I get no (monetary) pay. I get no medical benefits. I get no "vacation pay" or "Holiday pay". I have been "promoted", though since the beginning of the year.
I'm a Volunteer! And I am also the Assistant Volunteer Coordinator for my children's Elementary School.
And I love EVERY single moment of it. Even though it can be tiring, and at times, overwhelming.
Take this past week. We have held a "Holiday Boutique" for the kids. From Pre-K, all the way up through the Fifth Grade classes. We sold things from just twenty-five cent items, up to no more than ONE dollar.
Many of our kids have family (including us, somewhat again) that are struggling just to buy their children presents for Christmas and Hanukkah. And knowing kids, they want to buy for Grandma, Mom, siblings and even their friends. But can't due to the financial strains.
So, thanks to the PTO Board, and one really awesome mom I know of, and that I worked closely with to pull it all together, we opened the "Holiday Boutique" for two days. And the kids went NUTS (in a good way) about buying for their loved ones.
And because of the two-day event being such a success, and pulling in OVER $500 in EIGHT HOURS time (between the two days), we have decided (after I said I'd be willing to do so, and got the approval from the boss lady... AKA the Principal) that we will be open for ONE more day to purchase donated goods (via the teachers, other staff and some of the parents, including yours truly).
To see these kids come in, smiling from ear-to-ear, knowing that they CAN buy things for those that they love and care about, and being SO excited to hand over the money for their purchase, it IS MY version of "being paid".
As well as the "thanks for helping me", "thanks for letting me get this for my mom/dad/whomever", the hugs and just seeing their day being a little brighter. That is all worth so much more than the almighty dollar being given to me for all that I have done, do, and will do for that school and those kids.
Thanks to all of the parents that have donated or even have helped me with the actual sale days. Thanks to all of the teachers and other faculty of the school for helping with giving donations.
And a huge thanks to "my" kids who have made every bit of stress, every ache and pain and every trip to the school's office to hand over money (LOTS of times lol) worth it. Your excitement and smiles made every second worth it all.
My work is ORIGINAL...Don't be a thief.
What is written in this blog, is of the author's own originality. It contains the sole views, thoughts, and stories of this blog's author.
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label school. Show all posts
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Memories Of The Past, Memories In The Making
I'm eight years old, and it is officially the first day of school. I'm off to First Grade in Mrs. Bartley's class. I'm all ready to go in my white, ruffle-neck dress shirt, my purple overalls with the yellow tulip on the front, and my pigtails upon my head.
Being it's no more than a seven-minute walk to school, and back then, my area was pretty darn safe, my parents started out on the journey to my new school along side me, with Sarah, our Corgi. They stopped at the corner of the next street over from us and let me finish the walk on my own. As a big girl.
I remember vaguely, as I turned my head to see my parents still standing there at the corner, after I crossed the street, then crossed to the opposite corner at the end of the block. They waved to me, my dog looking sad and in wonderment of where her "sister" is going off to without her. My mom, I saw wiping tears from her eyes, trying not to fall apart, as most of us mothers do when their babies start trying out their wings.
After waving good-bye and walking out of their sight, I can only imagine how Mom fell apart, and how Dad had to console her on that "lonely" walk back to the house after I made the rest of my way off to school that beautifully warm and sunny morning.
But that would also be the last time she would ever see me take that "big leap" in growing up. Ever. Because the year before I was to start Junior High/Middle School, my mother had passed away after having suffered from a massive stroke and pneumonia.
Yesterday (Thursday, August 18th) my oldest had her Middle School orientation to take a dry run at finding her classes, knowing how to get in to her locker, meet her teachers and to learn the rules.
She has to get on the bus now, about an hour earlier than before, when she attended Elementary School. And she is fine with that. Because she also now gets out about an hour earlier than her siblings.
As my daughter waited outside at the bus stop (which for her, is now across the street) I had the flashbacks. I saw her as a tiny girl again, just starting Preschool. She and I waited for the bus at the top of the hill near our former home. She was SO excited. And I watched as she clomped up each step with her short, stubby little legs, and her huge backpack on her back, as she boarded the bus. It took all that I had to not just lose it right then and there.
Yesterday, it hit me. Not only am I seeing my little girl, my first born, grow up before my very eyes into what will be a stunningly beautiful young woman, but I am witnessing something my mother never was able to have the chance to, and never will. Not with myself, and not with her grandchildren.
I was VERY close to my oldest daughter's age when I lost my mother. And I am only about eight and a half years younger than my mother's age when she died. It pains me to know that my mother has had to miss out on SO much. My marriage. My kids. How I have grown and matured. My overcoming of many medical obstacles.
While I feel blessed and fortunate to be here to see and experience the wonders of my children as they each make their own headway in the world and leave their own marks on the world, it still saddens me that I didn't get the chance to have my mom see all that I can.
So, I guess in a way, I am living life and experiencing these things for the both of us. And I often times wonder what Mom would say, think or do. What would she say about how my life has turned out? What would she say about the man that I married or how I am raising and rearing my children?
Sadly, those are questions that will forever haunt me and be left unanswered. And to this day, it is still hard for me to come to terms with that fact.
Being it's no more than a seven-minute walk to school, and back then, my area was pretty darn safe, my parents started out on the journey to my new school along side me, with Sarah, our Corgi. They stopped at the corner of the next street over from us and let me finish the walk on my own. As a big girl.
I remember vaguely, as I turned my head to see my parents still standing there at the corner, after I crossed the street, then crossed to the opposite corner at the end of the block. They waved to me, my dog looking sad and in wonderment of where her "sister" is going off to without her. My mom, I saw wiping tears from her eyes, trying not to fall apart, as most of us mothers do when their babies start trying out their wings.
After waving good-bye and walking out of their sight, I can only imagine how Mom fell apart, and how Dad had to console her on that "lonely" walk back to the house after I made the rest of my way off to school that beautifully warm and sunny morning.
But that would also be the last time she would ever see me take that "big leap" in growing up. Ever. Because the year before I was to start Junior High/Middle School, my mother had passed away after having suffered from a massive stroke and pneumonia.
Yesterday (Thursday, August 18th) my oldest had her Middle School orientation to take a dry run at finding her classes, knowing how to get in to her locker, meet her teachers and to learn the rules.
She has to get on the bus now, about an hour earlier than before, when she attended Elementary School. And she is fine with that. Because she also now gets out about an hour earlier than her siblings.
As my daughter waited outside at the bus stop (which for her, is now across the street) I had the flashbacks. I saw her as a tiny girl again, just starting Preschool. She and I waited for the bus at the top of the hill near our former home. She was SO excited. And I watched as she clomped up each step with her short, stubby little legs, and her huge backpack on her back, as she boarded the bus. It took all that I had to not just lose it right then and there.
Yesterday, it hit me. Not only am I seeing my little girl, my first born, grow up before my very eyes into what will be a stunningly beautiful young woman, but I am witnessing something my mother never was able to have the chance to, and never will. Not with myself, and not with her grandchildren.
I was VERY close to my oldest daughter's age when I lost my mother. And I am only about eight and a half years younger than my mother's age when she died. It pains me to know that my mother has had to miss out on SO much. My marriage. My kids. How I have grown and matured. My overcoming of many medical obstacles.
While I feel blessed and fortunate to be here to see and experience the wonders of my children as they each make their own headway in the world and leave their own marks on the world, it still saddens me that I didn't get the chance to have my mom see all that I can.
So, I guess in a way, I am living life and experiencing these things for the both of us. And I often times wonder what Mom would say, think or do. What would she say about how my life has turned out? What would she say about the man that I married or how I am raising and rearing my children?
Sadly, those are questions that will forever haunt me and be left unanswered. And to this day, it is still hard for me to come to terms with that fact.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
I'm Not, I can't
I act happy. But I'm not.
I sound excited. But I'm not.
I say that I'm ready to. But I'm not.
I say that it's indeed time. But for me, it's not.
The tears I try to choke back and hide lay beneath the surface. Like a raging water fall. It feels like the first time all over again. In what seems like the not-too-distant past.
She is growing up. I can't stop it.
She is maturing. I can't stop it.
Before I know it, she will be out in the vast world on her own. Not too many years left. And the years that are bygone, as are the ones to come, have passed or will pass as a thief in the night, all too quickly.
Now, Middle School years are upon us. She is no longer a little girl. Not yet a "young woman", but caught in the middle.
The smile, chuckles and the silly exclamations from me are just a facade. My way of coping with the realities of life as a mother to a girl who is growing rapidly before my eyes.
Inside, I rage. My heart hurts. I wonder if so far I have REALLY given it my all to her, and indeed gave her the tools she will need for the next chapter of her life.
In the end though, I can't let her go. I'm not ready.
I sound excited. But I'm not.
I say that I'm ready to. But I'm not.
I say that it's indeed time. But for me, it's not.
The tears I try to choke back and hide lay beneath the surface. Like a raging water fall. It feels like the first time all over again. In what seems like the not-too-distant past.
She is growing up. I can't stop it.
She is maturing. I can't stop it.
Before I know it, she will be out in the vast world on her own. Not too many years left. And the years that are bygone, as are the ones to come, have passed or will pass as a thief in the night, all too quickly.
Now, Middle School years are upon us. She is no longer a little girl. Not yet a "young woman", but caught in the middle.
The smile, chuckles and the silly exclamations from me are just a facade. My way of coping with the realities of life as a mother to a girl who is growing rapidly before my eyes.
Inside, I rage. My heart hurts. I wonder if so far I have REALLY given it my all to her, and indeed gave her the tools she will need for the next chapter of her life.
In the end though, I can't let her go. I'm not ready.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
It's Almost Time...And I Had To Spend WAY Too Much!
We finally got all of the school supply shopping done. Between three kids, it cost almost ninety dollars. That included a pair of shoes for the boy (girls already got new shoes). Back in MY day (God, I just made myself sound older than dirt) my parents didn't have to buy all these things. Especially the extras. Like antibacterial wipes, hand sanitizer and facial tissue.
Also, I don't ever recall needing more than TWO glue sticks. These days, kids need three LARGE or a dozen (or six, depending on grade and teacher preference) small sticks of glue.
