February 21, 2006
Looking at Something Else
I'm starting to think it might be better if I look into private school for Son...and Daughter. I've heard some things about the school district we're in, and more specifically Son's Elementary school, and I'm not too thrilled.
Let me ask you this: if you knew the principal of your child's school didn't want to have parents around, whether for PTO or holiday parties for the kids, wouldn't you get a little leery of the whole thing?
I'm going to call one of the Catholic schools tomorrow and see what I can find out. One of the other moms is going to call the Christian academy, so we'll see what we find out.
I would love to homeschool, and I know I could do it, but I also know my kids.
I'm so frustrated. I don't want to take Son away from the friends he's made, but I have to worry about his academic progression too, don't I?
Show Comments »
Yikes, yeah, that principal gives me the creeps just from your short description. Of course, I'm already sold on homeschooling.
I say you do what is right for your children in the long run. If his friends are real friends, you can find a way to fit them into his life away from school. And if that doesn't work, he can always make new ones. Sorry to sound harsh, but his life will be full of opportunities to make friends -- you only get one chance to raise him right.
Posted by: Brian B at February 21, 2006 04:31 PMNo, you're not harsh at all. I've already gone over all that, and I know that there will be plenty of opportunities for Son to make new friends. He's only six, it wouldn't be like I'm ripping him out of high school or anything.
As for that principal, well, there are more issues with that woman that just parental involvement.
Posted by: GroovyVic at February 21, 2006 07:06 PMThat would make me very uneasy if a school administrator didn't want to have parents around. I don't blame you for considering other options.
Posted by: Nancy at February 21, 2006 08:15 PMI know several people that home school. All of them do it because they're sick of the BS at the public schools.
I would be very leary of a principal that DOESN'T encourage parental involvement. Definitely look into private schools. Like Brian said, you can fit your son's current friends into his weekends, school breaks, etc.
Posted by: junebee at February 21, 2006 09:25 PMI agree about the principal. That's not good. I don't know how old your kids are, but if they're outgoing enough they won't have many problems making new friends, and you can always keep in touch with their other friends and do play dates and birthday parties. Our kids' school is great, but they're being sent to a new school next year because of redistricting. Fortunately, a lot of their teachers, administrators, and friends are being shipped to the new school too. This is all assuming they finish construction on time which would be a miracle too. Look into some other schools and take your time making a decision. You don't want to make too quick of a decision.
Posted by: Laura at February 22, 2006 10:12 AMIf you're having issues with the principal, take it to your school board. I would try all avenues first before making the decision to move him to a private school or homeschool. The elementary school my youngest went to here was excellent. The principal knew every child by name and most parents, too. The secretary knew all the kids, too and was often the only one to show some of them affection. She loved the kids and would hug them...well, until a parent complained! I told her she could hug my #2 any time. We just ran into her a couple of months ago when she was working a concession stand at a football game. Anyway, she came right out and gave #2 a hug! (it had been 4 years and #2 has grown quite a bit since then!)
Personally, there is no way I could homeschool my two...my #1's smarter than I am by far and my #2 and I have had aggravating sessions of "homework help" as it is.
Sorry...babbling...
Posted by: Anna at February 22, 2006 11:51 PM