MCPS Parents -- What would you tell teachers if you could?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please don’t take away recess. We know you’re not supposed to so don’t even threaten it. Come up with other consequences. You shouldn’t put up with bad behavior though, but find something not involving fresh air and exercise.

Going into my 25th year in mcps and i’m struggling to recall a teacher I’ve wired with who took away recess as a punishment. It’s just a big a punishment for the teacher as the kids, why would anyone do that to themselves?? I’m not sure this is something worth worrying about.

We had a new teacher this year who said they were going to do this, but backed off when parents pointed out there is an MCPS policy against it.

[Anonymous]

I wish teachers in ES would send a weekly email or newsletter with what they are covering and upcoming important dates. That would keep me from reaching out to ask questions that otherwise are covered in the email. Some teachers are great about this and others really don’t communicate much at all.

And thank you for all you do! I know you have a difficult job and if there is something parents can do to support you, please let us know. Happy to buy supplies, volunteer, and address any issues that come up with my kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Please don’t take away recess. We know you’re not supposed to so don’t even threaten it. Come up with other consequences. You shouldn’t put up with bad behavior though, but find something not involving fresh air and exercise.

Going into my 25th year in mcps and i’m struggling to recall a teacher I’ve wired with who took away recess as a punishment. It’s just a big a punishment for the teacher as the kids, why would anyone do that to themselves?? I’m not sure this is something
worth worrying about.

I’m the PP. it was actually a lunch aide who did it. Not a teacher, she made my kid sit on the stage indoors for the entire recess.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wish teachers in ES would send a weekly email or newsletter with what they are covering and upcoming important dates. That would keep me from reaching out to ask questions that otherwise are covered in the email. Some teachers are great about this and others really don’t communicate much at all.

And thank you for all you do! I know you have a difficult job and if there is something parents can do to support you, please let us know. Happy to buy supplies, volunteer, and address any issues that come up with my kid.

Agree with all this! I actually like the eureka math workbooks because I know what they are doing in class and they get some reinforcement at home. But I had no idea, for example, what RGR skills they were working on unless I asked, and I hated to always be bothering the teacher.

[Anonymous]

That I view them as professionals and that I, as a parent, am not here to try to micromanage how they do things. That if they tell me my kid isn’t staying on task in class I take it seriously and do what I can to try to get him to do better. That to the extent they can communicate (via canvas, email/newsletter/homework/however) what’s being covered in class, I can better help my kid at home on any subjects/topics that he might need extra practice or reinforcement on, so he’s not asking for extra help during class or bothering them at lunch.

[Anonymous]

Communication is key. Have had several teachers send weekly emails of what they homework is for the week to come, what topics or just a blurb of what's going on. Weekly email ahead of the week is the sweet spot. Daily is too much and monthly not enough.

We are all working hard at our respective occupations to make this world a little better to live in and I respect you for doing your part.

[Anonymous]

Consider disbanding your union and creating another.
Teachers know that the schools are overcrowded. It effects them as much as it effects the students.
A strong teachers union could leverage for a vast improvement in the ways our schools are run.
Instead we all sit around hoping for the general population to vote in a better board.
That's unlikely to ever happen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question: why don’t you ask kids to turn in their homework? If it’s done electronically, why don’t you take a moment in class and say, “ok kids, let’s take a couple minutes and upload assignment three to your portal” or whatever? And the look and say, “Ryan, Melissa, John, why have you not turned in your homework?” Why are there no consequences other than a lower grade for kids who do not turn in hw?

When I was a kid, teachers asked for homework to be turned in and if you didn’t have it, they’d call you out on it in front of everyone and sometimes even call your parents

If you do that, DCUM is going to come after you with pitchforks because you humiliated their child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Let's go the other way. Parents, what would you tell teachers specifically? This is not the same as what you would tell administration or central office.

Why are you always taking days off? At any other job you'd be fired.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's go the other way. Parents, what would you tell teachers specifically? This is not the same as what you would tell administration or central office.

Why are you always taking days off? At any other job you'd be fired.

Teachers have leave and they should be able to take it. Why shame teachers for taking earned leave and honoring a work/life balance?

Teachers, I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I know my child can be demanding because of his learning differences, and I’m grateful for all of the effort you put toward him. You’ve made me cry tears of gratitude when you show me you know him. It helps me realize I’ve got a partner.

I also want you to know the majority of us are deeply appreciative. Don’t take DCUM to be the norm!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We respect you and appreciate you.

Seriously. You are saints. Let me know how to help you with this insane school environment.

[Anonymous]

Please focus on teaching our kids and not pushing cultural Maoism on our children. There is no reason to devote time to in vogue topic of the Left--Critical Race Theory, Gender Identity, Intersectionality, the bashing of America and meritocracy. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wish teachers in ES would send a weekly email or newsletter with what they are covering and upcoming important dates. That would keep me from reaching out to ask questions that otherwise are covered in the email. Some teachers are great about this and others really don’t communicate much at all.

And thank you for all you do! I know you have a difficult job and if there is something parents can do to support you, please let us know. Happy to buy supplies, volunteer, and address any issues that come up with my kid.

Agree with all this! I actually like the eureka math workbooks because I know what they are doing in class and they get some reinforcement at home. But I had no idea, for example, what RGR skills they were working on unless I asked, and I hated to always be bothering the teacher.

Unless your kid is below grade level I doubt they're doing much of anything. I think mine had a reading group every other month.

[Anonymous]

Most of us are interested in our kids education and we need you to communicate more with us and allow us to be involved.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Let's go the other way. Parents, what would you tell teachers specifically? This is not the same as what you would tell administration or central office.

Why are you always taking days off? At any other job you'd be fired.

How do you know they are "off" and not in meetings of one kind or another?