Friday, September 20, 2002
Yet another gripe about schooling. They want *more* money. At this rate, homeschooling would be cheaper. Actually, at this rate, private schooling might be cheaper. At least there I know what I am paying for. This last bit of piracy is a small amount, but it is for class parties. College is for partying, not elementary school!
Thursday, September 19, 2002
I was supposed to say something about Joshua yesterday too, but I forgot in the frustration of Joy's teething.
Yesterday I dropped him off at school since I had to speak with the principal anyway. He sat in the hall talking with a (later found out) 6th grader while waiting for his teacher to collect him. My child, so hard to teach at home, is eager to learn at school (wants to get there early and start work early) ... or he may just want to get away from me as fast as possible :)
But anyways, this morning he asked if I could again drive him to school. I declined on the basis of "I'm tired and we still have plenty of time before the bus gets here. Besides, you'll have to sit in the hall until the bus gets there anyway." He countered with "I know, but I liked talking to that kid." 'That kid' complimented my kid yesterday by telling me that he was really bright and that he was finally glad to have someone to talk to in the morning. Apparently he arrives early every morning too (like around 7:40 early). Nice to know that a 6th grader thinks my 3rd grade son is intelligent enough to have a good conversation with. And I was eavesdropping. There was not one mention of any cartoons out of my son's mouth (one of his favorite topics of conversation).
And now off to complete at least 1/3rd of my to-do list....
Yesterday I dropped him off at school since I had to speak with the principal anyway. He sat in the hall talking with a (later found out) 6th grader while waiting for his teacher to collect him. My child, so hard to teach at home, is eager to learn at school (wants to get there early and start work early) ... or he may just want to get away from me as fast as possible :)
But anyways, this morning he asked if I could again drive him to school. I declined on the basis of "I'm tired and we still have plenty of time before the bus gets here. Besides, you'll have to sit in the hall until the bus gets there anyway." He countered with "I know, but I liked talking to that kid." 'That kid' complimented my kid yesterday by telling me that he was really bright and that he was finally glad to have someone to talk to in the morning. Apparently he arrives early every morning too (like around 7:40 early). Nice to know that a 6th grader thinks my 3rd grade son is intelligent enough to have a good conversation with. And I was eavesdropping. There was not one mention of any cartoons out of my son's mouth (one of his favorite topics of conversation).
And now off to complete at least 1/3rd of my to-do list....
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
The one thing I do miss about homeschooling is that I didn't have to worry about begging neighbors and relatives for money for my son's school. There is so much pressure put on these kids to sell. Not to mention the incentive junk. I remember doing fundraising in 6th grade, to raise money for a trip to Catalina Island. This was above and beyond school curricula and to make sure that parents of us 6th graders wouldn't have to pay through the nose for this trip. It was a great experience (CIMI, not the fundraising). Then again in High school. I can't remember what that was for, but it was selling See's Chocolates, so all I had to do was give the box to my dad and he'd come home at night with the money. Chocolate bars are so much easier to sell than Wrapping paper! And you get your product right then!
But now kids have to fundraise for books, computers, and playground equipment. How wrong is that??? What is the state doing with money that is supposed to be earmarked for education?
At least the school is in the 21st century. You can look through the catalog online and call favored student to place your order :) Ok, off to email friends and family and beg for money :)
But now kids have to fundraise for books, computers, and playground equipment. How wrong is that??? What is the state doing with money that is supposed to be earmarked for education?
At least the school is in the 21st century. You can look through the catalog online and call favored student to place your order :) Ok, off to email friends and family and beg for money :)
Friday, September 13, 2002
I think I have the opposite problem (if you can call it that) that a lot of homeschooling families encounter with their extended families.
Just talked to my dad this morning. Had to tell him that I was coming home from dropping his grandson off at school.
"What, you're not homeschooling? Well, let me ask you this. Is it a Christian school?"
"No, not if you want to see your grandson alive again. We can't afford it."
"Tut tut."
"Well ... the more I see that he's not learning anything the more I think I might pull him out."
My father knows his grandson and can commiserate with me, but he would rather that I homeschool than have him in public school. I wonder if my parents had the same misgivings about public school that I do? I know that it is very hard to get kids with really good character traits these days. Part of it is going from daycare to school to daycare because parents are busting their butts making a living instead of having a life. But that's another rant.
