The teachers know. I'm supposed to use the online system to find out who her teacher is. The teachers decided after the screening dates in spring.

lexusolsen · August 2014

I just looked. Nothing! I have no idea if my schedule has even changed from what the principal told me it was. They can't and shouldn't tell you about her punishment or the investigation. Schools and teachers would love to have all this stuff figured out three weeks out but there's a lot of red tape to work around. I hope it works out for you.

spring_time · August 2014

Now you are being unreasonable! Of course the principal is not going to tell you anything. First of all, it wasn't any offense related to the school. It did not put any child in danger. It was a mistake in her personal life, that has nothing to do with her ability to teach. Secondly, teachers are entitled to privacy just as much as students.

As for not knowing the list, I mentioned in a previous post that there were years that there was no teacher for some classrooms. Of course, I didn't know the list of students three weeks out. I was happy to get it the day before. That also did not contribute to my success as a teacher.

A teacher that is new to the district can be great. If it is a brand new teacher, chances are she is enthusiastic with all the latest and greatest methods. Sure, some things might not go well, but new teachers are always an asset to the school. I always learned so much from new teachers. If she is coming from another district, she might have all sorts of insight that might shake things up at the school. There is nothing wrong with one of the teachers being new.

Finally, there is no reason to be upset about the office being open. It was open. The principal was there. Sorry he did not have the answers you were looking for, but you can always call back tomorrow before 2:00.

I would suggest you lay off the phone for a little while before you get yourself a reputation before your LO even starts.

NicoleWI · August 2014

And you are rude, Nanda.

Andrewsgal · August 2014

My kid starts kinder in 13 days. We had kinder orientation at the end of last year. I have heard NOTHING this summer meet the teacher is next Thursday. I am totally okay with this. My kids school kicks ass and I don't need them to hold my hand. This isn't preschool anymore.

Andrewsgal · August 2014

NicoleWI said:
And you are rude, Nanda.

Why because she speaks the truth? FWIW you probably are already that parent.

NicoleWI · August 2014

FWIW, I never blamed this on the teacher in the first place. I understand that the teacher is not responsible for the general mess in the office. I just lumped in the "not knowing whether my kid's teacher will be suspended right away" with my general dissatisfaction with the school experience thus far, which is valid! DD is totally anxious about kindergarten and took a couple weeks to adjust to preschool last year despite having gone there the previous year. I know it will be really hard for her if she has to change teachers.

Andrewsgal · August 2014

It sounds like you feed her anxiety you are way over the top here. You need to back up or perhaps homeschool.

jnksmom · August 2014

I agree with everyone else. You are expecting too much. There is no principal that would have answered your questions about a teacher's discipline. Also, my kids started school yesterday. We got a letter to tell us who their teacher was and when open house was on Wednesday last week. The teachers didn't go back until last Monday and they sent the letters on Monday. Also, please chill out for your DD's benefit. If she is already nervous, you are only making it worse by showing so much anxiety and frustration yourself.

notkateanymore · August 2014

diapersnwipes said:

Do the teachers even know who their students are 3 weeks out? Serious question. Teachers!!! Answer me.

Some places do, some don't.

Our teacher wasn't at meet the teacher day.

notkateanymore · August 2014

Andrewsgal said:

It sounds like you feed her anxiety you are way over the top here. You need to back up or perhaps homeschool.

I would be totally pissed off at the school for not having their shit together too, OP.

orangegoggles · August 2014

I think you are totally over reacting here. Likely because this is your first going to school? Your probably nervous and your daughter is too so this just fuels your anxiety.

Our secretaries leave at 2 for summer hours. It's a nice way for schools to save a little money and there really is only a couple custodians, principal, and 1-2 secretaries there during the summer so your going to see a big mess until the school gets up and running and everyone is back to work. It's just the nature of things at most public schools.

I know the information will ease your worries so just call earlier in the day tomorrow. If the log in stuff isn't working, I'm sure they've already had complaints and have fixed the issue.

Just don't be the new parent who is critical and not understanding to glitches as it won't be beneficial to anyone. Your DD will be fine. The school year will be great and you have plenty of time to digest all the information you need.

orangegoggles · August 2014

Sorry for the typos! I do know the different between your and you're I promise! lol

bumpuser924057 · August 2014

When I was going through teacher training courses, our motto was always "Thank you for being flexible." In my experience, schools, even good ones, can be kind of a mess with regards to things like communication from the office, typos on important notices and memos, scheduling, etc. This is especially true over the summer.

bumpuser924057 · August 2014

@mamaalysson‌ so true! My district implemented a new payroll system back in 2007 and it was a disaster that took over a year to fix. Tons of people didnt get paychecks for MONTHS, others were accidentally overpaid by thousands. It was insane.

