Stokes PK3

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What's the issue with the PK program?


I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

So let me get this straight-- you think teaching kids to be independent and to learn how help themselves to be an issue?

From where I stand, the PK teachers are not overwhelmed with the ratio of kids. They have shown me that they have an amazing amount of patience and warmth. Even call me from time to time to tell me that my child did this or that today (always positive)... My child (PK4) certainly knows how to hold a pencil and is practicing letter writing almost every day. It sounds like that whatever your issues are with the PK program at Stokes, they could be handed more directly by talking with the teachers instead of writing about it on DCUM.

With as great as I think Stokes is, I fully understand that it may not be your cup of tea and you should probably make a plan to find a new school. what you see an an "issue" I see as helping my child to become more independent.

This is an example of the emails we get...

"The reminders:
• ?Please don’t send your child in lace-up shoes if he/she does not know how to tie them – few do. It can create a persistent chore for teachers, especially when students are particularly adept at untying shoelaces.
• ?Please keep toys at home unless it is your child’s share day. Toys create angst, conflict, and envy. We collect many of these little distractions to return at the end of the day or end of the week.
• ?Please have you big, strong scholar carry his or her own backpack. Also, please come directly to Before Care before 9am. It is easier for us to track who is not remembering his or her backpack when everyone has one. Scholars ultimately appreciate this small measure of responsibility."

I think these emails are great! Are you saying they are crossing the line?

[Anonymous]

^^ Are those supposed to be examples that are inappropriate? They all seem very appropriate to me. I still send my K'er in elastic waist pants and velcro shoes because I don't want him walking around with unsnapped pants and shoes untied. It's definitely NOT the teachers' responsibility to dress and undress multiple kids multiple times a day.

I chaperoned a field trip to Cox farms once and the kids kept taking off their shoes to go down the slides, and it was horrible to have to keep tying them again and again. And I only had four kids in my group! (Not a Stokes parent, BTW.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

What's the issue with the PK program?


I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

So let me get this straight-- you think teaching kids to be independent and to learn how help themselves to be an issue?

From where I stand, the PK teachers are not overwhelmed with the ratio of kids. They have shown me that they have an amazing amount of patience and warmth. Even call me from time to time to tell me that my child did this or that today (always positive)... My child (PK4) certainly knows how to hold a pencil and is practicing letter writing almost every day. It sounds like that whatever your issues are with the PK program at Stokes, they could be handed more directly by talking with the teachers instead of writing about it on DCUM.

With as great as I think Stokes is, I fully understand that it may not be your cup of tea and you should probably make a plan to find a new school. what you see an an "issue" I see as helping my child to become more independent.

A prek 4 child is different from a PS3 child. I am betting that your child didn't go to Stokes for PS3. I as well as other parents have spoken to the teachers and the issues have not been addressed. I have also went to the administration and was assured that the issue would be handled and it is not. I am all for children learning to be independent, HOWEVER, some things are part of their job. No teacher should watch a child struggle to get in and to the bathroom in time when there are bathrooms in the classroom. No child should be bullied, fondled with, kissed, hit, etc. while outside playing because the teachers are too busy having personal conversations. What is good for your family obviously does not sit well with mine. My issue is not with Stokes as a whole, it is with the lack of organization with the Administration and the negligence by SOME teachers

[Anonymous]

"The reminders:
• ?Please don’t send your child in lace-up shoes if he/she does not know how to tie them – few do. It can create a persistent chore for teachers, especially when students are particularly adept at untying shoelaces.
• ?Please keep toys at home unless it is your child’s share day. Toys create angst, conflict, and envy. We collect many of these little distractions to return at the end of the day or end of the week.
• ?Please have you big, strong scholar carry his or her own backpack. Also, please come directly to Before Care before 9am. It is easier for us to track who is not remembering his or her backpack when everyone has one. Scholars ultimately appreciate this small measure of responsibility."