Just talked to my dad this morning. Had to tell him that I was coming home from dropping his grandson off at school.
"What, you're not homeschooling? Well, let me ask you this. Is it a Christian school?"
"No, not if you want to see your grandson alive again. We can't afford it."
"Tut tut."
"Well ... the more I see that he's not learning anything the more I think I might pull him out."
My father knows his grandson and can commiserate with me, but he would rather that I homeschool than have him in public school. I wonder if my parents had the same misgivings about public school that I do? I know that it is very hard to get kids with really good character traits these days. Part of it is going from daycare to school to daycare because parents are busting their butts making a living instead of having a life. But that's another rant.
Saturday, September 07, 2002
[x-posted on Musings]
Thursday, September 05, 2002
Another SNAFU by the school today. Yesterday, the principal called and told me that that bus stop would be 231st and Birch. We met the bus driver there a few minutes ago. He told us, that wasn't on his list of stops for our neighborhood, but the one where I saw kids congregating this morning was. He'll speak to the principal about it. Though it also may have been a SNAFU by the Transportation Services office. Either way, this wouldn't have happened if the school district had common sense and let the kids in our neighborhood go to the school that is practically across the street (I mean, come on, 2 blocks away!) Instead they would rather spend time, money, and gas to bus kids 5 miles away.
Not a big deal if West Union was a magnet, and one that my child wanted to go to, but it's not.
I also had to remind Josh that this wasn't the teacher's fault. Why? Because he has made it his goal to make sure that everyone at West Union knows that he doesn't like it there and wants to go back to Orenco. He had a plan of bad/troublesome behavior all worked out. Yesterday afternoon I thought it was pretty funny and clever. But then Tim and I reminded him of the consequences and let him know that if he behaved badly and got a bad reputation, Orenco might not want him back. So I think he will behave *crossed fingers*.
Thursday, September 05, 2002
Another SNAFU by the school today. Yesterday, the principal called and told me that that bus stop would be 231st and Birch. We met the bus driver there a few minutes ago. He told us, that wasn't on his list of stops for our neighborhood, but the one where I saw kids congregating this morning was. He'll speak to the principal about it. Though it also may have been a SNAFU by the Transportation Services office. Either way, this wouldn't have happened if the school district had common sense and let the kids in our neighborhood go to the school that is practically across the street (I mean, come on, 2 blocks away!) Instead they would rather spend time, money, and gas to bus kids 5 miles away.
Not a big deal if West Union was a magnet, and one that my child wanted to go to, but it's not.
I also had to remind Josh that this wasn't the teacher's fault. Why? Because he has made it his goal to make sure that everyone at West Union knows that he doesn't like it there and wants to go back to Orenco. He had a plan of bad/troublesome behavior all worked out. Yesterday afternoon I thought it was pretty funny and clever. But then Tim and I reminded him of the consequences and let him know that if he behaved badly and got a bad reputation, Orenco might not want him back. So I think he will behave *crossed fingers*.
[x-posted on Musings]
Wednesday, September 04, 2002
It's 9:40 in the morning and my day is already shot.
We woke up around 6:30 a.m. and I was full of confidence that I would get my son into the school I wanted him in and that he wants to go to. Ah, how naive I am when it comes to bureaucracy. First given the run-around (somewhat) by the Orenco principal. I was told by the front office that they would *love* to have my child and that they need parents who care and want to volunteer (I am of said group now that I have the time). But, alas, the principal over at West Union was denying all the transfers coming from our neighborhood. (Grr, now the site shows West Union Elementary, but when we signed we were told Orenco would be the school)... but I digress. ... So I was told that my best bet would be to go to West Union and talk to the principal there. Now mind you, I haven't really spoken to the principal of Orenco except for yesterday afternoon when I was trying *not* to get Black and irate at this man.
So we go over to West Union, which is 10 minutes away driving and waaaaaay out in the countryside. Points taken off there, it's in the boonies! (yes, we live that close to countryside). The school is older, and dark and you could watch Josh's face fall the more of it he took in.
