School's Out For Summer!
Fifth grade has been just one big D - Different, Difficult, Damaging -- need I go on? Cole has struggled for a large part of the year, and while I place most of the blame on him, I do see flaws in our system. Brian and I step into the 5th grade hall for our regular parent/teacher conference on what I would call a normal day. Cole had prepared us that the news wouldn't be so swell. "Mom, I might have a B this time," he said. We can deal with that. And while we are sure he can do better, a B is still good, right? As we are waiting our turn, his gifted/talented teacher walks by and asks, did he pass? WHAT? Of course he did! Didn't he? As it turns out, 2 weeks prior he had 5 ZEROS in one week and had an "F" in the class. This is an "A" student who reads on a 12th grade level, who doesn't act up in class, who hadn't been absent, etc. Why wasn't I called? Obviously something is going on with him, but if I am not informed of the warning signs, I can't help him! Communication People! Oh, it's his responsiblity? Okay, let's just kick him out and let him get his own apartment all the responsibilty lies on him. He doesn't need me anymore, right? NOT!
These teachers expect them to perform at the collegiate level. No, I do not mean academically, but I do mean emotionally and psychologically. One day (fourth grade) they are given their assignments on a daily basis both orally and written on the board, and the next they are expected to check the board (that is located behind them, I might add) and write their assignment down without any reminders from the teacher. What? The comment was made that they do this everyday-- they should just know. They don't need to be reminded. Hmm. Not 3 minutes following that statement, the phone in the classroom rings. Who could that be? Oh, the cafeteria? It seems our ever so perfect teacher forgot to turn in her lunch count - AGAIN! Aren't you required to do this every day? Shouldn't you just KNOW WITHOUT ANY REMINDERS? You aren't in 4th grade any more! UGH! I was pulling my hair out.
Anyway, this stuff was not what I really wanted to get into, but once I get started, I just get so mad! I nearly ruined my relationship with my son in the 5th grade! Isn't that supposed to be what happens in high school? HA!
I told Cole, if you make it out of the 5th grade I am going to throw you the biggest party you want! And, he did make it! He even placed in a writers competion and got a trophy for this taks test! So...PPARRRRTEEE!
About 25 kids came to our house from 7-10pm. Dad hid out in the bedroom watching the Mavs play while I solicited chaperones to help me! Swimming, Dancing, and American Idol was on the agenda. We had an Idol King and Queen. The kids voted and Jackie was the proud recipient of the Queen's crown, while Mark was our King. I have never seen so many kids in a hottub in my life, nor do I remember dancing provocatively in the 5th grade! Yes, please pray for me as we enter Middle School! I am sure I will need it!!! PS I have pictures to accompany this, but can't seem to get them posted here. I will add them in an additional blog entitled Cole - May 26 pt 2
No comments:
Post a Comment