The only things I had to take were my Trapper Keeper binder that had a few folders and the dividers, pencils, crayons and scissors in a pencil pouch and my lunch. Of course all in my awesome looking backpack.
I didn't get to take in the Tax-Free Weekend, sadly. But I was still able to find some pretty good deals, anyways. With three kids to shop for, I look for all the savings cuts I can when it comes to shopping for school that are listed.
I understand, that like us parents are, teachers are hurting economically, as are the schools themselves where funding is concerned. But to see some of the amounts PER item that they wish for us parents to buy really IS kind of obscene.
And no, I am NOT saying that the teachers and the schools should have to buy EVERYTHING...But why not pick up a little of the slack and provide the tissues, hand sanitizer and then antibacterial wipes? That would help US out.
The schools MUST also understand, that there are households (such as mine, included) that can only get so much PER child. With three children, all in school and all needing their supplies, it can be EXTREMELY difficult, financially.
Heck, even buying for one child can run you in to the ground, financially. Add in clothes, extra expenses (School Agendas, PE Uniforms, extra supplies for certain classes), it REALLY adds up.
I know that I may get a few teachers on here ready to jump me. But as a parent, I see that honestly, it is unfair to the parents to have to pretty much supply everything in the means of school supplies in the name of "free public education". It's NOT free when you are shelling out money you don't really have on things that should not be the parent's complete responsibility to supply.
Pens and pencils. Binders and backpacks. Uniforms (if required). Folders and dividers. Notebooks and composition books. That should be the END of the supply list.
Not that and a laundry list of other stuff.
I've got a friend who is financially hurting REALLY bad right now. Her daughter is going in to first grade, mom can't work, lives in low-income housing, and her nineteen-year-old son is helping with what little he has left over to get his baby sister at least SOME of her supplies.
Mom had to give up GROCERY money to buy those wipes, sanitizers and tissues. And to get a few pieces for the girl's uniforms.
I told her not to worry about the piddly crap, because the teacher WILL just have to understand and she will have MORE than plenty between the ones that will bring it all in.
She told me, with a shaky voice that she did it as to not be viewed as THAT mom. The one that is too damn dirt poor to get ANYTHING for her kid. To save her little girl from the good possibility of being made fun of for not having money.
The parents at our schools, and ALL the other schools in the country have parents with ALL variants of income status. Some dirt-ass poor. Some more than well-off. And some of us in the middle or are just keeping our heads above the water.
NO parent should feel in ANY way forced or coerced in to buying items that they CANNOT afford and have to make the choices (as a single parent) as she has had to do. All in the name of keeping her dignity in tact and making sure that her daughter isn't bullied because Mommy can't just go out and buy this, that and everything else on a whim.
If we are in a Public School setting where it is a "FREE public education", then by God, make it so! By not asking for the parents to do ALL the financial supplementation for YOUR classroom.
Also, I don't ever recall needing more than TWO glue sticks. These days, kids need three LARGE or a dozen (or six, depending on grade and teacher preference) small sticks of glue.
The only things I had to take were my Trapper Keeper binder that had a few folders and the dividers, pencils, crayons and scissors in a pencil pouch and my lunch. Of course all in my awesome looking backpack.
I didn't get to take in the Tax-Free Weekend, sadly. But I was still able to find some pretty good deals, anyways. With three kids to shop for, I look for all the savings cuts I can when it comes to shopping for school that are listed.
I understand, that like us parents are, teachers are hurting economically, as are the schools themselves where funding is concerned. But to see some of the amounts PER item that they wish for us parents to buy really IS kind of obscene.
And no, I am NOT saying that the teachers and the schools should have to buy EVERYTHING...But why not pick up a little of the slack and provide the tissues, hand sanitizer and then antibacterial wipes? That would help US out.
The schools MUST also understand, that there are households (such as mine, included) that can only get so much PER child. With three children, all in school and all needing their supplies, it can be EXTREMELY difficult, financially.
Heck, even buying for one child can run you in to the ground, financially. Add in clothes, extra expenses (School Agendas, PE Uniforms, extra supplies for certain classes), it REALLY adds up.
I know that I may get a few teachers on here ready to jump me. But as a parent, I see that honestly, it is unfair to the parents to have to pretty much supply everything in the means of school supplies in the name of "free public education". It's NOT free when you are shelling out money you don't really have on things that should not be the parent's complete responsibility to supply.
Pens and pencils. Binders and backpacks. Uniforms (if required). Folders and dividers. Notebooks and composition books. That should be the END of the supply list.
Not that and a laundry list of other stuff.
I've got a friend who is financially hurting REALLY bad right now. Her daughter is going in to first grade, mom can't work, lives in low-income housing, and her nineteen-year-old son is helping with what little he has left over to get his baby sister at least SOME of her supplies.
Mom had to give up GROCERY money to buy those wipes, sanitizers and tissues. And to get a few pieces for the girl's uniforms.
I told her not to worry about the piddly crap, because the teacher WILL just have to understand and she will have MORE than plenty between the ones that will bring it all in.
She told me, with a shaky voice that she did it as to not be viewed as THAT mom. The one that is too damn dirt poor to get ANYTHING for her kid. To save her little girl from the good possibility of being made fun of for not having money.
The parents at our schools, and ALL the other schools in the country have parents with ALL variants of income status. Some dirt-ass poor. Some more than well-off. And some of us in the middle or are just keeping our heads above the water.
NO parent should feel in ANY way forced or coerced in to buying items that they CANNOT afford and have to make the choices (as a single parent) as she has had to do. All in the name of keeping her dignity in tact and making sure that her daughter isn't bullied because Mommy can't just go out and buy this, that and everything else on a whim.
If we are in a Public School setting where it is a "FREE public education", then by God, make it so! By not asking for the parents to do ALL the financial supplementation for YOUR classroom.
Monday, August 1, 2011
It's the Final Countdown!!
As of today, only three weeks left. Then it's BACK TO SCHOOL!!!! And this being August first, the song (and aptly the title of this post) came rushing to mind. And it's been in my head since then.
We (as in Dad and I) are in the homestretch. Been a long, hot, but fun summer overall. But I will indeed be happy that they are going to be in school soon. The kids miss their friends. They miss the teachers (two do, as the oldest is in Middle School this year).
We had our annual family vacation trek (which may change next year) to Kings Dominion theme park. Here's a few pictures...
We had a blast! But it was pretty hot and muggy. Still, the kids wore us out. Between the rides (including the Shockwave where my oldest caught me and Dad going through the loop, picture above) and the water park the next day, I think the kids nearly killed us this year.
As for Gobi, our Bearded Dragon, he is still growing like a weed.
So, with all that said, the next three weeks will be pretty busy. I still have another child going in for an annual exam, and having to get the Physical forms to let the oldest play sports this year, need to school shop for supplies. Thankfully, my husband's mom has helped me get clothes for ALL THREE kids throughout the summer at the thrift store she volunteers at. Including uniform items for the two younger ones. All I need to buy are some new shoes, clothing-wise. And of course, the oldest and I need to go to Middle School Orientation.
After the school year starts, I'm going to be blogging much more often. But it felt good to take a break from it for the summer (for the most part). Have a great week, and I'll be back soon!
We (as in Dad and I) are in the homestretch. Been a long, hot, but fun summer overall. But I will indeed be happy that they are going to be in school soon. The kids miss their friends. They miss the teachers (two do, as the oldest is in Middle School this year).
We had our annual family vacation trek (which may change next year) to Kings Dominion theme park. Here's a few pictures...
We had a blast! But it was pretty hot and muggy. Still, the kids wore us out. Between the rides (including the Shockwave where my oldest caught me and Dad going through the loop, picture above) and the water park the next day, I think the kids nearly killed us this year.
As for Gobi, our Bearded Dragon, he is still growing like a weed.
So, with all that said, the next three weeks will be pretty busy. I still have another child going in for an annual exam, and having to get the Physical forms to let the oldest play sports this year, need to school shop for supplies. Thankfully, my husband's mom has helped me get clothes for ALL THREE kids throughout the summer at the thrift store she volunteers at. Including uniform items for the two younger ones. All I need to buy are some new shoes, clothing-wise. And of course, the oldest and I need to go to Middle School Orientation.
After the school year starts, I'm going to be blogging much more often. But it felt good to take a break from it for the summer (for the most part). Have a great week, and I'll be back soon!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
My baby Graduated!...And she isn't even in High School yet. (=
On Friday, we had our last day of school for the Summer. We here in the city were on the College schedule and had almost a month-long Winter Break, a shorter Spring Break, got out of school twenty minutes later than last year. To say it was effed up is an understatement.
First off, I am happy to report that Hayley made a perfect 600 on her Math SOL. She also made advanced score on Science, and "proficient" on Reading (though she is an average of a level 10th grade reading level, but was one question shy of "advanced" on the test..big whoop, right?). Social Studies score will be mailed, seeing as they took it late and the results took longer than we had.
It was SUCH a busy week where school was concerned. Friday was the "pay off" day for about sixty or so fifth graders in our school. They made it. EVERY SINGLE ONE. We have a 100% Graduation/Advancement Rate going on to the area's Middle Schools in the Fall.
In their honor, they and their parents and other selected (by the students) family members were treated to a Graduation Breakfast, by a fellow mom who's daughter is also moving on to Middle School.
Our Guest Speaker was Lynchburg City Mayor, Joan Foster. Her last, and most profound sentence to the kids were, "Follow YOUR vision and let no one negative get in the way of your dreams".
(Mayor Foster speaking to the kids..and to us parents, who got a round of applause, too.)
(Mayor Foster with Hayley (in red) and her close BFF who will be in a different school.)
(Hayley with her BFF in green and homeroom 5th grade teacher, along with her other good friend.)
(Her Science and Social Studies Teacher, whom she ADORED (not saying she didn't love HR Teacher, too! lol))
First off, I am happy to report that Hayley made a perfect 600 on her Math SOL. She also made advanced score on Science, and "proficient" on Reading (though she is an average of a level 10th grade reading level, but was one question shy of "advanced" on the test..big whoop, right?). Social Studies score will be mailed, seeing as they took it late and the results took longer than we had.
It was SUCH a busy week where school was concerned. Friday was the "pay off" day for about sixty or so fifth graders in our school. They made it. EVERY SINGLE ONE. We have a 100% Graduation/Advancement Rate going on to the area's Middle Schools in the Fall.
