Skip to main content

In Which I Vent My Frustrations with the "education system"

While I wait for my pumpkin patch pictures to upload, I need to say some things about a stupid letter and policy that was recently brought to my attention. 

I knew when we took a 10 day vacation in the middle of September, that there would be consequences. Ten absences without a medical note is sure to raise eyebrows. But Mrs. Pope was so great about it. She gave Brooklyn some work to do so she wouldn't fall behind and was very supportive of all the wonderful educational benefits of such an exciting experience.

Anyway, parents received a policy reminder during conference week, about the same time I received a standard letter from the principal informing me that a social worker may need to get involved to help us improve Brooklyn's attendance. But what really got my goat was the page on the back of the policy with Attendance Tips for Parents, particularly this one:
As a rule of thumb, children should only be absent in cases of illness or emergency. Absences due to shopping trips, special vacations, etc. should be avoided because they tend to minimize the value of school and education.
I go into a little bit of a blind rage every time I read this!  That trip to Yosemite and Bass Lake had more educational value than many of the days wasted in the school building. Education is about more than academics. It's about character and manners and morals. So frustrating that the institution doesn't get this! At least Mrs. Pope does.
Labels:

Comments

  1. Mrs. FriedmanOctober 26, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    Jaime, I hate to say it, but it's all about the money. Brooklyn's school get a dollar amount from the state for every day she is physically in the building. I worked public school and education is a big money business sometimes. I'm sorry they are still harassing you. You know what else...? I bet you could have withdrawn her from the school and then re-enrolled when you returned. Parents used to do that all the time and then say they were doing homeschool for a period of time.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Day in Jaime's Homeschool (ages 10, 6, and 4)

Our days in this season of life follow a very relaxed structure. Each day has such very different demands. While I would prefer to go with the flow, whatever that may be, my kids prefer a more defined plan. They like to know what to expect at any given moment. So our daily rhythm falls somewhere between these two extremes.  My day starts between 6:30 and 7:00 AM with coffee and my Bible. I love connecting through Hello Mornings because of its grace based approach to starting my day in submission to the Lord. Through accountability, community, and Bible study I get that flexible structure I need - a big theme in my life right now! My "early riser" (the four year old) will often join me on the couch while I read. My husband makes breakfast while I enjoy a second cup of coffee and supervise morning chores. By 9 AM he is out the door to work (except when he's not...because that would be too easy.) At this point I give my kids a warning that we will start our school day at 9
2 comments
Read more

Dear Grayson,

As I write this, you are about 18" long and 3.2 lbs. About the size of a head of lettuce.  We have approximately 8 weeks and 5 days to go before your scheduled debut.  But here's the fun of it. Daddy and I are planning a C-section, which is traditionally scheduled about a week before the due date. That makes the countdown 7 weeks.  Now we are also dealing with some blood pressure issues, and the doctors are just hoping to get us as far along as we can. The family is starting to take bets on when you will be born. Here is what's going on... Mommy's blood pressure is high.  It's staying around 140/80.  Since the first of the year, the doctors have had me on modified bed rest, meaning that I could get up and do a little around the house, but need to take it easy.  No going to work or hard partying ;0) It really hasn't been so bad. The first week I was able to do some work from home, which kept me busy.  Then last week Atlanta had a tremendous winter storm and
2 comments
Read more

In Which I Am Inspired

Two things really stand out to me at the end of this jam packed weekend.  First, my mom came into town to watch my kiddos while I attended a two day homeschool convention.  That act alone is not what inspires me, though I am so grateful for her willingness to help when I need her!  In the days leading up to the convention, she took us to the park to walk. We walked and rode bikes around Stoner and Overlook parks every day, sometimes twice! (we are all exhausted!)  When it comes to exercise, I have a million and one reasons not to do it. But walking around with my mom this last week I realized that it doesn't have to be complicated. I don't have to make any big commitments, or walk the track in a certain time frame, or wait for perfect weather conditions.  I just need to get out and move.  I DO need to remember to bring a first aid kit and to SHUT the doors of my car...but that's another set of issues all together. The second thing that inspired me was something I heard
2 comments
Read more