These reminders are very reasonable to me and similar to the requests our teacher made at a different charter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What's the issue with the PK program?


I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

So let me get this straight-- you think teaching kids to be independent and to learn how help themselves to be an issue?

From where I stand, the PK teachers are not overwhelmed with the ratio of kids. They have shown me that they have an amazing amount of patience and warmth. Even call me from time to time to tell me that my child did this or that today (always positive)... My child (PK4) certainly knows how to hold a pencil and is practicing letter writing almost every day. It sounds like that whatever your issues are with the PK program at Stokes, they could be handed more directly by talking with the teachers instead of writing about it on DCUM.

With as great as I think Stokes is, I fully understand that it may not be your cup of tea and you should probably make a plan to find a new school. what you see an an "issue" I see as helping my child to become more independent.

A prek 4 child is different from a PS3 child. I am betting that your child didn't go to Stokes for PS3. I as well as other parents have spoken to the teachers and the issues have not been addressed. I have also went to the administration and was assured that the issue would be handled and it is not. I am all for children learning to be independent, HOWEVER, some things are part of their job. No teacher should watch a child struggle to get in and to the bathroom in time when there are bathrooms in the classroom. No child should be bullied, fondled with, kissed, hit, etc. while outside playing because the teachers are too busy having personal conversations. What is good for your family obviously does not sit well with mine. My issue is not with Stokes as a whole, it is with the lack of organization with the Administration and the negligence by SOME teachers

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What's the issue with the PK program?


I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

So let me get this straight-- you think teaching kids to be independent and to learn how help themselves to be an issue?

From where I stand, the PK teachers are not overwhelmed with the ratio of kids. They have shown me that they have an amazing amount of patience and warmth. Even call me from time to time to tell me that my child did this or that today (always positive)... My child (PK4) certainly knows how to hold a pencil and is practicing letter writing almost every day. It sounds like that whatever your issues are with the PK program at Stokes, they could be handed more directly by talking with the teachers instead of writing about it on DCUM.

With as great as I think Stokes is, I fully understand that it may not be your cup of tea and you should probably make a plan to find a new school. what you see an an "issue" I see as helping my child to become more independent.

This is an example of the emails we get...

"The reminders:
• ?Please don’t send your child in lace-up shoes if he/she does not know how to tie them – few do. It can create a persistent chore for teachers, especially when students are particularly adept at untying shoelaces.
• ?Please keep toys at home unless it is your child’s share day. Toys create angst, conflict, and envy. We collect many of these little distractions to return at the end of the day or end of the week.
• ?Please have you big, strong scholar carry his or her own backpack. Also, please come directly to Before Care before 9am. It is easier for us to track who is not remembering his or her backpack when everyone has one. Scholars ultimately appreciate this small measure of responsibility."

I think these emails are great! Are you saying they are crossing the line?

I am not saying they are crossing the line. I am providing an example of why I don't think the PK program is a good fit for my family. They can not expect a 3 year old to do the same things and be as independent as the 5 year olds in the same class. Because of the teachers inability to help the children my DC does where shoes to school with no shoelaces. If a family is looking for a more nurturing and caring environment the Stokes PREK3 program is not for them... (which is my point)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^ Are those supposed to be examples that are inappropriate? They all seem very appropriate to me. I still send my K'er in elastic waist pants and velcro shoes because I don't want him walking around with unsnapped pants and shoes untied. It's definitely NOT the teachers' responsibility to dress and undress multiple kids multiple times a day.

I chaperoned a field trip to Cox farms once and the kids kept taking off their shoes to go down the slides, and it was horrible to have to keep tying them again and again. And I only had four kids in my group! (Not a Stokes parent, BTW.)

I think that it should be expected that teachers will have to assist 3 year olds. Many families on here are concerned about how much help their 3 year old will get and this is an example of what they will get. It is understandable that teachers cannot help 20 kids, or maybe not even the 3-5 that need assistance but if a family is looking for that, Stokes is not the place for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What's the issue with the PK program?