In their honor, they and their parents and other selected (by the students) family members were treated to a Graduation Breakfast, by a fellow mom who's daughter is also moving on to Middle School.
Our Guest Speaker was Lynchburg City Mayor, Joan Foster. Her last, and most profound sentence to the kids were, "Follow YOUR vision and let no one negative get in the way of your dreams".
Saturday, May 7, 2011
My Girl, The Track Star
Hayley is pretty humble. She will just say that she just enjoys the running and being able to do it with her friends.
She's for the most part, quiet, unless around her peers. She has her own ideals about the world and about life in general.
When she was a bit younger, my husband and I had our reservations about Hayley in regards to being a "dirt digger" or a "sporty" kid. She loves to wear girly outfits. She's discovering makeup (mascara and LIGHT color lip gloss or lipstick only). And she is becoming a woman before my very eyes.
But this morning, after twelve tedious weeks of training and hard work, with already visible physical results, my eleven-year-old young lady ran her first ever (and most likely NOT last) 5K race with Girls On The Run Greater; Lynchburg Chapter.
A First and a Second Grade school teacher coached the all-girls team of (I think) fifteen runners for three months, and all the while teaching them life skills, how to have good self-esteem and quell the fears of those going in to Middle School next Fall (including Hayley).
The coaches also taught them breathing and timing techniques as to benefit mostly in running rather than walking during their 3.1 mile journey to the finish line.
Hayley and her BFF are really wanting to do this again next year. It all depends on the school and if they have a couple of teachers willing to coach, and if they can get at least the minimum number of teammates to join. And after witnessing it this year, I honestly can't see why ANY school wouldn't WANT to have such a positive program in their school.
My child has greatly benefited from Girls On The Run, as you can see from the pictures below.
Yes, that IS pink and purple in her hair. And I actually like it!
We are about to hear the horn to start the race.
Almost there!! Only had about a quarter of a mile to go.
Hayley's school Principal came to watch HER girls be the best team ever! She said she was so proud of Hayley finishing the entire course without stopping. Or walking.
Until next year!! They earned a good rest at the bridge.
Hayley and her BFF, who came in mere seconds after Hayley did to the finish line. They BOTH finished right under the 46 minute mark (by a few seconds!).
Who knows! Next year if Hayley can get on a team for Girls On The Run in her Middle School, this old gal may train with her and run next year's race. Family is allowed to run with a registered teammate. It's been a LONG time since I ran a race. Last one was when I was fifteen and I ran in the San Francisco's Bay To Breakers (7 mi. course).
She's for the most part, quiet, unless around her peers. She has her own ideals about the world and about life in general.
When she was a bit younger, my husband and I had our reservations about Hayley in regards to being a "dirt digger" or a "sporty" kid. She loves to wear girly outfits. She's discovering makeup (mascara and LIGHT color lip gloss or lipstick only). And she is becoming a woman before my very eyes.
But this morning, after twelve tedious weeks of training and hard work, with already visible physical results, my eleven-year-old young lady ran her first ever (and most likely NOT last) 5K race with Girls On The Run Greater; Lynchburg Chapter.
A First and a Second Grade school teacher coached the all-girls team of (I think) fifteen runners for three months, and all the while teaching them life skills, how to have good self-esteem and quell the fears of those going in to Middle School next Fall (including Hayley).
The coaches also taught them breathing and timing techniques as to benefit mostly in running rather than walking during their 3.1 mile journey to the finish line.
Hayley and her BFF are really wanting to do this again next year. It all depends on the school and if they have a couple of teachers willing to coach, and if they can get at least the minimum number of teammates to join. And after witnessing it this year, I honestly can't see why ANY school wouldn't WANT to have such a positive program in their school.
My child has greatly benefited from Girls On The Run, as you can see from the pictures below.
Who knows! Next year if Hayley can get on a team for Girls On The Run in her Middle School, this old gal may train with her and run next year's race. Family is allowed to run with a registered teammate. It's been a LONG time since I ran a race. Last one was when I was fifteen and I ran in the San Francisco's Bay To Breakers (7 mi. course).
Friday, April 15, 2011
Have a "Hoppy" Friday, Friends!!
Well, after today, I will have some "quality" time with my kids. I can't wait! The fights. The arguments, the not wanting to get off the DS. The wanting to DAILY go to McDonald's (after swooning to me and pleading cases as to why they HAVE TO go to my personal hell).
Yes, friends, it is looming upon me and all of the city schools (but one, which an all-year-around school). SPRING BREAK!!!!
But today, it's volunteering day at school. I get to "hide" the eggs for the PC named "Spring Egg Hunt" and prep everything for the "Spring Break Party" later in the afternoon. Otherwise, it's an easy-peasy kinda day. Which usually is not an easy day, filled with reading groups, copying papers, and other fun things.
I enjoy it though. All of it. It makes me feel "hoppy". Get it? "Hoppy"??...Yeah okay. I may have lost you there.
Anywho, speaking of "hoppy", why don't you, my dear reader, join in on my Blog Hop/Link Up and add yourself to the linky tool list (BELOW)..Just follow the directions and have a wonderful day, my friends!
Yes, friends, it is looming upon me and all of the city schools (but one, which an all-year-around school). SPRING BREAK!!!!
But today, it's volunteering day at school. I get to "hide" the eggs for the PC named "Spring Egg Hunt" and prep everything for the "Spring Break Party" later in the afternoon. Otherwise, it's an easy-peasy kinda day. Which usually is not an easy day, filled with reading groups, copying papers, and other fun things.
I enjoy it though. All of it. It makes me feel "hoppy". Get it? "Hoppy"??...Yeah okay. I may have lost you there.
Anywho, speaking of "hoppy", why don't you, my dear reader, join in on my Blog Hop/Link Up and add yourself to the linky tool list (BELOW)..Just follow the directions and have a wonderful day, my friends!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Donation... Give the gift of Smiles & of Yourself.
A while back, I had written a post about an experience that took myself and my husband by surprise. We knew that when the time was right, we were going to pass on the gift of giving to someone. We have since been on the lookout of who and how we were going to "Pay It Forward" to.
This is a concept I already had in mind for myself though, since I had turned the age of eighteen. Since then, I have been a Registered Donor to donate anything I can in the event of my death.
Who knew that at the age of thirty-two, just fourteen years after becoming a Donor, that I also would be seeing the whole topic of Organ/Tissue Donation from the other side of the fence. You can read my Corneal Transplant Recipient story HERE.
But also, I have been able to "pay it forward" monetarily. And thanks to the donations that were all pooled together, a record twenty-five children were able to purchase books at the Spring Book Fair at school.
Hayley had found a $100 bill in the school's soccer field a while back and brought it home. Sure I got on her for not turning it in right away. But then, I myself constantly forgot to take it with me to turn in as well.
So, seeing as so much time has passed, we (Scott and I collectively) decided to donate the $100 to the school's Library for the Book Fair's "Students in Need" box. After the totals were counted, there was close to $190.00 to split between the kids. Pre-K through Fist grade students were able to spend up to $5 and those in Second through Fifth grade were able to spend up to $10.
It felt wonderful to see the long list and know that so many children were being helped this year. I'm NOT happy that they had to be on it, because of such financial hardships in their families. But I AM happy that these kids were able to continue on the path to a wonderful love and enjoyment of reading.
Although, there is something else, along with the love of reading that is very close to my heart. That is Organ/Tissue Donation Awareness. Not just because I am a Registered Donor, as is my husband. But because we as a family have experienced firsthand the miracles of Tissue Donation. To be able to regain (most of) my sight back is an honest miracle. And as a mother, being down just ONE eye is hard to deal with. No matter how much you do to "adapt".
Did you know that you can be a LIVING Donor? Blood, a piece of your liver, a kidney, bone marrow, tendons and other tissues.
Then, you have Donors that donate skin, corneas, major organs such as your hearts and lungs. Plus cadaver (deceased) donors can give their tissues, bones, livers, kidneys, and intestines.
Right now, in the United States of America, the statistics for Recipients CURRENTLY awaiting their "gifts of LIFE" stands at (provided by Organ Procurement & Transplant Network)..
All Organs 110,484
Kidney 88,087
Liver 16,164
Pancreas 1,384
Heart 3,188
Lung 1,758
Intestine 265
As a Registered Donor, you can potentially save up to eight people's lives, and enrich and better about 50 lives.
Giving has always been a part of me and of who I am. I give what I can, where I can, when I can. So signing up to be an Organ/Eye/Tissue Donor was a no-brainer for me. If you are interested in becoming a Donor, please visit OrganDonor.Gov or United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and find out more Organ Transplantation and becoming a HERO, and to find out how to register in your state or Provence.
Because to us, our Donors (living and deceased), and their families are indeed our HEROES!
This is a concept I already had in mind for myself though, since I had turned the age of eighteen. Since then, I have been a Registered Donor to donate anything I can in the event of my death.
Who knew that at the age of thirty-two, just fourteen years after becoming a Donor, that I also would be seeing the whole topic of Organ/Tissue Donation from the other side of the fence. You can read my Corneal Transplant Recipient story HERE.
But also, I have been able to "pay it forward" monetarily. And thanks to the donations that were all pooled together, a record twenty-five children were able to purchase books at the Spring Book Fair at school.
Hayley had found a $100 bill in the school's soccer field a while back and brought it home. Sure I got on her for not turning it in right away. But then, I myself constantly forgot to take it with me to turn in as well.
So, seeing as so much time has passed, we (Scott and I collectively) decided to donate the $100 to the school's Library for the Book Fair's "Students in Need" box. After the totals were counted, there was close to $190.00 to split between the kids. Pre-K through Fist grade students were able to spend up to $5 and those in Second through Fifth grade were able to spend up to $10.
It felt wonderful to see the long list and know that so many children were being helped this year. I'm NOT happy that they had to be on it, because of such financial hardships in their families. But I AM happy that these kids were able to continue on the path to a wonderful love and enjoyment of reading.
