The teacher took full responsibility. He got a note from another mother saying a friend, Kaycee McDonald, would be picking up her son (Jake Jones). He got them switched up so there wasn't another kid lost or another mother worried. Good and bad.
I respect him for admitting his mistake, but here's where I'm still upset: He realized the problem as soon as I did not show up. He knew from his notes that Cole wasn't involved with the pick up switch. He took Cole to the office to wait while HE WENT HOME ON TIME! His teacher had left by the time we got there yesterday because their work day is from 7am-3pm. My son was at school an hour after release because of his mistake and he thought it was appropriate for him to clock out on time. GGGRRRRRRRRRR!
Keith says making a big deal about it would not get us anywhere with him. Agree. But I have a glimpse of his character and I'm waiting to pounce. Now I'm off to call and write the district office about the teacher/student ratio.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
First Trip to the Principal's Office
Remember how I was saying I hated the bus idea... today confirmed it. Keith, Brad and I all gather our things to walk down to pick up Cole. Keith calls it "the Cole fan club" It's like we have been sitting on pins and needles waiting for him to get home. We all walked down 10 minutes early to the stop and waited on the bus. It pulled up. All the kids get off.... except for Cole.
HE'S NOT ON THE BUS
Trying to remain calm and not go crazy on the bus helper, we call the school. Turns out he's in the office waiting on me. Say what? First of all, Thank you God for him being safe and not on a random bus wondering the streets of Songton. Now I'm angry. The teacher got a message saying that I would pick him up and not to put him on the bus. Interesting. That message wasn't from me. By the time we got to the school, the teacher had already left. The school tried calling my cell phone and couldn't reach me (because I was downstairs at the bus stop) They called Christa, my emergency contact, and she was about to go pick him up. She couldn't reach me either BECAUSE I WAS DOWNSTAIRS AT THE BUS STOP!
My poor kid was sad and tired of waiting on us. After we picked him up and asked about his day he told me that he didn't know. He forgot everything while he was waiting so long on us. Haha.
Now, there's several different scenarios that could have led to this misunderstanding. Tomorrow morning I will be at the school bright and early to figure out how this happened. A bit of the back story.... Apparently last year the parents and district superintendents promised they had the funds, room, and availability for an 18:1 teacher ratio - along with an assistant. They had 3 classes and 5 days before school started, the higher ups decided to cut it back to two classes 24 students to each teacher with the max being 29 students per class. WHAT. The parents here are fired up. There's letters being written, calls made, and constant uproar. The other kindergarten teacher had her room set up - and still is! It's just locked behind an unused room. I haven't said anything because we are space A and we're lucky to have a spot. Could the ratio be better, yes. Was is crummy for them to promise one thing and do another, yes. Are they offering the BEST education possible for these kids, not really. Now my child's safety is in danger because a teacher/assistant/office staff can't keep up with 24 kids in a class. I think now I will say something.
Good thing I have until tomorrow morning to calm down.
HE'S NOT ON THE BUS
Trying to remain calm and not go crazy on the bus helper, we call the school. Turns out he's in the office waiting on me. Say what? First of all, Thank you God for him being safe and not on a random bus wondering the streets of Songton. Now I'm angry. The teacher got a message saying that I would pick him up and not to put him on the bus. Interesting. That message wasn't from me. By the time we got to the school, the teacher had already left. The school tried calling my cell phone and couldn't reach me (because I was downstairs at the bus stop) They called Christa, my emergency contact, and she was about to go pick him up. She couldn't reach me either BECAUSE I WAS DOWNSTAIRS AT THE BUS STOP!
My poor kid was sad and tired of waiting on us. After we picked him up and asked about his day he told me that he didn't know. He forgot everything while he was waiting so long on us. Haha.