I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

So let me get this straight-- you think teaching kids to be independent and to learn how help themselves to be an issue?

From where I stand, the PK teachers are not overwhelmed with the ratio of kids. They have shown me that they have an amazing amount of patience and warmth. Even call me from time to time to tell me that my child did this or that today (always positive)... My child (PK4) certainly knows how to hold a pencil and is practicing letter writing almost every day. It sounds like that whatever your issues are with the PK program at Stokes, they could be handed more directly by talking with the teachers instead of writing about it on DCUM.

With as great as I think Stokes is, I fully understand that it may not be your cup of tea and you should probably make a plan to find a new school. what you see an an "issue" I see as helping my child to become more independent.

This is an example of the emails we get...

"The reminders:
• ?Please don’t send your child in lace-up shoes if he/she does not know how to tie them – few do. It can create a persistent chore for teachers, especially when students are particularly adept at untying shoelaces.
• ?Please keep toys at home unless it is your child’s share day. Toys create angst, conflict, and envy. We collect many of these little distractions to return at the end of the day or end of the week.
• ?Please have you big, strong scholar carry his or her own backpack. Also, please come directly to Before Care before 9am. It is easier for us to track who is not remembering his or her backpack when everyone has one. Scholars ultimately appreciate this small measure of responsibility."

I think these emails are great! Are you saying they are crossing the line?

I am not saying they are crossing the line. I am providing an example of why I don't think the PK program is a good fit for my family. They can not expect a 3 year old to do the same things and be as independent as the 5 year olds in the same class. Because of the teachers inability to help the children my DC does where shoes to school with no shoelaces. If a family is looking for a more nurturing and caring environment the Stokes PREK3 program is not for them... (which is my point)

Okay, your point is taken. But I think that the email you shared is not unusual for a charter school. Toys were explicitly not allowed at both the charter schools we had our kids at, and they also encouraged kids to wear clothes that they were able to get on and off by themselves. We had to work with our child to be able to roll his own nap mat up, because it wasn't feasible for the staff to be rolling 14 nap mats every day. But they were caring, loving teachers who were absolutely wonderful with children.

Perhaps you found that the teachers were not nurturing or caring, but I think that the shoes thing is a poor example. I hope you found a school that was a better fit for your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

What's the issue with the PK program?


I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.

So let me get this straight-- you think teaching kids to be independent and to learn how help themselves to be an issue?

From where I stand, the PK teachers are not overwhelmed with the ratio of kids. They have shown me that they have an amazing amount of patience and warmth. Even call me from time to time to tell me that my child did this or that today (always positive)... My child (PK4) certainly knows how to hold a pencil and is practicing letter writing almost every day. It sounds like that whatever your issues are with the PK program at Stokes, they could be handed more directly by talking with the teachers instead of writing about it on DCUM.

With as great as I think Stokes is, I fully understand that it may not be your cup of tea and you should probably make a plan to find a new school. what you see an an "issue" I see as helping my child to become more independent.

A prek 4 child is different from a PS3 child. I am betting that your child didn't go to Stokes for PS3. I as well as other parents have spoken to the teachers and the issues have not been addressed. I have also went to the administration and was assured that the issue would be handled and it is not. I am all for children learning to be independent, HOWEVER, some things are part of their job. No teacher should watch a child struggle to get in and to the bathroom in time when there are bathrooms in the classroom. No child should be bullied, fondled with, kissed, hit, etc. while outside playing because the teachers are too busy having personal conversations. What is good for your family obviously does not sit well with mine. My issue is not with Stokes as a whole, it is with the lack of organization with the Administration and the negligence by SOME teachers

Wait...fondling, bullying, kissing? We just got accepted to the K program...now I'm worried. I love the school where she is now but, the language immersion is attractive to us. Language and logistics were the only reasons we're switching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
What's the issue with the PK program?


