PARENTS!

[TexasT]

When I say bring in the Valentines by Friday, February 10th, I don't mean have 11 kids bring them in on Monday, February 13th. I love the excuse, "Well, I needed a weekend to get them together." They've been on sale for WEEEKS and I sent home the list over 2 weeks ago, making sure there were 2 weekends in there. I'd rather you just didn't send them, but I know that'd make the kids sad.

When I send home a form that says pick your top 3 choices, pick 3. Don't just pick one and get upset when I don't give it to you. Other parents who did follow directions got it first.

Also, don't pick something that's not on there. Especially when the thing you pick makes makes me have to do more work and unpaid work. I'm willing to work with you. Don't command me to do what you want.

At the bottom of the form, read it. Why would I want the child in my class's name, grade level, and teacher? I know that information. I am that information. Only 3 out of 21 actually followed directions on that part. Approx. 1.5% of my parents follow directions.

Really, just reply would be nice when I sent it home 3 times.

At the Valentine's party, if you are there, don't bring my student's younger siblings. Or, if you must, watch them! Every year, at one class party, I spend it keeping a 1 year old from getting to our many, many choking hazards while the parent sits there, eating food intended for the students (In the past I was told I was not allowed to say no siblings allowed, next year I'll be doing it no matter what). Also, don't bring the whole family and have them cut the line, leaving my students, who actually brought things, with much less. How selfish are you?

[Moosenogger]

Some parents are too scatterbrained to keep holidays and necessary school supplies in mind. I had a child bring in a box of valentines for our party, but neither him nor his mother nor his grandmother thought it would be pertinent to open the box and fill out the valentines. So, ten minutes before the party, this kid was trying to write out his valentines at mach 2. Suffice to say, they were illegible.

[Merriweather]

:Sending you a virtual heart shaped cookie and a hug

Teachers and aides do SO much that's above and beyond, and some parents do SO little, to the point of having no clue about their child's education.

It's too bad all school's can't be like my granddaughter's school - all parents are required to put in a minimum number of hours per term (helping in class or on field trips, manning booths at weekend fundraisers, etc - lots of options & ways so everyone can manage it one way or another). Being involved in general, knowing the teachers well, etc. seems to have a big effect on the parent's atitude over even the everyday stuff like signing forms and all. Of course, no real way to enforce it at most schools, at this one, if parents don't come thru, the child has to transfer from the absolutely awesome small charter shcool they were very lucky to get a spot in, back to the huge normal run-of-the-mill school. So it isn't usually a problem.

[HappyFun Ball]

A lot of parents just see teachers as "free" babysitters, they don't care just as long as they have a place to dump junior for a while.

I applaud you, I could not do your job.

[raudf]

Good grief, sounds like you got the pick of the worst when it came to parents. They forget completely that these parties are meant for the kids, not them!

When my son's classes have parties, parents are last on the list for serving, because we help serve the kids. The younger siblings usually get something, though more often than not the youngster is of the age to be asleep in a stroller or having older sibling slip them some juice. (That was what we had to watch out for. Some of the kids didn't have younger siblings and would try giving the youngsters not-appropriate treats )

Too bad I can't help out right now.. it was rather fun to see the smiles on the kids' faces! And the even more amazing.. watch them clean up after themselves!

[pageantmama]

Some parents are too scatterbrained to keep holidays and necessary school supplies in mind. I had a child bring in a box of valentines for our party, but neither him nor his mother nor his grandmother thought it would be pertinent to open the box and fill out the valentines. So, ten minutes before the party, this kid was trying to write out his valentines at mach 2. Suffice to say, they were illegible.

Ummmm...where do you teach? That might have been my child...

I had tons of stuff going on the last week and totally forgot his Valentines. I ended up having to run out and get them after my husband got home while the kids were in bed late the night before the party. And since he gets on the bus at 6:05 in the morning he did not have time to fill them out before he left so I just sent the box. I told him if he had to just write his name on them, or don't fill them out and just tell everyone the blank ones were from him, lol. I felt so bad usually I get candy, those little packs of holiday toys, and gift bags and we sit together and make treat bags for everyone but this year I totally screwed up.

[downforit2008]

This crap is one of the reasons why Valentines Day should be banned forever and forgotten about. Is it a holiday that is really NECESSARY to have when people are still paying off their debt from their Christmas purchases and huge electric bills from their light displays? I think not! I don't celebrate the day at all, and don't understand the huge last-minute rushes of people who DO celebrate it. I hope all that extra spending is so worth it on their pocketbook!

[fireheart]

A lot of parents just see teachers as "free" babysitters, they don't care just as long as they have a place to dump junior for a while.

I applaud you, I could not do your job.

Then they start screaming about how Junior is unable to read or write because while they're being taught at school, it's not being reinforced at home (i.e. homework isn't being done, parents aren't encouraging kids to practice and so on)

ETA: As far as class parties went, usually we were informed well in advance and divided up on what to bring (savoury or sweet).
When I go for my prac, my final day is going to involve a healthy class party

[Kheldarson]

Yeah...a lot of that is why I'm leery of going back to work for the public education system. I want to work with people who have to take responsibility for themselves and can be told no, to an extent.

Maybe try upping the deadline next year to accommodate the last minute parents?

[fireheart]

Yeah...a lot of that is why I'm leery of going back to work for the public education system. I want to work with people who have to take responsibility for themselves and can be told no, to an extent.

Maybe try upping the deadline next year to accommodate the last minute parents?

private/alternative education?

[TexasT]

Maybe try upping the deadline next year to accommodate the last minute parents?

In my experience, and I've been doing it awhile, you could give them 2 months and there still will be last minute parents. Besides, more time just gives kids more of a chance to lose it.