I got in to see the principal and we chatted a bit. He explained to me that they have 5 empty classrooms at the moment (ok, fine, but do you have the staff and resources to fill those rooms even if you had the kids? -- I should have asked that while I was there). And that the agreement was made 2 years ago, before our development was built and demographics actually made, that West Union would get the kids on our neighborhood even though directly west and south of us the kids go to Orenco. West Union was planning on our neighborhood to fill out their classrooms (most of the kids here are newborn to pre-school, there aren't many school age. Guess they forgot to take that into account).
I explained that my son has been registered at Orenco since the middle of August, that he attended the first day there and that we would both prefer that he stay there.
So the principal phoned the principal at Orenco and they agreed to a compromise of a 2-week try-out at West Union. Josh wasn't pleased and neither was I, but they won't be able to say that I was un-cooperative. I get the feeling that they hope we'll become accustomed to West Union and not put up a fight. Well, they don't know me and they definitely don't know Tim.
Josh is determined to not spend more than a week at West Union. He looked on the verge of tears when we left.
Now the kicker. Apparently Orenco is really full, and it seems like it is. There are plenty of kids there whereas West Union only has 300 kids for all 6 grades (if that many, enrollment is low --at least that is what the West Union principal told me enrollment was). But the 3rd grade has the same number of kids that Josh's class at Orenco does. So there is no loss and no gain directly for my son. His teacher in both schools has the same burden of work.
I would prefer that Josh go to Orenco because 1) it makes sense, the school is 2 blocks away versus the almost 5 miles that West Union is. 2) It's a nicer and newer school and 3) it's convenient for me.
I would be concerned about academics, but I don't know much about either school right now. I have the prejudice that a newer school with new equipment and excited teachers is a better learning environment than an older one with non-excited teachers. I also have the feeling that given the current budget shortfalls I'll be after-schooling Josh anyway.
Oh, and Josh is out of school for the day. Neither school cares that he attends today. Just so long as he goes to West Union tomorrow. Right now I am tempted to just keep him home again, but I need the mental break! I love my child too much to homeschool him right now. It's already stressful having him home and having my whole plan for the day screwed up.
Ok, time for me to get ready to go. I have a ton of errands to run, most involving the DMV. And we have to go back to Orenco to get his school supplies! Why can't they let this *one* kid stay where he is???!!!!
*Names have been withheld because I am a nice person. It's enough that I gave the school names.
Links: How to get the right education for your child by Malkin Dare
The Big Book of Home Learning by Mary Pride.
Wednesday, September 04, 2002
It's 9:40 in the morning and my day is already shot.
We woke up around 6:30 a.m. and I was full of confidence that I would get my son into the school I wanted him in and that he wants to go to. Ah, how naive I am when it comes to bureaucracy. First given the run-around (somewhat) by the Orenco principal. I was told by the front office that they would *love* to have my child and that they need parents who care and want to volunteer (I am of said group now that I have the time). But, alas, the principal over at West Union was denying all the transfers coming from our neighborhood. (Grr, now the site shows West Union Elementary, but when we signed we were told Orenco would be the school)... but I digress. ... So I was told that my best bet would be to go to West Union and talk to the principal there. Now mind you, I haven't really spoken to the principal of Orenco except for yesterday afternoon when I was trying *not* to get Black and irate at this man.
So we go over to West Union, which is 10 minutes away driving and waaaaaay out in the countryside. Points taken off there, it's in the boonies! (yes, we live that close to countryside). The school is older, and dark and you could watch Josh's face fall the more of it he took in.
I got in to see the principal and we chatted a bit. He explained to me that they have 5 empty classrooms at the moment (ok, fine, but do you have the staff and resources to fill those rooms even if you had the kids? -- I should have asked that while I was there). And that the agreement was made 2 years ago, before our development was built and demographics actually made, that West Union would get the kids on our neighborhood even though directly west and south of us the kids go to Orenco. West Union was planning on our neighborhood to fill out their classrooms (most of the kids here are newborn to pre-school, there aren't many school age. Guess they forgot to take that into account).
I explained that my son has been registered at Orenco since the middle of August, that he attended the first day there and that we would both prefer that he stay there.