I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.


So let me get this straight-- you think teaching kids to be independent and to learn how help themselves to be an issue?

From where I stand, the PK teachers are not overwhelmed with the ratio of kids. They have shown me that they have an amazing amount of patience and warmth. Even call me from time to time to tell me that my child did this or that today (always positive)... My child (PK4) certainly knows how to hold a pencil and is practicing letter writing almost every day. It sounds like that whatever your issues are with the PK program at Stokes, they could be handed more directly by talking with the teachers instead of writing about it on DCUM.

With as great as I think Stokes is, I fully understand that it may not be your cup of tea and you should probably make a plan to find a new school. what you see an an "issue" I see as helping my child to become more independent.


A prek 4 child is different from a PS3 child. I am betting that your child didn't go to Stokes for PS3. I as well as other parents have spoken to the teachers and the issues have not been addressed. I have also went to the administration and was assured that the issue would be handled and it is not. I am all for children learning to be independent, HOWEVER, some things are part of their job. No teacher should watch a child struggle to get in and to the bathroom in time when there are bathrooms in the classroom. No child should be bullied, fondled with, kissed, hit, etc. while outside playing because the teachers are too busy having personal conversations. What is good for your family obviously does not sit well with mine. My issue is not with Stokes as a whole, it is with the lack of organization with the Administration and the negligence by SOME teachers

I am the PP who said that my PK4 child is doing well at Stokes. I'd like to address a few things in your last post.
1) My family has been at the school for 5 years now. I have an older child who started in PK. My now, PK4 year old was there in PS3, so I have many years experience with the school and the PK program.
2)What child is being bullied or fondled, kissed or hit? and to use the phrase "Negligence by SOME Teachers". You didn't mention this previously and now you say these are your issues??? I'm confused-- I thought you had an issue with the school pushing independence on your child-- now you say he/she is being fondled or bullied and teachers are neglecting children...Please explain.
3) Maybe it is time to find a better fit for you and your child. Many families are thrilled with the school-- and before you assume- I am not a parent who thinks there are no faults with the school-- I do recognize the faults and I also see ways to improve things like communication, etc-- but the good, by far, outweighs the bad. You do not seem to like it at Stokes and another family would love the opportunity to attend.

[Anonymous]

Wait...fondling, bullying, kissing? We just got accepted to the K program...now I'm worried. I love the school where she is now but, the language immersion is attractive to us. Language and logistics were the only reasons we're switching.

We are finishing our 5th year in the school and no one has been inappropriate to my child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Wait...fondling, bullying, kissing? We just got accepted to the K program...now I'm worried. I love the school where she is now but, the language immersion is attractive to us. Language and logistics were the only reasons we're switching.

We are finishing our 5th year in the school and no one has been inappropriate to my child.

Every issue isn't in every classroom... this was a specific incident between two lower grade classrooms...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
What's the issue with the PK program?


I guess it is all about what you are looking for. My kid has a foreign language vocabulary but doesn't know how to hold a pencil (because they are not emphasizing skills other than learning a language). They frequently have to separate the PK kids based on age (and size) because of behavioral issues... mainly older kids not so nice to the younger ones. They don't want to help your kids with ANYTHING. Not putting on a jacket, help in the bathroom, tying shoes... NOTHING. In fact they sent emails home requesting parents to make sure the kids can do it themselves or facilitating an easier option like putting velcro shoes on, and pants with no buttons. I think the student teacher ratio is about 9 to 1 and the teachers are overwhelmed with the small classroom sizes and the number of children.


So let me get this straight-- you think teaching kids to be independent and to learn how help themselves to be an issue?

From where I stand, the PK teachers are not overwhelmed with the ratio of kids. They have shown me that they have an amazing amount of patience and warmth. Even call me from time to time to tell me that my child did this or that today (always positive)... My child (PK4) certainly knows how to hold a pencil and is practicing letter writing almost every day. It sounds like that whatever your issues are with the PK program at Stokes, they could be handed more directly by talking with the teachers instead of writing about it on DCUM.

