Did everyone start school already? Ours don't go back until next week (they didn't get out until late June).
I just need to whine about the kindergarten transition schedule that my DD's school district uses, which I find totally unnecessary and difficult for working parents. I just don't feel like they need open house, a separate classroom visit during daytime hours, and then to have their first day start 2 days after the older kids for a half day in the afternoon. My kids have been in daycare and full day preschool with aftercare, so they are literally fine with whatever. I get that other kids may benefit from something like this but I'm just whining.
We start next week - K starts on Thursday. There is an "open house" tomorrow at 4:30 and then you have to schedule an assessment for either Tuesday or Wednesday next week. I mean, it's fine because DD can't go back to daycare those days so one of us will be home with her anyway, but I'm still annoyed.
Not a mom, just an aunt trying to be a supportive aunt, so I hope this is a good spot for this.
Our 16 year old niece came out as a lesbian to us this weekend. Obviously we love and support her always. Her dad (single dad; mom passed away) is supportive, but I'm afraid that my ILs (her grandparents) will not be so supportive. I think she knows this too, because she said that she does not plan to come out to them yet. I'm wondering if there's something we can do for her to express our support. Sixteen is already a tough age even without factoring in being LGBT. H suggested maybe buying her some rainbow/pride items, but I don't know whether she's comfortable being publicly "out" yet.
I think just be there for her now. My cousin came out to me, my mom, and our aunt before she came out to her super catholic parents or brothers. It made dealing with the rest of the family a tiny bit easier.
Post by JayhawkGirl on Aug 27, 2019 15:36:39 GMT -5
We had a two hour meet the teacher two nights before, then the K first day was one hour with the parents then go home. This was on top of kindergarten round up in the spring for a couple of hours and a separate parent only meeting in the spring.
They could have easily cover the same material by asking the parents to stay for the first hour of the day. Or covering it when we had been there two days before. Supposedly it was to have small groups to meet each other. We had 31 in our room—We only have 27 usually all-in (immersion program with 54 between two classrooms).
Meanwhile DD wanted her two recesses and lunch like big brother!
Post by 5kcandlesinthewind on Aug 27, 2019 15:58:13 GMT -5
We went to the zoo today and got to feed the giraffes. It was really cool. Of course, the 4 year old’s favorite part was playing with two rocks while we waited, sigh.
He has pre-k orientation tomorrow, goes to school on Thursday, and then they’re closed for the long weekend. It makes no sense to me to start these kids when they can’t get into a routine, but here we are. He doesn’t even seem interested this year - I swear he’s forgotten how much he loved it last year.
He’s also currently obsessed with Odd Squad, so everyone is Agent So-and-So. It was cute for a while, but after the thousandth “Agent Mommy!” a day, I’m over it.
Post by eponinepontmercy on Aug 29, 2019 8:52:47 GMT -5
I love that DD has so many friends she wants to include in her birthday party. I just wish we had kept the number smaller so I could make 2 dozen cupcakes instead of 3. Also, why are party favor supplies packaged in such weird numbers?
Post by redheadbaker on Aug 29, 2019 12:17:54 GMT -5
We toured DS' new elementary school this morning. Got to see his classroom. Eighteen students! As opposed to 33 last year. He starts second grade on Tuesday!
Post by StrawberryBlondie on Aug 29, 2019 16:43:54 GMT -5
I finally feel like I have something resembling an understanding of what's going on with kindergarten next week. Except with lunch and after school pick up. I know how much lunches cost and how she will physically get one every day, but how to put money on her account wasn't covered.
Post by litebright on Aug 29, 2019 17:44:53 GMT -5
Last night was BTS school night at DD1's middle school. It was just for the 6th grade, which is good because the school is huge (like 800+ students). I got to meet all her teachers and I'm really impressed. Everything from the admin on down seems to be a well-oiled machine -- which is reassuring, given that the school is so big -- and everybody seems incredibly enthused about middle school in general and their subject/role in particular.
It just seems to be such a far cry from my own middle school experience, which was pretty miserable socially and where most of the teachers seemed just as miserable. There was one woman who was infamous for crying and throwing erasers at the class when the kids misbehaved. Every male teacher I had was also a coach and all but one of them were clearly far more interested in coaching than teaching and left me uninterested in science and with downright distaste for math and pretty convinced I was awful at it anyway, even though I went on to take honors math in HS and two semesters of calculus (willingly!) in college and am in a highly technical industry now. (The male teacher who was the one exception, who taught state history and coached wrestling, was my favorite teacher ever and I kept in touch with him for years and years.)
I mean, I know middle school is rough for basically everybody and who knows what is coming for DD1, but at least I feel like she's in a place where she's got a good chance of thriving.
The downside of last night was that DH is traveling, so I had to bring both girls. And I thought the whole thing would be a lot shorter than it was, so we didn't do dinner first and we ended up going out to eat at like 8:45 after it was over. Which is super late for us, on a school night!