So the principal phoned the principal at Orenco and they agreed to a compromise of a 2-week try-out at West Union. Josh wasn't pleased and neither was I, but they won't be able to say that I was un-cooperative. I get the feeling that they hope we'll become accustomed to West Union and not put up a fight. Well, they don't know me and they definitely don't know Tim.
Josh is determined to not spend more than a week at West Union. He looked on the verge of tears when we left.
Now the kicker. Apparently Orenco is really full, and it seems like it is. There are plenty of kids there whereas West Union only has 300 kids for all 6 grades (if that many, enrollment is low --at least that is what the West Union principal told me enrollment was). But the 3rd grade has the same number of kids that Josh's class at Orenco does. So there is no loss and no gain directly for my son. His teacher in both schools has the same burden of work.
I would prefer that Josh go to Orenco because 1) it makes sense, the school is 2 blocks away versus the almost 5 miles that West Union is. 2) It's a nicer and newer school and 3) it's convenient for me.
I would be concerned about academics, but I don't know much about either school right now. I have the prejudice that a newer school with new equipment and excited teachers is a better learning environment than an older one with non-excited teachers. I also have the feeling that given the current budget shortfalls I'll be after-schooling Josh anyway.
Oh, and Josh is out of school for the day. Neither school cares that he attends today. Just so long as he goes to West Union tomorrow. Right now I am tempted to just keep him home again, but I need the mental break! I love my child too much to homeschool him right now. It's already stressful having him home and having my whole plan for the day screwed up.
Ok, time for me to get ready to go. I have a ton of errands to run, most involving the DMV. And we have to go back to Orenco to get his school supplies! Why can't they let this *one* kid stay where he is???!!!!
*Names have been withheld because I am a nice person. It's enough that I gave the school names.
Links: How to get the right education for your child by Malkin Dare
The Big Book of Home Learning by Mary Pride.
[x-posted on Musings]
Tuesday, September 03, 2002
I got Josh off to school -- in time no less. Met his teacher, she seemed a little harried ... and managed to ask her if she needed/wanted parent volunteers. She said she loves them. I figure I might as well do it so I can see what my child is learning and keep an eye on him :)
As we got into the classroom the teacher had 4 items listed on the white-board. 1) Where to put your lunch (there's a microwave in the classroom, I wonder if I can send him to school with things to be re-heated) 2) What to do with some of those community type school supplies (the paper, Kleenex, baby wipes and film). I had actually put the paper in Josh's binder. Hope she doesn't mind. It's not like the supply list said that the paper would be used community style.
3)I forget what 3 was ..... and 4) start your "Fun Book".
There are two Joshes in his class, and I think both of them have a last name that begins with H. This is going to be an interesting year. I hope he doesn't get stuck with a lot of busywork (yeah right). And I hope we can both enjoy it.
Kinda nice starting the day out early. I have the whole day ahead of me to either waste or get a lot done. I'm aiming for something in the middle. Now it's time to shower and run errands.
Tuesday, September 03, 2002
I got Josh off to school -- in time no less. Met his teacher, she seemed a little harried ... and managed to ask her if she needed/wanted parent volunteers. She said she loves them. I figure I might as well do it so I can see what my child is learning and keep an eye on him :)
As we got into the classroom the teacher had 4 items listed on the white-board. 1) Where to put your lunch (there's a microwave in the classroom, I wonder if I can send him to school with things to be re-heated) 2) What to do with some of those community type school supplies (the paper, Kleenex, baby wipes and film). I had actually put the paper in Josh's binder. Hope she doesn't mind. It's not like the supply list said that the paper would be used community style.
3)I forget what 3 was ..... and 4) start your "Fun Book".
There are two Joshes in his class, and I think both of them have a last name that begins with H. This is going to be an interesting year. I hope he doesn't get stuck with a lot of busywork (yeah right). And I hope we can both enjoy it.
Kinda nice starting the day out early. I have the whole day ahead of me to either waste or get a lot done. I'm aiming for something in the middle. Now it's time to shower and run errands.