With as great as I think Stokes is, I fully understand that it may not be your cup of tea and you should probably make a plan to find a new school. what you see an an "issue" I see as helping my child to become more independent.


A prek 4 child is different from a PS3 child. I am betting that your child didn't go to Stokes for PS3. I as well as other parents have spoken to the teachers and the issues have not been addressed. I have also went to the administration and was assured that the issue would be handled and it is not. I am all for children learning to be independent, HOWEVER, some things are part of their job. No teacher should watch a child struggle to get in and to the bathroom in time when there are bathrooms in the classroom. No child should be bullied, fondled with, kissed, hit, etc. while outside playing because the teachers are too busy having personal conversations. What is good for your family obviously does not sit well with mine. My issue is not with Stokes as a whole, it is with the lack of organization with the Administration and the negligence by SOME teachers

I am the PP who said that my PK4 child is doing well at Stokes. I'd like to address a few things in your last post.
1) My family has been at the school for 5 years now. I have an older child who started in PK. My now, PK4 year old was there in PS3, so I have many years experience with the school and the PK program.
2)What child is being bullied or fondled, kissed or hit? and to use the phrase "Negligence by SOME Teachers". You didn't mention this previously and now you say these are your issues??? I'm confused-- I thought you had an issue with the school pushing independence on your child-- now you say he/she is being fondled or bullied and teachers are neglecting children...Please explain.
3) Maybe it is time to find a better fit for you and your child. Many families are thrilled with the school-- and before you assume- I am not a parent who thinks there are no faults with the school-- I do recognize the faults and I also see ways to improve things like communication, etc-- but the good, by far, outweighs the bad. You do not seem to like it at Stokes and another family would love the opportunity to attend.

The fondling and kissing between students did not happen to my child. And since the two children involved were in two separate classrooms your PK child has a 50/50 chance of being in the class with either student. I'm sure if you specifically ask if any issue had been reported you will know this to be true. Talk to your room parents, I am sure they know. The bullying (or aggressive play "boys will be boys" according to the teacher) did involve my child. I didn't say that I had an issue with the independence. I said that is not for my 3 year old child. That is fine for the 5 year olds. In all I was referring to numerous issues in the school, some of which are applicable to me. I have said numerous times that the upper grades are ok in my opinion and that its just not for MY family. Some families (like yours) love the school. And its probably because they have never experienced any issues.

And if it were that easy to get out, I would. Its not like I can go apply at a school that I think is a better fit for us. The schools choose the families. The families don't choose the schools.

[Anonymous]

The fondling and kissing between students did not happen to my child. And since the two children involved were in two separate classrooms your PK child has a 50/50 chance of being in the class with either student. I'm sure if you specifically ask if any issue had been reported you will know this to be true. Talk to your room parents, I am sure they know. The bullying (or aggressive play "boys will be boys" according to the teacher) did involve my child. I didn't say that I had an issue with the independence. I said that is not for my 3 year old child. That is fine for the 5 year olds. In all I was referring to numerous issues in the school, some of which are applicable to me. I have said numerous times that the upper grades are ok in my opinion and that its just not for MY family. Some families (like yours) love the school. And its probably because they have never experienced any issues.

And if it were that easy to get out, I would. Its not like I can go apply at a school that I think is a better fit for us. The schools choose the families. The families don't choose the schools.

I'm sorry this happened to you. I hope that it is resolved soon for you-- whether it be finding another school or finding a solution within the school. Do you have children in the upper grades? I ask this because if I've heard any complaints its in the upper grades, so how do you know the upper grades are fine?

[Anonymous]

I'm not saying that the older grades don't have small issues. But as a member of the PTA, where some of these things are discussed (amongst PTA members). I haven't heard the same issues...