Although, there is something else, along with the love of reading that is very close to my heart. That is Organ/Tissue Donation Awareness. Not just because I am a Registered Donor, as is my husband. But because we as a family have experienced firsthand the miracles of Tissue Donation. To be able to regain (most of) my sight back is an honest miracle. And as a mother, being down just ONE eye is hard to deal with. No matter how much you do to "adapt".
Did you know that you can be a LIVING Donor? Blood, a piece of your liver, a kidney, bone marrow, tendons and other tissues.
Then, you have Donors that donate skin, corneas, major organs such as your hearts and lungs. Plus cadaver (deceased) donors can give their tissues, bones, livers, kidneys, and intestines.
Right now, in the United States of America, the statistics for Recipients CURRENTLY awaiting their "gifts of LIFE" stands at (provided by Organ Procurement & Transplant Network)..
All Organs 110,484
Kidney 88,087
Liver 16,164
Pancreas 1,384
Heart 3,188
Lung 1,758
Intestine 265
As a Registered Donor, you can potentially save up to eight people's lives, and enrich and better about 50 lives.
Giving has always been a part of me and of who I am. I give what I can, where I can, when I can. So signing up to be an Organ/Eye/Tissue Donor was a no-brainer for me. If you are interested in becoming a Donor, please visit OrganDonor.Gov or United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) and find out more Organ Transplantation and becoming a HERO, and to find out how to register in your state or Provence.
Because to us, our Donors (living and deceased), and their families are indeed our HEROES!
Friday, March 25, 2011
I said I wouldn't Do It...
Since the kids had started to attend their current school, I have always helped at the Fall and the Spring Book Fairs.
It's a fun experience. Especially when you are working in the "store" with the kids from Pre-Kindergarten, through the Second Grades. They need the most help to navigate the areas, to write down what they wish to purchase and then actually help them make their purchases. It's very hands-on, one-on-one work.
But in reality, it's fun to see EVERY child from every grade level come in to the Book Fair and show their enthusiasm for their love of reading. I don't care if it's a "Pokemon" book or a "Clifford The Big Red Dog" book, or a trivia book. Reading is reading.
This year though, I had planned on taking a break for the entire year from doing the Book Fair. I'd gotten out of doing the Fall Book Fair, seeing as the school's PTO Board ran it this year.
And so I was just going to bow out and let others help run the Spring Book Fair as to give me a break from doing it a fourth year in a row.
No luck.
There aren't enough volunteers to help with the entire week's run. Even though when doing the Volunteer paperwork at the beginning of the year, we had several sign up to help with Book Fairs this school year. But most, if not all, backed out, even though they had ample notice of the dates to choose from as to help out.
Believe me, volunteering at a school's Book Fair is NOT easy. It's time consuming and even physically demanding. Especially when dealing with the little kids of the school. It takes time for them to look around and pick. They have SO many "favorites" and love so many different topics at the ages of four to seven, that it makes your head want to spin and pop off.
Between this year and last school year, I've noticed a decent decline in the number of volunteers that ACTIVELY volunteer at my childrens' school. There are even some people who are signed up to do tasks AT HOME. Like cutting out soup labels and box tops.
But it's becoming an alarming trend there, and most likely around the community's other schools, if not most everywhere in the school system, that when you "call upon" the volunteers that signed all the paperwork and went through the background checks to be an approved volunteer (yes, I to MUST have a BG Check every year) and ask to be called upon for which tasks that they signed up for, that they suddenly back out when you need them.
So my question is... Why sign up to be a School Volunteer in the first place? You are not only hurting us Volunteer Coordinators, but also the school staff (mainly teachers) and those kids. And ANYTHING, no matter how little or seemingly insignificant goes a LONG way. We (in our school's setting) have something for EVERYONE where volunteering is concerned. Even for those that speak a foreign language.
Next week will be MUCH busier than I wanted to have it be. Instead of my one day per week, I get to be there at least for three days of the week. The entire school day. So I'll easily pull in about 21 to about 32 hours of volunteering time next week alone. Depending on if I have to pull an extra day.
I urge you all to volunteer in your community. Be it at a school, a soup kitchen, the hospital or anywhere else that there are volunteering opportunities. You can't imagine how good it feels to know that you have touched someone's life.
To see the smiles on the faces of the children that I work with, especially during Reading groups when they "get it", correct THEMSELVES or read the entire book flawlessly (we are talking about KINDERGARTNER'S people!) it makes everything I do seem effortless and like I have helped them achieve.
Because believe me, copying those books and putting them all together for each of the four groups is NO fun and (literally for me) back breaking.
So to see all of OUR hard work (my putting books together, and them learning how to read them independently) makes it all worth while.
It's a fun experience. Especially when you are working in the "store" with the kids from Pre-Kindergarten, through the Second Grades. They need the most help to navigate the areas, to write down what they wish to purchase and then actually help them make their purchases. It's very hands-on, one-on-one work.
But in reality, it's fun to see EVERY child from every grade level come in to the Book Fair and show their enthusiasm for their love of reading. I don't care if it's a "Pokemon" book or a "Clifford The Big Red Dog" book, or a trivia book. Reading is reading.
This year though, I had planned on taking a break for the entire year from doing the Book Fair. I'd gotten out of doing the Fall Book Fair, seeing as the school's PTO Board ran it this year.
And so I was just going to bow out and let others help run the Spring Book Fair as to give me a break from doing it a fourth year in a row.
No luck.
There aren't enough volunteers to help with the entire week's run. Even though when doing the Volunteer paperwork at the beginning of the year, we had several sign up to help with Book Fairs this school year. But most, if not all, backed out, even though they had ample notice of the dates to choose from as to help out.
Believe me, volunteering at a school's Book Fair is NOT easy. It's time consuming and even physically demanding. Especially when dealing with the little kids of the school. It takes time for them to look around and pick. They have SO many "favorites" and love so many different topics at the ages of four to seven, that it makes your head want to spin and pop off.
Between this year and last school year, I've noticed a decent decline in the number of volunteers that ACTIVELY volunteer at my childrens' school. There are even some people who are signed up to do tasks AT HOME. Like cutting out soup labels and box tops.
But it's becoming an alarming trend there, and most likely around the community's other schools, if not most everywhere in the school system, that when you "call upon" the volunteers that signed all the paperwork and went through the background checks to be an approved volunteer (yes, I to MUST have a BG Check every year) and ask to be called upon for which tasks that they signed up for, that they suddenly back out when you need them.
So my question is... Why sign up to be a School Volunteer in the first place? You are not only hurting us Volunteer Coordinators, but also the school staff (mainly teachers) and those kids. And ANYTHING, no matter how little or seemingly insignificant goes a LONG way. We (in our school's setting) have something for EVERYONE where volunteering is concerned. Even for those that speak a foreign language.
Next week will be MUCH busier than I wanted to have it be. Instead of my one day per week, I get to be there at least for three days of the week. The entire school day. So I'll easily pull in about 21 to about 32 hours of volunteering time next week alone. Depending on if I have to pull an extra day.
I urge you all to volunteer in your community. Be it at a school, a soup kitchen, the hospital or anywhere else that there are volunteering opportunities. You can't imagine how good it feels to know that you have touched someone's life.
To see the smiles on the faces of the children that I work with, especially during Reading groups when they "get it", correct THEMSELVES or read the entire book flawlessly (we are talking about KINDERGARTNER'S people!) it makes everything I do seem effortless and like I have helped them achieve.
Because believe me, copying those books and putting them all together for each of the four groups is NO fun and (literally for me) back breaking.
So to see all of OUR hard work (my putting books together, and them learning how to read them independently) makes it all worth while.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Thanks, Angel! Yep, I'm Still Standing. (School Bullies)
Thanks to my gal pal, Angel and her post in regards to SCHOOL BULLIES, it got me to thinking back to the days of being a child that was severely picked on. Mostly for my outward appearance, thanks to my trache.
I'd lost count over the years of how many times I walked in the door from school, crying so profusely, my mom couldn't understand a word I was trying to say.
One day though, the school's prime "tough guy" bully pushed me a bit too far...And it wasn't even aimed at me! It was a disabled child with Cerebral Palsy. He could walk with aid from a walker. Needless to say though, Mario was a real ass that day. He ripped the walker away just to do it, and sure enough the boy fell to the ground. I was in Fourth Grade at the time.
After witnessing the incident, I walked up, snatched the walker back and punched Mario. I swung. He fell. And I gave the boy back his walker and walked him to the office.
Sure, I got in to trouble for slugging the bully. But HE got in to even MORE trouble that I did, due to his actions that started the entire chain of events. He (Mario) also decided to leave ME be after that.
Before Mario, and yes, after, I still had some kids that were utter jackasses towards me. But in later years, I forgave them and realized it was not them, but their PARENTS and their LACK of teaching their CHILDREN better.
So to ALL of them (kids and their parents alike), I have one thing to say to you after all this time...
I'M STILL STANDING!
"And did you think this fool could never win
Well look at me, I'm coming back again
I got a taste of love in a simple way
And if you need to know while I'm still standing you just fade away"
"Once I never could hope to win
You starting down the road leaving me again
The threats you made were meant to cut me down"
"Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I'm still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind"
I'd lost count over the years of how many times I walked in the door from school, crying so profusely, my mom couldn't understand a word I was trying to say.
One day though, the school's prime "tough guy" bully pushed me a bit too far...And it wasn't even aimed at me! It was a disabled child with Cerebral Palsy. He could walk with aid from a walker. Needless to say though, Mario was a real ass that day. He ripped the walker away just to do it, and sure enough the boy fell to the ground. I was in Fourth Grade at the time.
After witnessing the incident, I walked up, snatched the walker back and punched Mario. I swung. He fell. And I gave the boy back his walker and walked him to the office.
Sure, I got in to trouble for slugging the bully. But HE got in to even MORE trouble that I did, due to his actions that started the entire chain of events. He (Mario) also decided to leave ME be after that.
Before Mario, and yes, after, I still had some kids that were utter jackasses towards me. But in later years, I forgave them and realized it was not them, but their PARENTS and their LACK of teaching their CHILDREN better.
So to ALL of them (kids and their parents alike), I have one thing to say to you after all this time...
I'M STILL STANDING!