[x-posted on Musings]
Monday, September 02, 2002
So, tomorrow is the first day of school, and part of me is excited. Remembered excitement from when I went to school and actually enjoyed it. Once I got into magnet schools, there wasn't much that I disliked about school -- except maybe the long bus ride on hot days, but that's another story. I'm also excited because it's a new phase in our life. I mean, how much time in a day will I now waste?
Josh and I have tried homeschooling, and I think we want to do it again, but with a little more preparation. This past year was enlightening: Josh and I have *very* different learning styles/teaching styles. That caused all sorts of clashes. Then there was the parent vs. teacher role (how do I assert authority when I am being both?) and of course "My teacher didn't do it that way" and "You don't teach me" -- "What do you mean I don't teach you?". It finally dawned on me that it was my style. I wasn't at a black(white) board lecturing.
We finally settled on a compromise of me reading and quizzing him orally, which seems to be the Charlotte Mason method, but if I do that I need to be a bit more strict about it. If we don't homeschool again I think we will find a way to get him into a private Christian school. Sorry, I just don't trust the public school system in this state (See related article)
But I digress (in a big way!) -- the point of this particular rant is school suppiles. I have yet again had to shell out $$$ (though not the arm and leg it has been in prior years) for school supplies. As I was putting together Josh's things for the morrow I realized that throughout elementary school, I only had to bring a backpack, folder with paper and pencils. Paints, crayons, etc. were always in the classroom. I may need them at home for various projects, but that was usually just some colored pencils. The cut backs are ridiculous. Parents are now having to pay for items that may be used in a "community" setting in the classroom. What are our taxes going to????? We still pay property taxes, what are they used for? Especially since they are re-assesed every year (or is it every two years). Very frequently. ... and I got distracted and lost my train of thought. More on this rant later :)
Monday, September 02, 2002
So, tomorrow is the first day of school, and part of me is excited. Remembered excitement from when I went to school and actually enjoyed it. Once I got into magnet schools, there wasn't much that I disliked about school -- except maybe the long bus ride on hot days, but that's another story. I'm also excited because it's a new phase in our life. I mean, how much time in a day will I now waste?
Josh and I have tried homeschooling, and I think we want to do it again, but with a little more preparation. This past year was enlightening: Josh and I have *very* different learning styles/teaching styles. That caused all sorts of clashes. Then there was the parent vs. teacher role (how do I assert authority when I am being both?) and of course "My teacher didn't do it that way" and "You don't teach me" -- "What do you mean I don't teach you?". It finally dawned on me that it was my style. I wasn't at a black(white) board lecturing.
We finally settled on a compromise of me reading and quizzing him orally, which seems to be the Charlotte Mason method, but if I do that I need to be a bit more strict about it. If we don't homeschool again I think we will find a way to get him into a private Christian school. Sorry, I just don't trust the public school system in this state (See related article)
But I digress (in a big way!) -- the point of this particular rant is school suppiles. I have yet again had to shell out $$$ (though not the arm and leg it has been in prior years) for school supplies. As I was putting together Josh's things for the morrow I realized that throughout elementary school, I only had to bring a backpack, folder with paper and pencils. Paints, crayons, etc. were always in the classroom. I may need them at home for various projects, but that was usually just some colored pencils. The cut backs are ridiculous. Parents are now having to pay for items that may be used in a "community" setting in the classroom. What are our taxes going to????? We still pay property taxes, what are they used for? Especially since they are re-assesed every year (or is it every two years). Very frequently. ... and I got distracted and lost my train of thought. More on this rant later :)
Tuesday, September 03, 2002
I have to admit it. I am a yeller. There is no denying it. Sometimes I scare myself I sound so much like a banshee. Or sometimes a lot like white trash or the types you see on Jerry Springer. Minus the cussing. I do NOT cuss at my kid(s) (only one gets yelled at right now). And I can get pretty mean.
And then I feel bad for the invective that I've used on my kid. And other times, not so bad because, after all, I didn't strangle him (any parent knows this feeling). I guess I feel bad because I do know that words *can* hurt, despite the rhyme (you know, sticks and stones.....)
And then I feel bad for the invective that I've used on my kid. And other times, not so bad because, after all, I didn't strangle him (any parent knows this feeling). I guess I feel bad because I do know that words *can* hurt, despite the rhyme (you know, sticks and stones.....)
