18 Mar
“Mrs.M, I’m going to Disney World!”
“Fantastic, have a wonderful time! When are you leaving?”
“The week before Spring Break,we are going for a week!”
My mouth opens, and closes, because I can not say what I want to say. One of my students reminded me years ago, “It’s not my fault.”, and he was right. I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut.READ MORE…
photo credit: Express Monorail via photopin cc
4 Oct
9 Mar
I’ve noticed that whenever someone starts talking about ”the parents”, people want to shut them down. The immediate reaction is a harsh backlash, usually accusing the author of parent bashing. “The parents” are off-limits. But, I’m going to go there.:)
I believe society started a trend from which there is no escape, and no turning back. Parents were allowed to relinquish the reins of raising their children. They relinquished them, handed them over to the schools, to the teachers. They stepped back, and said, “You take care of them!” You make sure my child eats, you make sure my child can read, you make sure my child gets enough exercise, you make sure my child doesn’t bully anyone.” The list is endless! How did this happen?
They are parents, and that is a job that should be taken seriously. My mother raised 5 children, the key word being “raised”. She took responsibility for us, she did not make excuses. She, (my Dad helped a little), made sure we were clean, completed our homework, ate dinner, played outside, she did this. We were all reading before the first day of school. It seems to me that when you know that someone else is going to feed your child, clothe them, teach them, make sure their work is done, where is the incentive for you to do it?
I understand that parenting is difficult, but you can’t just stop once they enter school. We need to hold parents responsible for providing the things their children need to be successful in school. If a child can come to school with the latest sneakers and/or latest video game console, why can’t they bring in a pencil, a notebook, the bare essentials for a classroom? If there is no Internet access at home, why can’t the parent take their child to the Public library, it’s free! Do you know how many parents look at me as if I have two heads when I suggest this?
We have to stop saying, “Oh, you know they’re not going to do it, so we (teachers) might as well.” That is not acceptable.
Do I mean let a child in your school go hungry, freeze, or not provide notebooks because their parent lost their job, or is on drugs, or any other catastrophe that can’t be controlled? No, I’m not talking about that parent.
I am talking about the ones who are perfectly capable of providing what their child needs, but refuse. The parent who will not attend conferences because they are “tired”, but will call you in a heartbeat to find out why their child didn’t go out for Recess today. The parent who signs tests and notes, as they push their kid out of the car in the morning, and then call you to ask how their child is doing. The parent who asks for extra work for their child, a day or two after the phone call informing them that their child is not doing any work in class or at home. The parent who won’t pick up a book to read to their child at home, yet complains to the teacher about the child’s inability to read. (A parent told a friend of mine, “That’s what you’re here for!”) The parent who takes their kid to Disney World while school is in session because it is cheaper, and then asks you to provide a week’s worth of work!
I have had many wonderful, supportive parents, who will do whatever they need to for their child, make the sacrifices that are required. But, I have also had the other ones. And I feel if they are going to hold us accountable, then our parents should be held accountable as well! Remember the triangle? Three legs,the child, the parents, and the school. Unfortunately, every time a parent lets go, that triangle collapses! How can we get our parents to pick up that leg?
10 Feb
T
he dad walked into my classroom for M’s parent-teacher conference. I was surprised because mom said she would be attending.
His first words were, “I know SHE said she was coming, but when she heard I was coming, she decided not to come.”
My response was a simple, “Well, I am glad you were able to make it”, coupled with my best smile.
As the conversation about his child continued, it was interspersed with comments about what SHE said, or what SHE was doing, and what SHE thought about, you get my drift. I managed to remain noncommittal each time he mentioned HER name, but I was getting frustrated. I always switched gears and guided our conversation back to a discussion about his child.
Later that day, while checking my email , I received a note from the mom explaining that she did not want to sit in the room with HIM, and that is why she did not attend. She requested a phone conference. I was a bit annoyed, having to repeat the same information twice, but I called her. I had already sent home copies of everything I had shared with the father, with her son. Of course, her conversation was dotted with references to HIM. And like her ex, none of it was positive. I managed to avoid the potholes in this conference as well, continuously steering the conference back to my one and only issue, their child.
I have to say, this child is very well-adjusted for what he must hear from each parent on a weekly basis. He spends one week with one parent, and the alternate week with the other. They both stated that I can probably clearly see the difference when he is with one or the other. Actually, I can’t. I believe they are both good parents. But you wouldn’t know it from them.
My kids come from a divorced home, and no matter my issues with their father, a common front was presented when it came to their education. I never wanted the teachers to feel awkward or uncomfortable, and I certainly didn’t want them to “take sides.” But in this situation with some of my parents, I get the feeling that they want me to become their ally in this war. A war that will have only one causality, their son.
On the plus side, I have just as many divorced or separated who put their child first, this is not about parent-bashing. I’m just curious, what do you do when confronted with this issue? What do you do when the battle enters your classroom?