Andrewsgal · August 2014

notkateanymore said:

Andrewsgal said:

It sounds like you feed her anxiety you are way over the top here. You need to back up or perhaps homeschool.

I would be totally pissed off at the school for not having their shit together too, OP.

How does the school not have their shit together? Because they won't tell her if a teacher is going to be suspended? Beceause they had a date wrong on a paper? Why did you quote me everyone else was saying the same thing??

notkateanymore · August 2014

Andrewsgal said:

Andrewsgal said:

It sounds like you feed her anxiety you are way over the top here. You need to back up or perhaps homeschool.

I would be totally pissed off at the school for not having their shit together too, OP.
How does the school not have their shit together? Because they won't tell her if a teacher is going to be suspended? Beceause they had a date wrong on a paper? Why did you quote me everyone else was saying the same thing??

No, because the paperwork is all wrong, nobody is around to answer questions. I don't think and wouldn't expect to be told anything about the teacher and what was going on, but the rest of the stuff is things a lot of schools know months if not weeks in advance. I quoted you bc it's bullshit to suggest somebody homeschool bc they're pissed that their school isn't up to their ideals. That's just silly. It's OK to be pissed off. I don't disagree with Nanda when she said that OP is going to be "one of those parents" that's probably true...but I'm one of those parents sometimes too.

Andrewsgal · August 2014

notkateanymore said:

Andrewsgal said:

notkateanymore said:

Andrewsgal said:

It sounds like you feed her anxiety you are way over the top here. You need to back up or perhaps homeschool.

I would be totally pissed off at the school for not having their shit together too, OP.
How does the school not have their shit together? Because they won't tell her if a teacher is going to be suspended? Beceause they had a date wrong on a paper? Why did you quote me everyone else was saying the same thing??

No, because the paperwork is all wrong, nobody is around to answer questions. I don't think and wouldn't expect to be told anything about the teacher and what was going on, but the rest of the stuff is things a lot of schools know months if not weeks in advance. I quoted you bc it's bullshit to suggest somebody homeschool bc they're pissed that their school isn't up to their ideals. That's just silly. It's OK to be pissed off. I don't disagree with Nanda when she said that OP is going to be "one of those parents" that's probably true...but I'm one of those parents sometimes too.

Eh I think as an educator we have seen parents like this time and time again. She knows the dates. She knows when to call to get her log in fixed. Her expectations for a public school seem over the top. She is absolutely feeding into her child's anxiety. I get it sending a child to school is hard, but even in the best schools there are going to he hiccups. My HS comment was more tongue in cheek. I need my sarcasm font.

notkateanymore · August 2014

I totally agree that schools have hiccups, but as a first time K parent...you remember how it feels! My best friend is probably having a meltdown as we speak as her oldest goes off to school today!

jensriot · August 2014

NicoleWI said:

FWIW, I never blamed this on the teacher in the first place. I understand that the teacher is not responsible for the general mess in the office. I just lumped in the "not knowing whether my kid's teacher will be suspended right away" with my general dissatisfaction with the school experience thus far, which is valid! DD is totally anxious about kindergarten and took a couple weeks to adjust to preschool last year despite having gone there the previous year. I know it will be really hard for her if she has to change teachers.

There are always things that could come up though. Things happen that you have no control over. What if your kid's teacher has something happen and needs to take leave during the school year? People get sick, have accidents, have babies. You can't control that and will just have to deal. This is no different. Try to let go and let the school get their shit together. They have time. I personally won't find out who my kid has until a couple days before school starts at meet the teacher night.

lexusolsen · August 2014

jensriot said:

NicoleWI said:

FWIW, I never blamed this on the teacher in the first place. I understand that the teacher is not responsible for the general mess in the office. I just lumped in the "not knowing whether my kid's teacher will be suspended right away" with my general dissatisfaction with the school experience thus far, which is valid! DD is totally anxious about kindergarten and took a couple weeks to adjust to preschool last year despite having gone there the previous year. I know it will be really hard for her if she has to change teachers.

There are always things that could come up though. Things happen that you have no control over. What if your kid's teacher has something happen and needs to take leave during the school year? People get sick, have accidents, have babies. You can't control that and will just have to deal. This is no different. Try to let go and let the school get their shit together. They have time. I personally won't find out who my kid has until a couple days before school starts at meet the teacher night.

Yep! My son wasn't due until June. That's what I and everyone else was prepared for. Then the accident happened in March. The kids (who are much older) adapted just fine to the sub. Sure, they missed me and I them and it didn't go as well as it could have. Crap is going to happen. Their whole educational career isn't ruined because they had a crappy sub for 6 weeks their freshman year.

