Back To School Night

So, tonight I loaded up Thomas and Gracie and we went to Gracie's school for Back To School Night.

I am not sure what I envisioned for this "event," and to be honest I am not sure what I got.

Miss. Anderson was as lovely and kind as I remember her from Open House. Myself and three other parents and kids sat and listened for about 20 minutes as she did a run down of the kids day, and what they were focusing on thus far.

It wasn't really anything new. In fact all of her topics were based on paper work that she has sent home over the past few weeks. But, I think maybe hearing it out loud was supposed to clarify things. The most new information I received was that there were spelling tests each Friday, which was not included in the info I saw, and when I thought this might be the case last week, I asked Gracie she said "no."

I think maybe I went into this night with a very negative mindset. My mind has been progressively getting more and more negative as the year goes on. It seems like every day my daughter brings home the drama of the day--and it is all over discipline and behavior issues.

I thought it was sad that only 4 out of the 20 parents were present. I didn't see the other classrooms, but I would bet that the percentages were about the same. It is so sad to see that parents don't take a more active role in their children's education. That's not to say if they didn't go, they don't care. And, maybe it is just me, but I want to know everything there is to know about my child's class, her learning environment, her education...etc.

But, back to the evening.

Thomas made his best attempt at well behaved, which as you may know is far from what I would like. But, what toddler wants to sit quietly and listen to a teacher in a room full of toys and other shiny things that fit perfectly into a small mouth?!

After the teacher went through her outline she asked for questions. I decided not to be the bad parent and shout out "why is my daughter coming home and telling me about something new everyday she missed out on because her classmates can't manage the rules?!!"

Instead, I let Gracie show me around her room and I took pictures of all of her proudly displayed works.

I briefly broached the subject of discipline when we left the room, but she had another teacher come by, and so I wrapped it up and we left.

The more I think about it, I wonder if the problem here is not slightly mama. We talked to Gracie about new expectations for her in first grade, how things would be harder and different. But, while I was lecturing her, I never thought that things would be different for me as a parent.

In kindergarten I received Gracie's school work home each day (unless something had to dry :)
In first grade I get an overwhelmingly huge lump of papers once a week in a Tuesday Folder

In kindergarten the focus of notes home was of her academic achievement/needs
In first grade 9 out of 10 notes home have to deal with behavior, rules...or giving more money (all of which have to be signed by the way. I sign more for first grade than I did to buy a car!!)

In kindergarten I felt like I was being listened to by the teacher, and my concerns were addressed.
In first grade, I feel like I am being dismissed and I am overly (whatever) at the time.

In kindergarten I was greeted with positive parts of the day by my child
In first grade I get nothing but negative feed back on what goes on

Now, she did address that the kids had to make a huge adjustment and that if they were coming home saying things like they don't like first grade or school any more to not be concerned, that they will adjust and grow. She reassured us they were in good capable hands (she is very defensive as well, but I guess all teachers have to be that way anymore).

I know she is in capable hands. I have every faith that my daughter's teacher is nurturing her and educating her. But, I don't agree that if your child is coming home and saying they don't like school that it is not something you should worry about.

So, I might be even more confused about how to deal and feel about first grade now, than I did before I went. But, I am not as angry about it. It was good to hear someone verbally run down what the children are and are supposed to be doing. Even if it had a happy smiley spin to it.

So, more prayers, and hopeful waiting. But, isn't that what all parents do?

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