Now, there's several different scenarios that could have led to this misunderstanding. Tomorrow morning I will be at the school bright and early to figure out how this happened. A bit of the back story.... Apparently last year the parents and district superintendents promised they had the funds, room, and availability for an 18:1 teacher ratio - along with an assistant. They had 3 classes and 5 days before school started, the higher ups decided to cut it back to two classes 24 students to each teacher with the max being 29 students per class. WHAT. The parents here are fired up. There's letters being written, calls made, and constant uproar. The other kindergarten teacher had her room set up - and still is! It's just locked behind an unused room. I haven't said anything because we are space A and we're lucky to have a spot. Could the ratio be better, yes. Was is crummy for them to promise one thing and do another, yes. Are they offering the BEST education possible for these kids, not really. Now my child's safety is in danger because a teacher/assistant/office staff can't keep up with 24 kids in a class. I think now I will say something.
Good thing I have until tomorrow morning to calm down.
Monday, September 7, 2009
He Left Me
Keith and I sat down and made a list of pros and cons for this schooling situation. Our list easily swayed us to homeschool. Keith said he was 70% for homeschooling and 30% for the public school. I was more 51%/49%. We went to meet the teacher and pull him from class, and the next thing I knew Keith was committing to giving public school a try.
I spent all we last week getting last minute school supplies, TB tests, shot records, enrolled in the transportation office to ride the bus, and getting his bus card. This morning came and Cole woke up before the alarm. He was so excited. We had blueberry muffins and brushed our teeth. We tied our shoes and got our backpack. I even drilled him on his name, teacher's name, bus number, and apartment name. Then it was time to walk downstairs.
I can't stand the idea of him riding the bus. I got to thinking.... I can only recall THREE times his entire life that he wasn't driven in our van by family members. (with Hilary in Colorado when Brad was sick, with Erin in her van when we carpooled to Boise, and when we rode to Ft. Worth in Molly's van... and I was with him the last two) Sheltered much? Yes. Today I'm letting a stranger take him away without his car seat.
We got down there and the bus immediately pulled up. It's not like an American school bus. This is more like a charter bus. There's fancy big cushy seats and SEAT BELTS! He happily walked straight on and found a seat next to Joesph. He's a 2nd grader who we've met on the playground in the apartment complex. He was so happy. I was so sad.
He's been going to school for 3 years now. This shouldn't be that different, but it is. I miss him already. He's at school and tonight is their open house. We'll head back and I can check out the place that holds my baby for the greater part of the day.
These are the ladies that kept me from running down the road to make sure the bus didn't get hit as it made the right turn.
I spent all we last week getting last minute school supplies, TB tests, shot records, enrolled in the transportation office to ride the bus, and getting his bus card. This morning came and Cole woke up before the alarm. He was so excited. We had blueberry muffins and brushed our teeth. We tied our shoes and got our backpack. I even drilled him on his name, teacher's name, bus number, and apartment name. Then it was time to walk downstairs.
I can't stand the idea of him riding the bus. I got to thinking.... I can only recall THREE times his entire life that he wasn't driven in our van by family members. (with Hilary in Colorado when Brad was sick, with Erin in her van when we carpooled to Boise, and when we rode to Ft. Worth in Molly's van... and I was with him the last two) Sheltered much? Yes. Today I'm letting a stranger take him away without his car seat.
We got down there and the bus immediately pulled up. It's not like an American school bus. This is more like a charter bus. There's fancy big cushy seats and SEAT BELTS! He happily walked straight on and found a seat next to Joesph. He's a 2nd grader who we've met on the playground in the apartment complex. He was so happy. I was so sad.
He's been going to school for 3 years now. This shouldn't be that different, but it is. I miss him already. He's at school and tonight is their open house. We'll head back and I can check out the place that holds my baby for the greater part of the day.
These are the ladies that kept me from running down the road to make sure the bus didn't get hit as it made the right turn.