LoveBeingMama · August 2014

I noticed some comments about high expectations "for a public school." Do private schools not make typos or have technical glitches? Their teachers don't do stupid things that could result in investigations that lead to possible disciplinary action? They all have full running offices throughout the summer?

This answer is, of course these things happen, in any type of school. Even if you pay $12,000 a year in tuition, things happen. They happen in all types of schools, businesses, organizations, and other institutions. Let's not throw public schools under the bus. Sure, some public schools are crappy, but some are fantastic (and it sounds like the school OP is upset about actually has a good reputation).

I found it funny and interesting that (maybe in the original thread) people made comments that perhaps she should look into finding an alternate school. This stuff happens everywhere. It's frustrating as can be, but it happens. And most people can't just pick a different school to attend unless they choose private vs. public. You attend the school determined by your address.

flerlgirl · August 2014

My sister is a kindergarten teacher. She was technically new to her district last year but it was her eighth year of teaching. I know that isn't the main point here but it sounds like you have some pretty good teacher options.

My sister's school also just had their open house a few days before school started. She wasn't required to send anything to parents prior to that.

lexusolsen · August 2014

CnAmom said:

amy052006 said:

CnAmom said:

Lets please not overlook the fact that they are THREE WEEKS OUT. It is unrealistic and unfair to expect the school to have a fully functioning staff three weeks out and that is mostly on the district, not the school.

This is where I will argue there is a difference with private school. No district to deal with, and at least IME, things are just smoother because there is less red tape.

They hire and fire they teachers they want, when they want. They can stop excepting enrollments at any time. And in many instances, yes, they are much better staffed in the summer months.

Again, I don't think any of this is THAT big of a deal, but I do think the level of "service" OP is looking for is much more common at a school with a price tag.

And I could agree with you. If I called the school two weeks ago I probably could have talked to the secretary and perhaps the principal, but I can guarantee you they weren't paying anyone else to be there. Yes, DS2's teacher took it upon herself to go in early to set up her classroom and send out the two notes we got in the mail, but again, I'm pretty sure they didn't pay her for being there.

And they probably didn't pay for the postage either.

LoveBeingMama · August 2014

amy052006 said:

CnAmom said:

Lets please not overlook the fact that they are THREE WEEKS OUT. It is unrealistic and unfair to expect the school to have a fully functioning staff three weeks out and that is mostly on the district, not the school.

This is where I will argue there is a difference with private school. No district to deal with, and at least IME, things are just smoother because there is less red tape.

They hire and fire they teachers they want, when they want. They can stop excepting enrollments at any time. And in many instances, yes, they are much better staffed in the summer months.

Again, I don't think any of this is THAT big of a deal, but I do think the level of "service" OP is looking for is much more common at a school with a price tag.

Maybe, and I agree at a private school they would probably just tell her the name of the teacher over the phone if the website wasn't working. But typos or commenting on an ongoing investigation? Probably going to get the same response at public or private schools. While you might hope for better service at a private school, it's not guaranteed. I was recently on a private school's website and cringed at the number of grammar and punctuation errors.

bumpuser8448316 · August 2014

I would be annoyed if I received a mailer that told me to go online and the log in didn't work and then the people I talked to on the phone couldn't help me. Once that info gets sent to parents the website should be live and working properly. If it's not, there should be someone parents can be directed to call for help. Yes springs happen blah blah blah. But it's still annoying

NicoleWI · August 2014

FYI, I did call today before 2:00 and the lady I need to talk to was not in. The other person said she has no access and I have to call back again tomorrow (for the fourth day in a row). I get that I'm being a little crazy and am surprised at how many schools get info out super late, but it is our first experience with school and it's definitely been annoying thus far.

spring_time · August 2014

NicoleWI said:

FYI, I did call today before 2:00 and the lady I need to talk to was not in. The other person said she has no access and I have to call back again tomorrow (for the fourth day in a row). I get that I'm being a little crazy and am surprised at how many schools get info out super late, but it is our first experience with school and it's definitely been annoying thus far.

Try calling the administrative offices. They are typically staffed during the summer. Chances are, the log in information and registration system is set up through them, and then forwarded on to the schools to send to you.

fancynewbeesly · August 2014

Our students start September 3rd. The teachers don't get there schedules and class lists until about August 25 I believe. (And then up until September 3rd there can be changes in the classroom list/schedule) I think the open house for new students and kindergarteners is the 20th. Even then though, they don't know teachers don't know who is in their class.

Keeptruckin · August 2014

We don't even have meet your teacher or orientation. You get a letter in the mail with your kids room number and which door to line up at. That's it. And we are at a fancy style magnet charter school lol! First day is just an hour so I guess that technically is meet your teacher etc. I wouldn't sweat it.

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