I say definitely let the principal know what you'd like to do and why and I'm sure he can keep it discreet for you- My mother put my twin sister and I in different classes from Kindergarten on so that we weren't depending on each other 24/7 and I think it was a good move. It sounds like it would be in your son's best interest to have some alone time away from his friend.
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You know, another thought, although it sounds like you've already rule this out; I actually told our next door neighbors that I thought our children shouldn't be together (different child, not the one I already mentioned) because I believe kids should have some level of "privacy" and that neither one needed the stress of the other spilling out all the things that might happen during the school day. I just went from the point of view that sometimes we all need breaks. Then they ended up together this year anyway, in first grade, and as it turns out, I appear to have been correct. *sigh* I guess this is for just in case your friend somehow finds out, just a ready-made kind of excuse that hopefully won't offend.
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I'd talk to the principal and stress discretion.
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Hi! I can give you the perspective of a principal.
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I am an elementary school principal and these types of concerns are common. I think that it is wonderful that you care enough to want your child to have the best classroom environment possible.
If your school does not have a form to fill out to let the principal know how your child learns best, then ask the secretary to set up a quick 10-min. meeting with the principal. Principals are SUPER busy, so setting up an appointment is always appreciated!
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If your school's teachers help to create next year's classes, you might also want to discuss this with your child's current teacher. Remember, all educators (including administrators) are here to help children succeed!
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Discretion is very important, so be honest when you ask to keep this request confidential. Good luck!
If your school does not have a form to fill out to let the principal know how your child learns best, then ask the secretary to set up a quick 10-min. meeting with the principal. Principals are SUPER busy, so setting up an appointment is always appreciated!
If your school's teachers help to create next year's classes, you might also want to discuss this with your child's current teacher. Remember, all educators (including administrators) are here to help children succeed!
I really appreciate all the suggestions!!!
my son has recently said that he hopes this boy will be with him in his class, so I feel like I am betraying him by putting in this request
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BUT, I will make sure that they see each other after school for playdates (esp. since his mother and I are friends) and the bonus is that I can be present for those visits.
And, I keep reminding myself of the times when this boy has said, "I'm not your friend anymore!" for the most trivial things, and the (occasional) taunting, etc. He can be a very sweet child, but there are times when he makes it really tough for it to be a healthy relationship.
I am duty parent this week at school, and plan on observing as much as I can.
My intention is to make an appointment with the principal about this in the first weeks of May to make my request they be in separate classes.
He will be in a new school, so his current teachers do not have any say in it.
Meditativemama, I am glad you shared your viewpoint, what an interesting job!
I hope I'm doing the right thing, I tend to second-guess myself, I really want to give my son the best possible experience for his first year of "big school".
my son has recently said that he hopes this boy will be with him in his class, so I feel like I am betraying him by putting in this request
BUT, I will make sure that they see each other after school for playdates (esp. since his mother and I are friends) and the bonus is that I can be present for those visits.
And, I keep reminding myself of the times when this boy has said, "I'm not your friend anymore!" for the most trivial things, and the (occasional) taunting, etc. He can be a very sweet child, but there are times when he makes it really tough for it to be a healthy relationship.
I am duty parent this week at school, and plan on observing as much as I can.
My intention is to make an appointment with the principal about this in the first weeks of May to make my request they be in separate classes.
He will be in a new school, so his current teachers do not have any say in it.
Meditativemama, I am glad you shared your viewpoint, what an interesting job!
I hope I'm doing the right thing, I tend to second-guess myself, I really want to give my son the best possible experience for his first year of "big school".
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