More Than a Coffin
We went pottery shopping a couple of weeks ago. Instead of falling in love with the pottery, I fell in love with this trunk. This lady had the coolest store. Her decorating and creativity were exactly what Keith and I like. This trunk.... I love it. It's much bigger then it appears. I would guess it's about 7 feet long. Korean made, antique, dovetailed ends, rustic. It would fit perfectly into our lives. After thinking about it all week, we went back to her store. We found a lady who was able to interpert for us. She asked where she got it, and she wouldn't answer. Then she said she would sell it to us... for......
ONE HUNDRED MILLION WON!!
Is she crazy? That's roughly $100,000. Seriously? Needless to say, we left without a trunk. Our next adventure is to find a reasonably priced antique store!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Holding My Own Wallet
We decided to head back to Everland yesterday. That place is so much fun. It was even LESS crowded then our first trip!
I have found the new greatest thing - renting their strollers! For about $2 you can rent a stroller, they clean it for you, and it comes with a bike lock. You can lock your bags and stroller to poles and chains all over the park when you go on a ride. Not that you really need to - this place is NOT America. People just respect other's things. Wild concept, I know.
We decided to go on the Roaring Rapid ride with the boys. Keith had my wallet that I wanted to lock up, but he said he'll hold on to it. No really, just let me lock it up. No really, hurry up, I have it. Don't lose it. I won't. Gotcha.
We take Cole and Brad and have a blast. As we're walking down the exit, I asked Keith for my wallet. What wallet? I don't have it. Are you sure?
YES! He left my wallet with LOTS of cash and all my photo id's on the ride... that just took off... waiting to fall in the water!
For seven minutes I was in a complete panic suppressing the urge to vomit and strangle my husband.
The Rapid float came back around and the friendly Everland employee return my wallet to me. Oh my word. How that happened, I'll never know. Lesson learned. I'll carry my own wallet.
I have found the new greatest thing - renting their strollers! For about $2 you can rent a stroller, they clean it for you, and it comes with a bike lock. You can lock your bags and stroller to poles and chains all over the park when you go on a ride. Not that you really need to - this place is NOT America. People just respect other's things. Wild concept, I know.
We decided to go on the Roaring Rapid ride with the boys. Keith had my wallet that I wanted to lock up, but he said he'll hold on to it. No really, just let me lock it up. No really, hurry up, I have it. Don't lose it. I won't. Gotcha.
We take Cole and Brad and have a blast. As we're walking down the exit, I asked Keith for my wallet. What wallet? I don't have it. Are you sure?
YES! He left my wallet with LOTS of cash and all my photo id's on the ride... that just took off... waiting to fall in the water!
For seven minutes I was in a complete panic suppressing the urge to vomit and strangle my husband.
The Rapid float came back around and the friendly Everland employee return my wallet to me. Oh my word. How that happened, I'll never know. Lesson learned. I'll carry my own wallet.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
More school thoughts...
He's in a class with his best friend here. I like him and his family!
He has a male teacher with a doctorate. I think it would be a good experience for Cole. Everyone is saying he's the greatest teacher.
I still hate the bus idea.
He's past kindergarten letter recognition and sounds, so I'm afraid he'll just be a cut up and disruptive to the class.
They are saying they are pretty flexible with attendance. We just got Everland passes so I plan on going.... often. We also want to do family trips. Keith's schedule is on 3 off 3, so he could work weekends and miss Cole all week and weekend. (1pm to 1am)
UGH!
There's a parent/teacher/child meetings all day on Tuesday. I think I might go and ask questions. Maybe talking with the teacher, he can help us weigh on this decision. School starts on Sept. 8th. As of now, we've been doing 1st grade work for 2 weeks already......
He has a male teacher with a doctorate. I think it would be a good experience for Cole. Everyone is saying he's the greatest teacher.
I still hate the bus idea.
He's past kindergarten letter recognition and sounds, so I'm afraid he'll just be a cut up and disruptive to the class.
They are saying they are pretty flexible with attendance. We just got Everland passes so I plan on going.... often. We also want to do family trips. Keith's schedule is on 3 off 3, so he could work weekends and miss Cole all week and weekend. (1pm to 1am)
UGH!
