If this teacher cut out 55 hours (20+ half days) of school would you be annoyed? - Page 2

[sunnmama]

Originally Posted by momtoS

I feel like the crazy mom that is making a big deal about 15 minutes....but that adds up!

The other parents might be parents like me--actually in favor of a shorter school day. I think the school day is too long, and would like it to be a whole hour+ shorter!

I can completely understand being put out if you will have to leave activities with your other dc early. Maybe you could work something out with the school to keep your dd until the normal release time? Could she join another class for the last few minutes each day?

I do agree that this change is very unorthodox. My dh is a public school teacher, and would never get away with this kind of thing. It is strange, but I wouldn't sweat the 15 minutes of instuctional time. I'd approach it from a pick-up conflict angle, and try to find a safe place for my dd to go and read for those last 15 minutes each day until the normal release time.

[grniys]

Since it's public school I'd go strait to the school board. Obviously, the principal isn't willing to listen, so I'd take it over his head. It doesn't matter that it's "just" 15 minutes. Those 15 minutes are 15 minutes your tax dollars are paying her to teach your child. If she doesn't like it she needs to either suck it up and deal or find another job. I would absolutely not let this go.

15 minutes may not sound like a lot, but what is being cut out of your child's day for this to happen?

[eepster]

I wonder what the responce would be if you sent in a note saying that your DD liked to sleep in and would be coming to school 15 minutes later each morning.

The 15 minutes of academics wouldn't bother me that much, but the disrupted schedual would. I would also be concerned that the teacher would cut down on free time in order to squeeze in all the academics. I wonder if the crossing guards will show up 15 minutes early so kids don't get hit by cars walking home.

[CarrieMF]

going through other posts of yours I see your dd is in JK so she's 3 or 4 & it is not mandatory that she be in school so this really wouldn't bother me.

[tayndrewsmama]

It sounds too strange and bold for them to implement if it's against any rules/laws. Perhaps you need more clarification on the situation.

[momtoS]

I do realize that JK is not mandatory, but the schools approach is just BLAH.

They just decided to cut class time.

Every other school has a play/family/bbq day at the beginning of the year, this school does not---too much work.

They just can't do extra stuff because they can't get parents to volunteer....

I WONDER WHY?

[Ruthla]

The sudden change in schedule would possible upset me, especially if I had other children in other schools or activities ending around the same time.

But the concept of a 4yo being in school for 15 minutes less per day wouldn't faze me at all. I don't think little ones really NEED an excessive amount of formal academics;
I think they need time to play and explore the world (including being read to/ looking at books, and playing around with math manipulatives.)

[CarrieMF]

From all the posts lately honestly I'd be finding a different school. It does not sound like the one you're at is a good fit for your family.

[mommy68]

Originally Posted by kathymuggle

Does this not mess up bussing? Does an assistant watch them for those 15 minutes? Do they go to another class? Is it affecting your pick up or drop off time?

If it affects your pick-up or drop off times - I would definately complain. People have lives....and one persons scheduel should not dictate everyone elses!

If it does not affect your scheduel it still might bug me.

The word might comes into play because it would depend on how the school behaves in other circumstances.

Are they generally a flexible place? What do you think would happen if you tried to take your child out of school 15 minutes every day? Would they accomodate that with a smile?

I ask because I flexible work places. I find it very family friendly. If this flexibility is also extended to you, I see it as a good thing. If it is not extendede to students and familes, I would be really annoyed.

I would not worry one iota about 15 minutes of lost academic work a day. I believe a good 1/2 (if not higher) amount of time is wasted in school everyday due to attendance, discipline, lining up, etc. 15 minutes in not a big deal. Moreover, if there is an EA, I imagine she will be simply following the teacher's plans anyways.

Even though I would not worry about the academic issues, I would probably end up writing a note. It shows a lack of concern for students, IMHO. Quite frankly, nothing galls me more than lack of concern. The only exception would be if this were known as a family friendly, flexible school - in which case I would be Ok with it (as I like these values, and knew this school was "accomodating" up front)

I hope this makes sense. It seems a bit garbled. In any event, kudos to you for writing a letter. You are not the "crazy mom who does not let anything slide" (an idea meant to keep people compliant and apathetic) - speaking up about your DC education is your responsibility.

ditto.

[mommy68]

Originally Posted by CarrieMF

going through other posts of yours I see your dd is in JK so she's 3 or 4 & it is not mandatory that she be in school so this really wouldn't bother me.

I didn't realize the child was that young. No, definitely not a problem for me either. I think the letter is fine if you personally have a problem with it, but I wouldn't expect all other parents to have issues with it since school isn't mandatory at this age (unless it is, in which case I'm probably wrong ).