24 Dec
This is sung to the tune of ” The Twelve Days of Christmas.“
On the first day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
A classroom and my own key
On the second day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
On the third day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
3 board erasers
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
On the fourth day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
4 desks to choose from
3 board erasers
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
On the fifth day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
5 desktop PC’s
4 desks to choose from
3 board erasers
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
On the sixth day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
6 versions of Bloom’s
5 desktop PC’s
4 desks to choose from
3 board erasers
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
On the seventh day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
7 days of PD
6 versions of Bloom’s
5 desktop PC’s
4 desks to choose from
3 board erasers
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
On the eighth day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
8 dry erase markers
7 days of PD
6 versions of Bloom’s
5 desktop PC’s
4 desks to choose from
3 board erasers
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
On the ninth day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
9 Teacher’s Editions
8 dry erase markers
7 days of PD
6 versions of Bloom’s
5 desktop PC’s
4 desks to choose from
3 board erasers
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
On the tenth day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
10 classroom strategies
9 Teacher’s Editions
8 dry erase markers
7 days of PD
6 versions of Bloom’s
5 desktop PC’s
4 desks to choose from
3 board erasers
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
On the eleventh day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
11 pats on the back
10 classroom strategies
9 Teacher’s Editions
8 dry erase markers
7 days of PD
6 versions of Bloom’s
5 desktop PC’s
4 desks to choose from
3 board erasers
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
On the twelfth day of Christmas
My principal gave to me
12(x2) rowdy students
11 pats on the back
10 classroom strategies
9 Teacher’s Editions
8 dry erase markers
7 days of PD
6 versions of Bloom’s
5 desktop PC’s
4 desks to choose from
3 board erasers
2 lesson planners
And a classroom with my own key
18 Mar
Dear Parent,
What possessed you to make the decision you made today? About a week ago, I handed out test folders in the morning to avoid the chaos of handing the folders out at 3pm dismissal. Everyone, including your daughter, was asked, if they were missing anything. Everyone responded, including your daughter, that they had everything. Three days later, when it was time to collect the folders, your daughter claimed that she did not receive a checklist . She didn’t say it nicely either. Now she could have taken the initiative and asked you to sign the tests, but that’s not something I would really expect from your child.
Today, I reminded my students with missing folders, that during recess, they would call their parents, and give a friendly reminder to sign their checklist and return the folder. Every child, but yours, accepted this responsibility. Your child became very snippy, told me she never got one, and how unfair it was. Oh well! This is how it works in our classroom.
However, while I was outside with the other students at recess, your daughter convinced the indoor teacher to let her call you. She called you, sobbing, (as you know, she can produce tears on demand), telling you how unfair I am. She was heard to wail that I was not being fair at all! And what did you do? D id you tell her that you will deal with this at home? Did you fuss at her for making a non-emergency phone call from school? Did you ask to speak to the teacher? Did you tell her life is unfair,ask her to hang up the phone, and deal with it like a responsible 5th grader? NO! You came to the school and picked her up!!!!
Two hours before the end of school! She missed a crucial math lesson.(Remember the conversation we had at conferences about her struggles with math, and I asked you to stop picking her up 20 minutes early just so that you could avoid sitting in the student pick-up line?) When you came to pick her up, did you notice the smug, satisfied, look on her face?
But, don’t worry, she will be held accountable by me, even as you cater to her every whim. She will learn that in our classroom there are rules to be followed, and consequences. She will learn that Daddy and Mommy will not always be able to pick her up. I will be glad to do this favor for you. You can thank me later.
7 Mar
While attending the 2011 PLC summit, one of the presenters told us about an experience he had while watching Family Feud. The question was, “What is the reason your child’s teacher is calling your house?” Not one of the “right” answers were positive, not one! An example of some of the answers were, “Your kid is failing” or “Your kid skipped school”. It reinforced the stereotype of parent/teacher communication; we’re the bearers of bad news. About a year ago, we had an idea forced on us by our principal, and it’s an idea I actually grew to like. We were forced, every Friday, to call a parent or two, and let them know something fabulous about their child. It’s called a Fabulous Phone Call. It’s not time-consuming, and there’s no out-of pocket expense. It’s exactly what it says, a phone call to a parent, telling them how wonderful their child has been. I try to choose a child who is always fabulous, they deserve praise too, and a child who was struggling to be fabulous. It’s not all about academics either. Maybe the student showed improvement in behavior, grasped a concept, or helped a friend. There are so many benefits to the Fabulous Phone call, the most important being that it provides teachers a chance to create positive communication with our parents. I usually begin my phone calls like this, “Hello, this is Mrs.M; your child is not in trouble.” I try to get that in before, “What did he/she do?” Afterwards, we have an enjoyable conversation about their child, and it usually ends with many, many, thanks from the parent. I keep the phone call positive at all times. Monday Morning, I place a “Fabulous Phone Call” coupon on the child’s desk, which says, “Congratulations, you have received a fabulous phone call!” I also ask whether they were notified about the phone call. Who knew a simple phone call could bring such joy?Pick a day, any day, and make a Fabulous phone call to one of your students’ parents, and destroy those negative stereotypes!