"And did you think this fool could never win
Well look at me, I'm coming back again
I got a taste of love in a simple way
And if you need to know while I'm still standing you just fade away"
"Once I never could hope to win
You starting down the road leaving me again
The threats you made were meant to cut me down"
"Don't you know I'm still standing better than I ever did
Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid
I'm still standing after all this time
Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind"
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
I'm taking a SICK day..Again. (Funny w/pics)
Yep, I finally have made it to the big time. Took pretty much all Winter long, which for me is a new record!
OOPSIES! Set that one on the player a tad too hard. My bad.
Anyways, I think I'm once again going to just chill on my downstairs couch, because that's how I roll.
Don't those look yummy! Too bad that my throat is still a bit sore and can't hack anything more than yogurt.
Why? Because a kid was sent to school last week, sick, coughing and running a fever. So of course mom and dad decided that since their kid was sick and looking like this...
..that everyone, including two parents (myself and another mom), as well as countless other kids from class (which now to my knowledge stands at other mom's kid at least, out of 22 count) must want the joys of feeling like this happened..
So, with that said, let's hope I can go from this...
over to this...
..in the next 24 hours. After two days of this junk, I'm ready to be my normal self again.
OOPSIES! Set that one on the player a tad too hard. My bad.
Anyways, I think I'm once again going to just chill on my downstairs couch, because that's how I roll.
Don't those look yummy! Too bad that my throat is still a bit sore and can't hack anything more than yogurt.
Why? Because a kid was sent to school last week, sick, coughing and running a fever. So of course mom and dad decided that since their kid was sick and looking like this...
..that everyone, including two parents (myself and another mom), as well as countless other kids from class (which now to my knowledge stands at other mom's kid at least, out of 22 count) must want the joys of feeling like this happened..
So, with that said, let's hope I can go from this...
over to this...
..in the next 24 hours. After two days of this junk, I'm ready to be my normal self again.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
I Stepped Into Another Demnsion When Stepping Into The Classroom!!
It was as if I was in another world completely. Kinda eerie, if you ask me.
When the now former teacher for my daughter's Kindergarten class left, she apparently took a lot with her. Including the alphabet, color pictures (of crayons with their name) and even the Calendar for them to do their days of the week and dates/weather report.
As I was helping the Substitute to help "corral" the kids, knowing what would work, I mentioned "Treasure Box" rewards for Friday Folder passing if they got all greens on their Behavior sheets for the week.
Well, forget that! The Treasure Box was taken, too.
Now, the teacher that's been hired has really NOTHING to speak of to start working in the classroom with. Including what was found to be a wonderful reward system tool.
Lucky for me, I know the incoming teacher, seeing as she has been working as a Teacher's Assistant since last school year, as she awaited a full-time position to open up. She really is a nice lady, works a lot with the Special Needs kids, and I think will do very well teaching the class for the remainder of the year.
I'm telling you though, the poor woman is walking in to a holy hell mess! The situation isn't pretty. And I saw the kids act like wild animals for a good part of the day while I was there volunteering on Friday.
And I saw one kid that we FINALLY got in a better place behaviorally and socially going back in to his old habits.
None of the kids (yes including my own little angel) really listened to the Sub, were talking when told NOT to be talking and some were intentionally getting out of their seats as to run around the room.
"Bathroom, hands and water" was never done. Nor was "bathroom and hands" for lunch.
Their entire routine is entirely shot. It was pretty sad to see their whole world being turned upside down like this, classroom-wise and acting out.
I'll be there on Friday next week, when the new teacher officially starts for her first day of being a Kindergarten teacher. She can't start before then due to red tape jargon.
And I've already said that I am more than willing to come in for extra hours/days in the following one, two or three weeks, as to help her get them used to her, help her by showing and guiding her through their behavior modifications and rewards that have proven to INDEED work with *THIS* class of kids.
Plus I can easily tell her which kids are sensory-sensitive, who's got behavior/social problems, who are "shadows" (those that try and mimic others to get out of doing stuff if one of the other kids is TRULY sick-feeling), and also I know who are the famous trouble-starters (who usually get the entire table group to join in the "fun").
So in a nutshell, it seems that both the new teacher and myself have a wild ride ahead of us. There's been so many changes within the last six months in this one classroom, it's really not shocking to see the extreme changes in these kids. Both at home and within the classroom.
First, their Student Teacher left right before Thanksgiving because she finished her internship and was graduating. Then, their regular teacher that they've had since day one had to leave for medical reasons at Christmas time. Now, the Sub will leave after two week, to be replaced by their new regular teacher.
How much are these five and six year olds supposed to take? This is probably the MOST crucial time of their educational career. And for the last six months, they have really been put through some crap. Sad..
When the now former teacher for my daughter's Kindergarten class left, she apparently took a lot with her. Including the alphabet, color pictures (of crayons with their name) and even the Calendar for them to do their days of the week and dates/weather report.
As I was helping the Substitute to help "corral" the kids, knowing what would work, I mentioned "Treasure Box" rewards for Friday Folder passing if they got all greens on their Behavior sheets for the week.
Well, forget that! The Treasure Box was taken, too.
Now, the teacher that's been hired has really NOTHING to speak of to start working in the classroom with. Including what was found to be a wonderful reward system tool.
Lucky for me, I know the incoming teacher, seeing as she has been working as a Teacher's Assistant since last school year, as she awaited a full-time position to open up. She really is a nice lady, works a lot with the Special Needs kids, and I think will do very well teaching the class for the remainder of the year.
I'm telling you though, the poor woman is walking in to a holy hell mess! The situation isn't pretty. And I saw the kids act like wild animals for a good part of the day while I was there volunteering on Friday.
And I saw one kid that we FINALLY got in a better place behaviorally and socially going back in to his old habits.
None of the kids (yes including my own little angel) really listened to the Sub, were talking when told NOT to be talking and some were intentionally getting out of their seats as to run around the room.
"Bathroom, hands and water" was never done. Nor was "bathroom and hands" for lunch.
Their entire routine is entirely shot. It was pretty sad to see their whole world being turned upside down like this, classroom-wise and acting out.
I'll be there on Friday next week, when the new teacher officially starts for her first day of being a Kindergarten teacher. She can't start before then due to red tape jargon.
And I've already said that I am more than willing to come in for extra hours/days in the following one, two or three weeks, as to help her get them used to her, help her by showing and guiding her through their behavior modifications and rewards that have proven to INDEED work with *THIS* class of kids.
Plus I can easily tell her which kids are sensory-sensitive, who's got behavior/social problems, who are "shadows" (those that try and mimic others to get out of doing stuff if one of the other kids is TRULY sick-feeling), and also I know who are the famous trouble-starters (who usually get the entire table group to join in the "fun").
So in a nutshell, it seems that both the new teacher and myself have a wild ride ahead of us. There's been so many changes within the last six months in this one classroom, it's really not shocking to see the extreme changes in these kids. Both at home and within the classroom.
First, their Student Teacher left right before Thanksgiving because she finished her internship and was graduating. Then, their regular teacher that they've had since day one had to leave for medical reasons at Christmas time. Now, the Sub will leave after two week, to be replaced by their new regular teacher.
How much are these five and six year olds supposed to take? This is probably the MOST crucial time of their educational career. And for the last six months, they have really been put through some crap. Sad..
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
(Not So) Hot For Teacher
As most of my readers know, I love volunteering at the school where my three children attend. I primarily work with the Kindergarten classroom that my daughter, Skyler resides at during the school day.
But right now, I'm not very happy with the school and how they are handling the transition of my daughter's class.
First, right before Thanksgiving, the Student Teacher had left after her fifteen weeks of "shadowing" and teaching the class was done as to be able to graduate and get her Teaching Certificate/License. The kids took her going away pretty hard, being that they had grown attached to her, and her to them. She was outstanding! And I loved working with her in the classroom.
Then, just as Winter Break loomed upon us, the second to the last day of school before break began, we got a letter from their teacher letting us know she was forced to resign due to health issues. So needless to say, the Christmas Party I put together for the class also became a Going Away/We'll Miss You party, as well.
Now, for almost an entire month, they've been doing the hiring process to replace the teacher in the Kindergarten classroom. And for at least another two weeks, starting YESTERDAY, there will be a substitute running the class.
There's a few problems with this though..
1) What's her name? None of the kids can tell us. Why? Because according to what many of us moms compared, she NEVER told them! Or said Miss B.
2) Where's the Daily Folder that they are to bring home everyday? Not in my hands! According to the kids, she will send them home today.
3) Subs...Is this one constant for the next two weeks, or are they rotating them?
4) Morning Routine (Calendar, weather, Wall Words, Days of the Week) were NOT done. In fact, according to the kids they did basically NOTHING of their routine or much of anything else the ENTIRE day. Just some coloring and Carpet Time...twice.
It would have been nice to have SOMETHING sent home on the first day as to who the person is and how long that they are staying with the kids (projected time) until they finalize the hiring process.
Us parents were forced to send our Kindergarten-age children to school to be taught by some "stranger" for the next two weeks. That alone was bad enough. But to STILL not know a thing about the person, quite possibly until the next day, to me is utterly absurd and disrespectful of the kids and of us as their parents.
In the event that nothing again is sent home as promised, according to the kids (getting their folders sent home), and especially if there is nothing pertaining to the teacher (introduction letter), then there's a number of us parents that are ready to go as a group on Thursday to the school and confront the matter. We don't like "smoke and mirrors" when it comes to entrusting our SMALL children to others that we know nothing about. We want answers and to know who this person is. Is that really too much to ask?
This is also making me decide firmly at this point, that on Friday I WILL indeed be at school for my Volunteer day as usual. This way, the kids will have SOMEONE that they know and are used to in their environment. Plus I know who tries to pull what, who is sensitive (sensory-wise), who has behavior problems that are out of their control and who are shadows (monkey-see-monkey-do) {mainly if seeing another kid is truly ill feeling}.
What a way to begin the last half of the school year, the beginning of 2011 and the start of a new school week.
But right now, I'm not very happy with the school and how they are handling the transition of my daughter's class.
First, right before Thanksgiving, the Student Teacher had left after her fifteen weeks of "shadowing" and teaching the class was done as to be able to graduate and get her Teaching Certificate/License. The kids took her going away pretty hard, being that they had grown attached to her, and her to them. She was outstanding! And I loved working with her in the classroom.