My daughter's grade will be going on a field trip that costs $48 and takes them to a science museum 1.5 hours away. I think it's a super nice museum, but we have 2 very nice science museums 25 minutes away.
My daughter's grade will be going on a field trip that costs $48 and takes them to a science museum 1.5 hours away. I think it's a super nice museum, but we have 2 very nice science museums 25 minutes away.
Perhaps the one they're going to has a specific exhibit they want the kids to see? I wouldn't be overly concerned about it except for the cost. That's a lot for a field trip. Do they provide scholarships for families who can't pay that?
My daughter's grade will be going on a field trip that costs $48 and takes them to a science museum 1.5 hours away. I think it's a super nice museum, but we have 2 very nice science museums 25 minutes away.
Generally all museums have different exhibitions and programming. It may be that that one has a particular exhibit or program that’s well suited to their curriculum. I wouldn’t question it.
As far as cost, we now pay a lot for school trips, too. It stinks. Same with sports, music ensembles, the play, etc. it’s a republican dreamland where a free and compulsory public education costs more and more out of pocket, unfortunately.
My daughter's grade will be going on a field trip that costs $48 and takes them to a science museum 1.5 hours away. I think it's a super nice museum, but we have 2 very nice science museums 25 minutes away.
Perhaps the one they're going to has a specific exhibit they want the kids to see? I wouldn't be overly concerned about it except for the cost. That's a lot for a field trip. Do they provide scholarships for families who can't pay that?
I know the school does have a program to cover field trip costs for those who need it. However, was not explicitly stated.
I'm just trying to decide if I'm comfortable with how far it is. It really seems unnecessary at this age to travel so far, for such a cost, when we've got great local options.
Perhaps the one they're going to has a specific exhibit they want the kids to see? I wouldn't be overly concerned about it except for the cost. That's a lot for a field trip. Do they provide scholarships for families who can't pay that?
I know the school does have a program to cover field trip costs for those who need it. However, was not explicitly stated.
I'm just trying to decide if I'm comfortable with how far it is. It really seems unnecessary at this age to travel so far, for such a cost, when we've got great local options.
I know the school does have a program to cover field trip costs for those who need it. However, was not explicitly stated.
I'm just trying to decide if I'm comfortable with how far it is. It really seems unnecessary at this age to travel so far, for such a cost, when we've got great local options.
What grade is she in?
Second. They are taking a coach but, but she's not the most mature kid.
My mother's a former second grade teacher and she thought it was crazy (meaning, she would not have been comfortable with taking her class on the trip).
Second. They are taking a coach but, but she's not the most mature kid.
My mother's a former second grade teacher and she thought it was crazy.
Huh. I don’t know. My kids are only 2 and 4 so I’m probably not the right person to answer this. What exactly are your concerns?
I can see my kids being wiggly for sure, but they’d do fine with that distance in a vehicle as long as they were able to get out and move around for awhile before the return trip, which I’m sure is the case here. The museum portion of the trip will be roughly the same experience whether she’s 10 minutes or 2 hours from school.
Post by eponinepontmercy on Aug 30, 2019 9:20:33 GMT -5
The supply list we got at Back to School night is completely different from the general second grade list that was on the website. The only thing we bought that she really needs are the headphones.
On the bright side, my office was having a school supply drive so I just brought it all in.
I'm feeling some kind of way about not needing crayons and glue sticks for school. I feel like that's a big step.
We had orientation this morning and DS is one of only three kids going to aftercare. (And they are going to three different places.) This does not portend good things about my ability to fit in.
I think I might be in love with DS’s teacher though.
Post by StrawberryBlondie on Aug 30, 2019 18:13:27 GMT -5
Today was my kid's last day at the daycare she's been at since she was 12 weeks old.
I feel like I should be feeling sentimental or sad or something, and I'm just... not. I'll miss her wonderful teachers and stuff, but I'm not having the "my baby is growing up too fast" thoughts most of the other daycare moms are today.
Today was my kid's last day at the daycare she's been at since she was 12 weeks old.
I feel like I should be feeling sentimental or sad or something, and I'm just... not. I'll miss her wonderful teachers and stuff, but I'm not having the "my baby is growing up too fast" thoughts most of the other daycare moms are today.
I don't think I'll feel this way either. Something is broken in me for that stuff. I'm just not bothered by any of it.
Also, I'm really looking forward to not paying for daycare anymore, so I'm sure that will help. lol
Today was my kid's last day at the daycare she's been at since she was 12 weeks old.
I feel like I should be feeling sentimental or sad or something, and I'm just... not. I'll miss her wonderful teachers and stuff, but I'm not having the "my baby is growing up too fast" thoughts most of the other daycare moms are today.
My oldest is in 2nd grade and my final is 3. I've never felt that way and at first felt guilty that I didn't. But I can't fake feelings I don't have so eh.