VENT VENT VENT

This topic is really unrelated to this board, but I feel most comfortable here, so please indulge me.

I had Open House last night, and was expected to be lynched by angry parents about my maternity leave, but it seems that they've all calmed down and were happy for me and completely accepting. HOW NICE!

One parent, however, can't seem to (or won't try to) understand my (and my schools) philosophy of what kindergarten should be, and stayed late to speak to my principal and me about it, although she hardly ever addressed her comments and concerns to me, and spoke as if I wasn't even in the room. In a nutshell, she's concerned that I am not teaching, that her child is having a 'wasted year', that it's 'pre-school all over again', and that maybe she should contact the superintendant?!

LUCKILY, my principal was TOTALLY on my side, and tried to explain our hands-on curriculum, as opposed to a 'pencil and paper' approach, but this woman would hear none of it. I just can't imagine who would want their 5 year old to sit at a desk all day and complete worksheets???

Thanks for hearing my vent. What a year this will be!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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OH GOODNESS !!!!!

This is what I have to look forward to ??

Maybe she's just bummed that her CHILD is not learning as quickly 'as the Jones') and she takes it out on THE SCHOOL ???????

Tell her there are plenty of PRIVATE schools she can dishout big bucks for ! How DARE her insult your teaching!

and I HATE when people dont LOOK you in the eye when they TALK to you. (or in reference to you)

Oh, she's going to be trouble. Thank goodness your principal is on your side. You'll be fine.

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LOL Anna... as soon as she left, I told my principal that thank goodness she was there or I would have offered to pick up a few private school applications for the woman!

Thanks for the support.


Oh, and for the record, this is the first time I've ever come across a parent like this, so hopefully you may NEVER have to deal with someone like her.

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Dont let her ruin the rest of the year!

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That is AWFUL
I agree with what Anna said, maybe her child is not learning at the pace of others.
Kind. is supposed to be FUN, and you will bore them to death with worksheets. I always remember it to be a lot of hands on stuff too.
That is GREAT that you have a wonderful principal.

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It was very rude of her to not address you in her conversation. Seems like she has made up her mind about you and the school's philosphy, so it really didn't matter what the principal said. Just wish her well and hope you don't have too much contact with her.

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i second everybody - especially natasha. this woman already had her mind made up - it thrills me that the principal wasn't on her side. That must have gotten her goat but good!!!

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Don't let her get to you, others have said it all, sending hugs for you

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Wow. What a witch. My sister teaches kindergarten at a school in Three Village and she always tells me that, at times, the 'involved' parents are a nightmare.

Most of the time they are complaining about the aids who must NOT have been doing their job because Johnny came home with a bruise.

WHAT??? A five-year-old boy with a bruise? Unheard of.

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Oh Jenn .... I tell ya, don't let this parent bother you. I agree with Natasha and Jenny ... she already has a preconception of what her child's days in kindergarten should be like (perhaps it was the way she was taught or a nephew/neice). I don't think it is anything personally against you.

You are a wonderful teacher!

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I can't wait to see this mother when her child, in first grade, brings home homework! I know here (Buffalo) that is the norm now-a-days!

Parents, they can be a pain. I was lucky though when I tought preschool....all the parents were great!


Best of luck!

Nancy

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Jenn,

I like the private schcool brochure idea myself I'm glad the Principal was on your side

I loved kind and my memories of it invloved finger painting, story time, nap time learning how to cute and paste and write my name.

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She is a mom who wants her child to go to one of those super rich people private schools in NYC where her child learns trig in Kindergarden and must speak 2 langauges and play 3 instruments, plus be a gifted art student.

This is NOT your problem. She can go to the Board and explain what she wants and they can tell her to pay for a private school education at a school with her same ideas.

I feel bad for her child though. This child will live a life of pressure.

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I agree with Michele....I feel worse for the small child!

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Sorry Jenn

I went to my sons Back to School night last night and me t with his Kindergarten teacher (who I LOVE) and there were definately some overly anal parents there! Th children are 5 years old, for G-d's sake! They should not be chained to there desks every moment!

I'm sorry you had to deal with this

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Poor kid

Hugs to you sweetie, that parent has issues

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I think your the sweetest person/teacher I know

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Thanks ladies!
You always know just what to say!!!