Then, just as Winter Break loomed upon us, the second to the last day of school before break began, we got a letter from their teacher letting us know she was forced to resign due to health issues. So needless to say, the Christmas Party I put together for the class also became a Going Away/We'll Miss You party, as well.
Now, for almost an entire month, they've been doing the hiring process to replace the teacher in the Kindergarten classroom. And for at least another two weeks, starting YESTERDAY, there will be a substitute running the class.
There's a few problems with this though..
1) What's her name? None of the kids can tell us. Why? Because according to what many of us moms compared, she NEVER told them! Or said Miss B.
2) Where's the Daily Folder that they are to bring home everyday? Not in my hands! According to the kids, she will send them home today.
3) Subs...Is this one constant for the next two weeks, or are they rotating them?
4) Morning Routine (Calendar, weather, Wall Words, Days of the Week) were NOT done. In fact, according to the kids they did basically NOTHING of their routine or much of anything else the ENTIRE day. Just some coloring and Carpet Time...twice.
It would have been nice to have SOMETHING sent home on the first day as to who the person is and how long that they are staying with the kids (projected time) until they finalize the hiring process.
Us parents were forced to send our Kindergarten-age children to school to be taught by some "stranger" for the next two weeks. That alone was bad enough. But to STILL not know a thing about the person, quite possibly until the next day, to me is utterly absurd and disrespectful of the kids and of us as their parents.
In the event that nothing again is sent home as promised, according to the kids (getting their folders sent home), and especially if there is nothing pertaining to the teacher (introduction letter), then there's a number of us parents that are ready to go as a group on Thursday to the school and confront the matter. We don't like "smoke and mirrors" when it comes to entrusting our SMALL children to others that we know nothing about. We want answers and to know who this person is. Is that really too much to ask?
This is also making me decide firmly at this point, that on Friday I WILL indeed be at school for my Volunteer day as usual. This way, the kids will have SOMEONE that they know and are used to in their environment. Plus I know who tries to pull what, who is sensitive (sensory-wise), who has behavior problems that are out of their control and who are shadows (monkey-see-monkey-do) {mainly if seeing another kid is truly ill feeling}.
What a way to begin the last half of the school year, the beginning of 2011 and the start of a new school week.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Week One Down... 2 1/2 More To Go.
Technically, it's another two weeks. But us parents count in the weekends as well. Not just Monday through Friday.
It all started at about 1:00 on Wednesday, December 22nd. It will not end until January 18th of the new year.
What is that, you ask? Winter-freaking-Break! Three (by their counting standards) weeks of hellish holiday bliss.
The counties surrounding our city will all go back next week. I think on Wednesday. Or is it Tuesday? Oh who knows! All I know is that we WON'T be included.
Thanks to the lovely budget cuts, in part due to the fact that there was a severe deficit in the 2009-2010 school year (thanks to "accounting officials" that apparently cannot add or subtract) this school year had to take a budgeting hit. This meant going on to a "College Schedule" and having the same break times as the secondary level schools.
Also, city schools have an extra twenty minutes added to their school day. We still go five days a week though. And also, there are only two "teacher workdays" penciled in for the entire school year.
So, you can imagine how much fun this first week has gone. Especially with all of the holiday hullabaloo.
Sure! The kids were (for the most part) complete gems when Christmas came and gone. Plus I booted my oldest daughter over to her father's on Christmas day afternoon.
We had "split" the day this year, seeing as he was a no call/no show last year (though it was HIS Christmas to have her). I may be a bitch in his eyes, but he apparently is like a kid in that respect. All is good and well as long as HE gets what HE wants. And for the record, I OFFERED TO SPLIT with him.
We also are now almost completely done piecing the house back together post-Christmas. Yes, even BOTH trees are down. But the two younger kids are giving me more gray hairs. Like I need anymore, right?
There are times that I just want to bang those two's heads together and tell them to shut it up. All they do is fuss at one another, pick on one another, Bryce is constantly trying to "parent" Skyler (which I have been trying VERY hard for the last like year to break), and they are just generally grating one another's nerves.
All of that makes MY nerves quiver. Add in that the oldest will come back home (more than likely) with a shitty attitude and the need to be bitchy to her siblings, and it's going to once again be a five-ring circus.
In the end, I will be SOOOOOOO happy when school lets back in and I can once again see them get on the bus (or walk, as the older two do on the 'warmer' days).
Hell, on their first day back, the following is what I plan on posting on my FaceBook (via Status Shuffle)...
"It's the most wonderful time of the year ... ahhh ... The sound of the school bus pulling away with all the little inmates screaming!"
I love my kids. It doesn't mean that I always have to like living with them. So once school starts up again, I think that my stress level will finally go back to normal levels. But until then, it's going to take lots of coffee and wine to calm these nerves.
It all started at about 1:00 on Wednesday, December 22nd. It will not end until January 18th of the new year.
What is that, you ask? Winter-freaking-Break! Three (by their counting standards) weeks of hellish holiday bliss.
The counties surrounding our city will all go back next week. I think on Wednesday. Or is it Tuesday? Oh who knows! All I know is that we WON'T be included.
Thanks to the lovely budget cuts, in part due to the fact that there was a severe deficit in the 2009-2010 school year (thanks to "accounting officials" that apparently cannot add or subtract) this school year had to take a budgeting hit. This meant going on to a "College Schedule" and having the same break times as the secondary level schools.
Also, city schools have an extra twenty minutes added to their school day. We still go five days a week though. And also, there are only two "teacher workdays" penciled in for the entire school year.
So, you can imagine how much fun this first week has gone. Especially with all of the holiday hullabaloo.
Sure! The kids were (for the most part) complete gems when Christmas came and gone. Plus I booted my oldest daughter over to her father's on Christmas day afternoon.
We had "split" the day this year, seeing as he was a no call/no show last year (though it was HIS Christmas to have her). I may be a bitch in his eyes, but he apparently is like a kid in that respect. All is good and well as long as HE gets what HE wants. And for the record, I OFFERED TO SPLIT with him.
We also are now almost completely done piecing the house back together post-Christmas. Yes, even BOTH trees are down. But the two younger kids are giving me more gray hairs. Like I need anymore, right?
There are times that I just want to bang those two's heads together and tell them to shut it up. All they do is fuss at one another, pick on one another, Bryce is constantly trying to "parent" Skyler (which I have been trying VERY hard for the last like year to break), and they are just generally grating one another's nerves.
All of that makes MY nerves quiver. Add in that the oldest will come back home (more than likely) with a shitty attitude and the need to be bitchy to her siblings, and it's going to once again be a five-ring circus.
In the end, I will be SOOOOOOO happy when school lets back in and I can once again see them get on the bus (or walk, as the older two do on the 'warmer' days).
Hell, on their first day back, the following is what I plan on posting on my FaceBook (via Status Shuffle)...
"It's the most wonderful time of the year ... ahhh ... The sound of the school bus pulling away with all the little inmates screaming!"
I love my kids. It doesn't mean that I always have to like living with them. So once school starts up again, I think that my stress level will finally go back to normal levels. But until then, it's going to take lots of coffee and wine to calm these nerves.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
25 Days of Christmas (Day 9, 10 & 11)
Yes, I have three days in one post to do for the "25 Days Of Christmas" series, seeing as I have been WAY too busy to get anything done this past week.
First up, Day 9...More Christmas Decorating; The Outdoors Edition. In pictures mind you.
The newest edition (up to that point) was the Skiing Santa.
Yes, his arms REALLY DO move as if he really is skiing!
Meet our newest and latest edition to the Yard Deco Family...18 Ft. Frosty the Snowman!
Now, for "Day 10"... "Christmas" (Holiday/Winter) Party Planning... Wanna Trade Places?
School. The place where young minds go to learn and grow socially. And a place for a Room Mother to dread planning parties for twenty-two children aging between five and six years old.
Yep, that time again to plan another party. We have to call it Winter Holiday party of course, seeing we HAVE TO BE all PC about it.
And let me tell ya right here and now, I have some of the BEST parents to work with this year. In the three years since moving to this school and taking responsibility as "Head Parent" in the classrooms of my kids, I have NEVER seen as much devotion to and willingness to help and support myself and the kids in the class as I have in Skyler's Kindergarten classroom.
We're going to have craft time, Christmas music, all kinds of goodies to eat, pass out Christmas cards and presents, and goody bags filled with candy and trinkets. These kids are going to have a WONDERFUL time. I'd say that this will be one of the best parties I have ever put together or have seen for a classroom to have.
Last, but most certainly NOT least..."Day 11", A TRUE Christmas Miracle.
As many of my FaceBook Friends know, we in our area have been passing around and getting other friends from all over the USA to share an Amber Alert about 12-year-old Brittney Smith. Her mother was found dead in their home, and that the live-in boyfriend who is 32, took Brittney and ran off.
For a week, there has been a nation-wide manhunt for Jeff Easley and his hostage, Brittney. They were last seen on a WalMart video surveillance tape leaving the store with a ton of groceries and a tent that was purchased with Tina Smith's (mom) credit card.
Last night, it was reported that Brittney Smith was FOUND, as was Jeff Easley. Best of all, she is ALIVE and to the furthest of knowing, doing well and doesn't look to be injured. They were spotted by a store clerk over 2,700 miles away from here, in San Francisco.
Not many children are lucky to be found alive and unharmed. Being just two weeks shy of Christmas, this is truly a Christmas Miracle.
Welcome home, Brittney! It's good that you can be home and be here for your mother's funeral. I'm very sorry for your loss. Losing your brother was horrible enough.
My thoughts and prayers are with Brittney and her grandmother, who apparently will be the one taking her in, after the loss of HER only child.
First up, Day 9...More Christmas Decorating; The Outdoors Edition. In pictures mind you.
Now, for "Day 10"... "Christmas" (Holiday/Winter) Party Planning... Wanna Trade Places?
School. The place where young minds go to learn and grow socially. And a place for a Room Mother to dread planning parties for twenty-two children aging between five and six years old.
Yep, that time again to plan another party. We have to call it Winter Holiday party of course, seeing we HAVE TO BE all PC about it.