There's a parent/teacher/child meetings all day on Tuesday. I think I might go and ask questions. Maybe talking with the teacher, he can help us weigh on this decision. School starts on Sept. 8th. As of now, we've been doing 1st grade work for 2 weeks already......
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
They Called!
Gulp, I got the call today. There's a school slot open for Cole. He's enrolled for school (they are going off the papers Keith filled out to get him the waiting list) What do I do? What do I do?
I thought this was decided, but now I'm second guessing. I hate making decisions. I think I am a horrible decision maker. It all stems back to August of 1999 and a man named Doyle (if you know what I mean.) Now I always second guess myself. I can't make a big decision to save my life. I'll question and question over and over. The same pros and the same cons.......
I am a great follower. Just tell me and I'll do it. I don't want to be the one in charge. I so wanted to hear that I didn't have a choice. I even chickened out on the phone asking for a number I could call them back - like I was too busy to talk. Cluck, cluck.
Yesterday I followed some girls to a place called Happy Quilt. Happy Quilt is a fabric store. Some might go as far as calling it a shed. It has more patterned cotton then I've ever seen in my life. There was so much "stuff". My mother would have been in heaven. I was going to bring the camera, but lets just say that mine is temporarily out of order. Quite possibly for longer then a couple of years. There was a couple of things I fell in love with, but I didn't bring any won. (Won is the currency here - you probably knew that, but it looks funny so close to the word any)
Today I woke up, cleaned the house, separated lego men (more on that another time), made lunch, cleaned the bathroom, got ready, went to the commissary, got cash, walked down the street to exchange it for won, and set off to Happy Quilt on my own! Big Girl in a foreign country! As we drove up, I read the small English sign - open Wendsday and Saturday ONLY! Bummer. Cole said "That's ok Mommy, we can just come back Saturday.... after my game" Thanks baby!
He has a soccer game on Saturday, and we've only had one practice. He's got red jersey #3. Four boys and Six girls (who are taller and faster then all the boys put together!) make up the un-named red team. I hope Keith is up for taking pictures on his fancy camera. Dang you Cannon Powershot and your non-water loving ways!
I thought this was decided, but now I'm second guessing. I hate making decisions. I think I am a horrible decision maker. It all stems back to August of 1999 and a man named Doyle (if you know what I mean.) Now I always second guess myself. I can't make a big decision to save my life. I'll question and question over and over. The same pros and the same cons.......
I am a great follower. Just tell me and I'll do it. I don't want to be the one in charge. I so wanted to hear that I didn't have a choice. I even chickened out on the phone asking for a number I could call them back - like I was too busy to talk. Cluck, cluck.
Yesterday I followed some girls to a place called Happy Quilt. Happy Quilt is a fabric store. Some might go as far as calling it a shed. It has more patterned cotton then I've ever seen in my life. There was so much "stuff". My mother would have been in heaven. I was going to bring the camera, but lets just say that mine is temporarily out of order. Quite possibly for longer then a couple of years. There was a couple of things I fell in love with, but I didn't bring any won. (Won is the currency here - you probably knew that, but it looks funny so close to the word any)
Today I woke up, cleaned the house, separated lego men (more on that another time), made lunch, cleaned the bathroom, got ready, went to the commissary, got cash, walked down the street to exchange it for won, and set off to Happy Quilt on my own! Big Girl in a foreign country! As we drove up, I read the small English sign - open Wendsday and Saturday ONLY! Bummer. Cole said "That's ok Mommy, we can just come back Saturday.... after my game" Thanks baby!
He has a soccer game on Saturday, and we've only had one practice. He's got red jersey #3. Four boys and Six girls (who are taller and faster then all the boys put together!) make up the un-named red team. I hope Keith is up for taking pictures on his fancy camera. Dang you Cannon Powershot and your non-water loving ways!
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