Power of Positivity: The Friday 5 - A principal documents the power of a positive phone call!
1 Mar
These words were spoken at the 2011 PLC Summit I attended in Arizona last week. “They didn’t choose their genetic pool”. “They couldn’t say I want two college-educated parents who love me, care for me, and make education my priority.”
I realized after hearing this statement, that many times, I get frustrated with my students about things over which they have no control. When they come to school without school supplies, their parent doesn’t sign a form,or misses a scheduled appointment, or has made the child stay home to babysit, again. These are things that the student can not control, but yet, year after year, my frustration is placed on a child, who is probably just as frustrated as I am! How many times has the child walked in the day after parent-teacher conferences, and I’ve said, “Your mother scheduled an appointment and didn’t come” The child stands there wide-eyed, not knowing how to reply. Maybe they know why, maybe they don’t,but that’s not the issue.
We need to work around the parents who are not supportive, the ones who just don’t have the time. We need to tell our children, “You do you.” “You do what you need to do to succeed.” Let’s not hold them accountable for the mistakes, or neglect, of their parents and guardians. Let’s not make them bear the weight of their parents’ transgressions. Why say to a child who is late every day, “You’re late again.” Knowing the only way the child can get to school is if their parent drives them.
So, I’m taking a new outlook, and it began yesterday. I have a student who is out every Monday. I would fuss at him every Tuesday about the work he had to make up or didn’t understand.
”Well”, I would say sternly, you need to be here on Mondays.”
He was in school yesterday and instead of a “Glad you could make it”, I smiled and said, “I am so glad that you are able to be here today.” A smile lit up his face and he said, sincerely, “So, am I.” The next time he’s out, I will work with him and help him catch up. Am I a” bad” teacher? I don’t think so, but I’m certainly not the best I can be. I’m learning though, and I’m willing to take a good, hard, look in the mirror, and correct my mistakes.
15 Jan
Parent Teacher conferences. Twice a year,(or more), we sit down with our students’ parents and relay the good or bad news about their child. A parent teacher conference can go two ways, productive or non-productive. I recall many conferences, and many types of parents. The wonderful, supportive, parent, the hostile parent, the parent that won’t leave no matter how many times you stand up, the ones who just nod, the appreciative parents, the ones who share every aspect of their lives, while the letters, ”TMI” run through your brain,and my favorite, the parents who share how much they and their child love you.
Year after year, I have tried to find a way to make my conferences productive. I have attempted to find a way to share information, no matter the parent type. I have always felt frustration, when after a parent leaves, and I think, “Oh, I forgot to tell her/him….” Last year, I created a form based on some of the questions from a worksheet that my Phi Delta Kappa soror shared with me. Parent teacher conference form revised The first question is ” What are your concerns or comments?” This allows my parents to feel, as they should,that I care about what they think. As we complete the form, using the questions to guide the conference and open discussion between myself and the parent. I feel that the form answers questions parents have, but forget, or don’t ask. After the form is completed, the parent signs it, thereby giving me a document supporting that I have kept the parent informed. When I used the form, the conference moved along smoothly. I keep the original, and send a signed copy home to the parent the next day. I also send filled out forms home to parents who don’t attend,and have them sign it. This marking period, I am going to review the first form with the parent, and see how it compares to the current marking period. As a parent, I know conferences aren’t always easy, especially if the child is not doing well. Hopefully, my form makes it easier to focus on the purpose of the conference, bringing together the parent and the teacher in a productive atmosphere.
21 Dec
10. A notebook, pencil, and paper for your child. If they have a Wii, I’m sure you can spare some change for these items.
9. Dress your young ladies, like young ladies. I don’t need to see your child’s cleavage or half of her butt.
8. Make sure your child is on time for school. You are setting up bad habits for life when they are consistently late.
7. Make sure your child is in school every day! A 1 week family vacation during the school year is not recommended for a failing student.
6. Discipline your child. If they do something wrong, there should be consequences.
5. Be the parent! You are not your child’s best friend! And no, you do not have to be the “cool” Mom or Dad.
4. Have your child READ at home. I do not have a magic wand, if they don’t read beyond the classroom, how will they become better readers?
3. RESPECT the teacher. If you call me a “ ”b$#%&” at home, how do you think your child will treat me?
2. Stop blaming the teacher! Sometimes events are beyond the control of the teacher, but can be controlled by you and /or your child.
1. Make your child’s education a priority! Trust me, it will all pay off in the end.
Youtube version - Enjoy my video version! 