And let me tell ya right here and now, I have some of the BEST parents to work with this year. In the three years since moving to this school and taking responsibility as "Head Parent" in the classrooms of my kids, I have NEVER seen as much devotion to and willingness to help and support myself and the kids in the class as I have in Skyler's Kindergarten classroom.
We're going to have craft time, Christmas music, all kinds of goodies to eat, pass out Christmas cards and presents, and goody bags filled with candy and trinkets. These kids are going to have a WONDERFUL time. I'd say that this will be one of the best parties I have ever put together or have seen for a classroom to have.
Last, but most certainly NOT least..."Day 11", A TRUE Christmas Miracle.
As many of my FaceBook Friends know, we in our area have been passing around and getting other friends from all over the USA to share an Amber Alert about 12-year-old Brittney Smith. Her mother was found dead in their home, and that the live-in boyfriend who is 32, took Brittney and ran off.
For a week, there has been a nation-wide manhunt for Jeff Easley and his hostage, Brittney. They were last seen on a WalMart video surveillance tape leaving the store with a ton of groceries and a tent that was purchased with Tina Smith's (mom) credit card.
Last night, it was reported that Brittney Smith was FOUND, as was Jeff Easley. Best of all, she is ALIVE and to the furthest of knowing, doing well and doesn't look to be injured. They were spotted by a store clerk over 2,700 miles away from here, in San Francisco.
Not many children are lucky to be found alive and unharmed. Being just two weeks shy of Christmas, this is truly a Christmas Miracle.
Welcome home, Brittney! It's good that you can be home and be here for your mother's funeral. I'm very sorry for your loss. Losing your brother was horrible enough.
My thoughts and prayers are with Brittney and her grandmother, who apparently will be the one taking her in, after the loss of HER only child.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Thanksgiving Thankfulness; Going Above & Beyond Family & Friends
It's that time of year again. Time for turkeys to be carved, stuffing and pie to well, stuff you silly and ready for the Christmas holiday sales.
It's also a time for reflection and truly being thankful for all you have and those that are in your life. Sure, I have the basics. Thankful for my husband and kids, for having a sturdy roof over my head, warm blankets, a van that still runs good.
But there is SO much more to be thankful for. Like knowing that I live in a country where even though I respect my President/leader, I won't be shot and killed or imprisoned for stating that I don't care for him and how he is "leading" the country.
And I'm thankful for my son's doctor who has helped over the last several years to finally help him find balance mentally and has helped me ensure that he is getting the proper treatments and therapies for his problems.
I'm thankful for the teachers that my children have this school year. They all have "Homeroom" teachers that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to teach these kids and not let them fall behind.
I'm thankful for my husband who goes and slaves away in a freezer for eight to ten hours a day as to let other families place food on their tables. He works so hard and diligently to give our kids what they need, sometimes what they want and to ensure we have a good home to live within.
I'm thankful for my kids. Each of them have such a uniqueness about them. All three have personalities so differing that their individuality keeps me on my toes every second of every day. Before them, my life was pretty "boring". They have all brought me new life and new ways each day of how to look at life as a whole.
I'm thankful to my Cornea Donor, and his or her family. Because for a second Thanksgiving/Christmas season, I have the ability to watch my children enjoy the holidays with both eyes wide open.
So, besides the basic "thankful for's", what are you truly THANKFUL for? Or whom are you truly thankful for? When you sit down and think about it, so many people can touch one person's life. But it takes a very special person or persons to touch your very soul.
Other than your kids, of course.
It's also a time for reflection and truly being thankful for all you have and those that are in your life. Sure, I have the basics. Thankful for my husband and kids, for having a sturdy roof over my head, warm blankets, a van that still runs good.
But there is SO much more to be thankful for. Like knowing that I live in a country where even though I respect my President/leader, I won't be shot and killed or imprisoned for stating that I don't care for him and how he is "leading" the country.
And I'm thankful for my son's doctor who has helped over the last several years to finally help him find balance mentally and has helped me ensure that he is getting the proper treatments and therapies for his problems.
I'm thankful for the teachers that my children have this school year. They all have "Homeroom" teachers that have gone above and beyond the call of duty to teach these kids and not let them fall behind.
I'm thankful for my husband who goes and slaves away in a freezer for eight to ten hours a day as to let other families place food on their tables. He works so hard and diligently to give our kids what they need, sometimes what they want and to ensure we have a good home to live within.
I'm thankful for my kids. Each of them have such a uniqueness about them. All three have personalities so differing that their individuality keeps me on my toes every second of every day. Before them, my life was pretty "boring". They have all brought me new life and new ways each day of how to look at life as a whole.
I'm thankful to my Cornea Donor, and his or her family. Because for a second Thanksgiving/Christmas season, I have the ability to watch my children enjoy the holidays with both eyes wide open.
So, besides the basic "thankful for's", what are you truly THANKFUL for? Or whom are you truly thankful for? When you sit down and think about it, so many people can touch one person's life. But it takes a very special person or persons to touch your very soul.
Other than your kids, of course.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Energy... I "had" it.
Sometimes, I will sit on our living room side porch outside. As I do, I will see the kids playing, running around and chasing one another.
And this is after a full day at school learning from their books, learning social skills and playing outside on the playground.
My children are normally on a school day up no later than 7:30 in the morning. They are on the go all day long at school. Then, they have to come home and change, do their homework and sometimes also do a couple of chores.
Still though, even after all of that, they manage to find the time and the energy to be active and energetic. And knowing them as well as I do, if one is slacking and not moving or talking much, then they have got to be sick with something.
This past week, since about Monday, it's been go here and there, do this and that for me. With barely any time for myself to sit and rest. In fact TODAY is my only real day "off" and not do a single thing. For the most part.
I've been readying for my oldest's upcoming birthday party (she turned 11 TODAY, but the party is Sunday), had gone on a trip with her class Tuesday, helped with a Staff Breakfast at school yesterday and then stayed for most of the day to help in the K class and with my weekly Art classes, being that I will be out of town with my son and his class tomorrow on another field trip.
Add in the get together for early Thanksgiving dinner with my FIL's side of the family and the party on Sunday, there's just no stopping or slowing down.
But it all caught up to me yesterday evening. I was so dead tired, that when I went to "snuggle" with my (soon to be) six year old (who's party will be the following Sunday) in bed, I fell asleep and was snoozing as soon as my head hit her pillow.
Now, I did get up about an hour later, thanks to her snoring. I moved in to MY bed downstairs and drifted right back off to sleep. And apparently, my husband let our other two children sleep on the Family Room couch downstairs. What a surprise to wake up to.
But it's safe to say that one, I went to be extremely early (which is highly unusual, and being it was 8:30). And two, I slept a good oh, ten hours almost straight. Neither of which I think I have honestly done in YEARS like that.
The more that I think of it, I have a feeling that in (less than) a week's time, I have given the Energizer Bunny a run for his moola. Although, I certainly now know, thanks to my body telling me so, I am not as young as I used to be and that age TRULY IS catching up to me. As is the arthritis and tendinitis in my knees.
Dear Lord! I *am* turning in to my father. (cries)
And this is after a full day at school learning from their books, learning social skills and playing outside on the playground.
My children are normally on a school day up no later than 7:30 in the morning. They are on the go all day long at school. Then, they have to come home and change, do their homework and sometimes also do a couple of chores.
Still though, even after all of that, they manage to find the time and the energy to be active and energetic. And knowing them as well as I do, if one is slacking and not moving or talking much, then they have got to be sick with something.
This past week, since about Monday, it's been go here and there, do this and that for me. With barely any time for myself to sit and rest. In fact TODAY is my only real day "off" and not do a single thing. For the most part.
I've been readying for my oldest's upcoming birthday party (she turned 11 TODAY, but the party is Sunday), had gone on a trip with her class Tuesday, helped with a Staff Breakfast at school yesterday and then stayed for most of the day to help in the K class and with my weekly Art classes, being that I will be out of town with my son and his class tomorrow on another field trip.
Add in the get together for early Thanksgiving dinner with my FIL's side of the family and the party on Sunday, there's just no stopping or slowing down.
But it all caught up to me yesterday evening. I was so dead tired, that when I went to "snuggle" with my (soon to be) six year old (who's party will be the following Sunday) in bed, I fell asleep and was snoozing as soon as my head hit her pillow.
Now, I did get up about an hour later, thanks to her snoring. I moved in to MY bed downstairs and drifted right back off to sleep. And apparently, my husband let our other two children sleep on the Family Room couch downstairs. What a surprise to wake up to.
But it's safe to say that one, I went to be extremely early (which is highly unusual, and being it was 8:30). And two, I slept a good oh, ten hours almost straight. Neither of which I think I have honestly done in YEARS like that.
The more that I think of it, I have a feeling that in (less than) a week's time, I have given the Energizer Bunny a run for his moola. Although, I certainly now know, thanks to my body telling me so, I am not as young as I used to be and that age TRULY IS catching up to me. As is the arthritis and tendinitis in my knees.
Dear Lord! I *am* turning in to my father. (cries)
Monday, November 15, 2010
Reality Sets In Three Fold For Me As A Mom...In One Morning.
That time for them has finally come to pass. No longer are they small, helpless, needy children. Now they are increasingly independent, strong, knowledgeable 'tweens'.
In one fail swoop, I'm being forced to not only start letting go of one of the three, but TWO of them at one time. And it will only get more difficult to do so as the next few years fly by.
Hayley started walking the five minutes to school last week, but still coming home on the bus. Now, her brother who is seventeen months her junior is starting to walk to school as well. And again, come home on the bus.
Which in turn has forced my (soon to be) six year old to be a "big girl" and ride the school bus on her own. But starting last week, she started riding ONE day a week after school to come home, being that both Hayley and Bryce are now in the after school program of Art Club.
This coming Thursday, Hayley, who is my oldest, will be eleven. Lord how these years have just flown on past. It's been a ride thus far. And with her mature attitude being more of a fourteen year old, her wings are spreading faster than I had hoped.
The week after, Skyler, who is the "baby" of the family will be six! So, soon, she will no longer officially be a "baby" of sorts to the world. She will no longer be a toddler or a preschooler. She will be an adolescent. Again, I am at a loss of where all the years have gone. Like a wind, they blew past with nary a care of what a mother's heart feels.
When I watched (through the closed front door's glass) Hayley and Bryce cross the street and head down the block towards school, I had them flash in my head as they were when they were little. I saw them as they used to be. Suddenly, I got back in to the reality of what I was witnessing, and for a brief moment, longed for those days once more.
Then, watching Skyler cross from about half way at the bus stop on her own (I walked her half way in to the street) to get on to it alone for the first time, my heart sank and I had to fight my wanting to walk her the rest of the way, it hurt to know that she too has stepped one closer away from me and becoming her own individual.
In these two brief moments of one morning, I wished to God I could stop time. Just for a few seconds. I wanted to turn back the clock to the times where they inherently needed me to the fullest extent. I have witnessed this morning the anxiety of a mother "losing" their children to the world. All at once. Each one making their own individual paths in the world.
How many ways can a mother's heart ache and break? Many. Including watching them all take their own paths in society and forming their own identities.
It's one thing to watch them do this one at a time. But to see all three of your children do this on different levels at once is completely overwhelming. Gone are the days of cooing, learning to walk and talk, being dependent even on me for the simplest of things and asking silly questions such as why the sky is one color and the ground another.
These are the days where you are extremely proud of who you are raising your children to be. But it sucks also, because in the same thought, you wish you could do it all over again with them and keep time as it is.
In one fail swoop, I'm being forced to not only start letting go of one of the three, but TWO of them at one time. And it will only get more difficult to do so as the next few years fly by.
Hayley started walking the five minutes to school last week, but still coming home on the bus. Now, her brother who is seventeen months her junior is starting to walk to school as well. And again, come home on the bus.
Which in turn has forced my (soon to be) six year old to be a "big girl" and ride the school bus on her own. But starting last week, she started riding ONE day a week after school to come home, being that both Hayley and Bryce are now in the after school program of Art Club.
This coming Thursday, Hayley, who is my oldest, will be eleven. Lord how these years have just flown on past. It's been a ride thus far. And with her mature attitude being more of a fourteen year old, her wings are spreading faster than I had hoped.
The week after, Skyler, who is the "baby" of the family will be six! So, soon, she will no longer officially be a "baby" of sorts to the world. She will no longer be a toddler or a preschooler. She will be an adolescent. Again, I am at a loss of where all the years have gone. Like a wind, they blew past with nary a care of what a mother's heart feels.
When I watched (through the closed front door's glass) Hayley and Bryce cross the street and head down the block towards school, I had them flash in my head as they were when they were little. I saw them as they used to be. Suddenly, I got back in to the reality of what I was witnessing, and for a brief moment, longed for those days once more.
Then, watching Skyler cross from about half way at the bus stop on her own (I walked her half way in to the street) to get on to it alone for the first time, my heart sank and I had to fight my wanting to walk her the rest of the way, it hurt to know that she too has stepped one closer away from me and becoming her own individual.
In these two brief moments of one morning, I wished to God I could stop time. Just for a few seconds. I wanted to turn back the clock to the times where they inherently needed me to the fullest extent. I have witnessed this morning the anxiety of a mother "losing" their children to the world. All at once. Each one making their own individual paths in the world.
How many ways can a mother's heart ache and break? Many. Including watching them all take their own paths in society and forming their own identities.
It's one thing to watch them do this one at a time. But to see all three of your children do this on different levels at once is completely overwhelming. Gone are the days of cooing, learning to walk and talk, being dependent even on me for the simplest of things and asking silly questions such as why the sky is one color and the ground another.
These are the days where you are extremely proud of who you are raising your children to be. But it sucks also, because in the same thought, you wish you could do it all over again with them and keep time as it is.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Daydreaming, ADHD & Team Building
It's been a strange start to the week. Monday wasn't too bad as far as Monday's go. Tuesday was Election Day for Mid-Terms. I even voted for Tazmanian Devil to get City Court Clerk. Instead some idiot I have no clue about got the spot. I think Taz would have done a fine job myself. And last night was also the monthly appointment for Bryce, my Special Needs child.
It's becoming increasingly apparent that the medications that he is on for the ADHD are helping. But not to the extent that we would care to see. He is on the maximum dose of Vyvanse. And we are upping his Intuniv to three mgs. to see if that may help a bit more.
But also, the teachers MUST be willing to work more with him. And with us. In a COMPLETE team effort. They have yet to realize that NOT EVERYTHING he does is within HIS control. A lot of it has to do with the ADHD and its severity taking control and causing him to wander, be completely distracted, blurting out, cutting in to conversations or instruction. He even said one of the teachers mainly lectures for the entire time, every single day. An ADHD kid CANNOT handle more than five to ten minute increments of "lecturing".
These people are expecting him to pull off the impossible. To stay on task, focus completely and listen 100% of the time, during the entire day. While us "normal" people CAN do that, a child with severe ADHD cannot. They do not have the control over their brains to obtain such feats.
Even the doctor had agreed with me when I stated that basically my child is in a constant daydream. His brain NEVER slows down enough to tackle one specific thing at a time. His mind is a jumbled mess twenty-four hours a day, unless people are willing to re-direct him, work with him and help ensure that he is keeping on track with the task at hand.
For the last several years, myself and Bryce's Case Manager have hit one stumbling block after another. Even though Bryce is listed BY THE STATE, as well as by FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (seeing as he DOES collect SSDI) as being "disabled", my child has been turned down time and time again for in-school services. This means he cannot get an IEP, a 504 Plan, most accommodations. Why? Because he is SO damn smart and "making the grade", that his disability isn't "showing" enough through his grades to "mandate needs" for Specialized Services through the school system.
Excuse me??? So in a nut shell, they are stating that being my child does not have a severe intellectual impediment, he isn't deaf or blind, can walk and talk just like any other "normal" person, that he does NOT qualify for a damn thing, seeing as he DOES have behavioral issues that severely impact social skills and daily living skills. Just getting him to do a five minute task can take easily twenty minutes or more.
At school, about three weeks ago, he was SUPPOSED TO go to the bathroom that sits kitty-corner from the classroom. But about ten minutes later, he was found to be down the hall at the Second Grade area, just standing there, watching in to one of the classrooms. And he honestly cannot say why, or how he "got there".
He is ALWAYS "forgetting" his FINISHED homework. No matter how much I have tried, the boy is incessantly disorganized with his binder.
All he does is get in to trouble in school for wandering the room, not staying on task, speaking out of turn, bugging the other students in class, not following (multiple) directions (which is EXTREMELY hard for Bryce to accomplish), wandering the halls and being a "behavioral nuisance".
Now, someone PLEASE DO tell me, how are these "problems" that the teachers are always complaining of NOT being addressed in their correct manner? As in, with Specialized Services being readily available and in use with and for my child? How bad does it honestly have to get with his behavior and "daydreaming" for them to FINALLY take a hard look and actually GIVE HIM the services Bryce is RIGHTFULLY due?
Honestly, sometimes Public Education amazes me. And *not* in a good way, mind you. So, if I seem angry in this post, and in general, you can bet your ass I am! I'm tired of the run-arounds, the blind-eyes and the refusal to HELP my child live up to his full potential and get the best educational opportunity available.
It's becoming increasingly apparent that the medications that he is on for the ADHD are helping. But not to the extent that we would care to see. He is on the maximum dose of Vyvanse. And we are upping his Intuniv to three mgs. to see if that may help a bit more.
But also, the teachers MUST be willing to work more with him. And with us. In a COMPLETE team effort. They have yet to realize that NOT EVERYTHING he does is within HIS control. A lot of it has to do with the ADHD and its severity taking control and causing him to wander, be completely distracted, blurting out, cutting in to conversations or instruction. He even said one of the teachers mainly lectures for the entire time, every single day. An ADHD kid CANNOT handle more than five to ten minute increments of "lecturing".
These people are expecting him to pull off the impossible. To stay on task, focus completely and listen 100% of the time, during the entire day. While us "normal" people CAN do that, a child with severe ADHD cannot. They do not have the control over their brains to obtain such feats.
Even the doctor had agreed with me when I stated that basically my child is in a constant daydream. His brain NEVER slows down enough to tackle one specific thing at a time. His mind is a jumbled mess twenty-four hours a day, unless people are willing to re-direct him, work with him and help ensure that he is keeping on track with the task at hand.
For the last several years, myself and Bryce's Case Manager have hit one stumbling block after another. Even though Bryce is listed BY THE STATE, as well as by FEDERAL GOVERNMENT (seeing as he DOES collect SSDI) as being "disabled", my child has been turned down time and time again for in-school services. This means he cannot get an IEP, a 504 Plan, most accommodations. Why? Because he is SO damn smart and "making the grade", that his disability isn't "showing" enough through his grades to "mandate needs" for Specialized Services through the school system.
Excuse me??? So in a nut shell, they are stating that being my child does not have a severe intellectual impediment, he isn't deaf or blind, can walk and talk just like any other "normal" person, that he does NOT qualify for a damn thing, seeing as he DOES have behavioral issues that severely impact social skills and daily living skills. Just getting him to do a five minute task can take easily twenty minutes or more.
At school, about three weeks ago, he was SUPPOSED TO go to the bathroom that sits kitty-corner from the classroom. But about ten minutes later, he was found to be down the hall at the Second Grade area, just standing there, watching in to one of the classrooms. And he honestly cannot say why, or how he "got there".
He is ALWAYS "forgetting" his FINISHED homework. No matter how much I have tried, the boy is incessantly disorganized with his binder.
All he does is get in to trouble in school for wandering the room, not staying on task, speaking out of turn, bugging the other students in class, not following (multiple) directions (which is EXTREMELY hard for Bryce to accomplish), wandering the halls and being a "behavioral nuisance".
Now, someone PLEASE DO tell me, how are these "problems" that the teachers are always complaining of NOT being addressed in their correct manner? As in, with Specialized Services being readily available and in use with and for my child? How bad does it honestly have to get with his behavior and "daydreaming" for them to FINALLY take a hard look and actually GIVE HIM the services Bryce is RIGHTFULLY due?
Honestly, sometimes Public Education amazes me. And *not* in a good way, mind you. So, if I seem angry in this post, and in general, you can bet your ass I am! I'm tired of the run-arounds, the blind-eyes and the refusal to HELP my child live up to his full potential and get the best educational opportunity available.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
