Is it bad that I left orientation today feeling underwhelmed?

[Anonymous]

Yuck.. Which schools are these?

[Anonymous]

I was at Wood Acres and felt the same lack of energy from the teacher as well as from other school staff adults. It was a complete waste of time. Can't believe I came home early from vacation for this.

[Anonymous]

Our school had a bouncy house, pizza and ice cream, and a dj. Kids running around the hallways saying hello to each other, asking who they got. Visiting past teachers to say hello. Kids didn't want to leave.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was at Wood Acres and felt the same lack of energy from the teacher as well as from other school staff adults. It was a complete waste of time. Can't believe I came home early from vacation for this.

I am wondering what you expected from your school's open house?

Here is what I expect from my school's open house: my child will see the classroom, my child and I will say hello to the teacher, my child will put the school supplies in her cubby, my child will say hello to classmates, I will say hello to classmates' parents. After that we go home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was at Wood Acres and felt the same lack of energy from the teacher as well as from other school staff adults. It was a complete waste of time. Can't believe I came home early from vacation for this.

I am wondering what you expected from your school's open house?

Here is what I expect from my school's open house: my child will see the classroom, my child and I will say hello to the teacher, my child will put the school supplies in her cubby, my child will say hello to classmates, I will say hello to classmates' parents. After that we go home.

Same here and I am a teacher. We had our Sneak a Peak at Your Seat today. The first week back for teachers is exhausting with meetings, meetings and more meetings when all we want to do is get our rooms ready. I came home today and fell asleep for 3 hrs.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry to hear that, op. We had a great open house. There was an excited vibe the whole time. The staff had put together a scavenger hunt with a lollipop prize and the kids had fun going to the various locations (ie they had to go to the art and music room and media center for signatures--places they may not have visited otherwise). The teachers my 2 kids have were super friendly and the other teachers we passed in the hall were engaging. Not all of MCPS is miserable, new parents! I'm on the pta and we are always desperate for volunteers. I hope that parents who aren't on the pta don't think that we don't want or need help.

[Anonymous]

Here is what I expect from my school's open house: my child will see the classroom, my child and I will say hello to the teacher, my child will put the school supplies in her cubby, my child will say hello to classmates, I will say hello to classmates' parents. After that we go home.

Here's the thing. The school can make it happen that you will see the classroom and say hello to the teacher. But as for saying hello to classmates and their parents, well, that depends on who shows up and whether you and your child interact. And, as for supplies, well, I guess that depends on the school because ours does not allow them to come during orientation.

What happens at ours is that you meet the teacher, give the teacher your contact information, choose the class supplies that you will donate, see your child's desk assignment, meet the specials teachers (PE, music and reading), meet the special ed teachers if they are relevant to you, join the PTA, buy spirit wear, pick up your school supplies if you ordered them through the PTA, and sign up for lunch. I'm satisfied. Bonus is getting to see all of the neighborhood kids getting ready to go back to school.

[Anonymous]

The only thing that could have been a little better, is that there is obviously a weekly agenda that they follow (or at least it appears that there is looking at the wall.) It'd be good if that type of info is communicated. Essentially "today is {art, gym, library, etc.} day". Or do MC schools really just doing random days. I know from past school it was good as parent to know which day it is, just so you can at least remind kind, and make sure that they're wearing gym appropriate clothing (for girls especially) on that day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The only thing that could have been a little better, is that there is obviously a weekly agenda that they follow (or at least it appears that there is looking at the wall.) It'd be good if that type of info is communicated. Essentially "today is {art, gym, library, etc.} day". Or do MC schools really just doing random days. I know from past school it was good as parent to know which day it is, just so you can at least remind kind, and make sure that they're wearing gym appropriate clothing (for girls especially) on that day.

You'll get the schedule during the first week of school and also at back to school night. I've had kids in MCPS ES for 11 years not and I'm convinced that they don't finalize the scheduled until the first week of school. But seriously, no harm no foul. It's not like you have to do anything different for most specials and they go easy on kids for the first few weeks of PE.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The only thing that could have been a little better, is that there is obviously a weekly agenda that they follow (or at least it appears that there is looking at the wall.) It'd be good if that type of info is communicated. Essentially "today is {art, gym, library, etc.} day". Or do MC schools really just doing random days. I know from past school it was good as parent to know which day it is, just so you can at least remind kind, and make sure that they're wearing gym appropriate clothing (for girls especially) on that day.

You'll get the schedule during the first week of school and also at back to school night. I've had kids in MCPS ES for 11 years not and I'm convinced that they don't finalize the scheduled until the first week of school. But seriously, no harm no foul. It's not like you have to do anything different for most specials and they go easy on kids for the first few weeks of PE.

And it will be on line, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, my DD had one teacher a few years back that only allowed 2 parents in to volunteer one day a week. The rest of the class was denied. When another parent confronted the principal about it, they said the teacher picks a few to help but you can help out in the media center once a week.

So it isn't just your school.

And by 2 parents, I meant the SAME 2 parents all year long. It was total BS.

I am so happy when other people do all the volunteering, so I don't have to. Win/win.

Well some parents like to help and be involved. You sound like a lazy mom that teachers hate anyway.

[Anonymous]

Beverly Farms had a spectacular sneak peek. DD enjoyed pony rides, artisanal food stations, Harry Potter costumed characters roaming around, a world-class DJ and amazing gift bags for everyone. All of the kids had a wonderful time in our new campus. Sorry yours was not as good.

[Anonymous]

I don't believe you, PP. Artisinal food stations? Please.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't believe you, PP. Artisanal food stations? Please.

Right. It's not Somerset ES, after all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Same here. We were in there for 5 minutes. The teacher showed no interest at all in speaking with us beyond "hi, nice to meet you, see you Monday." The classroom was pretty empty at that point, too. She was just standing there.

DS is in 2nd grade and I'd love to be able to afford private. We are in a supposedly great district, but I am definitely underwhelmed.

I hope you realize that during preservice week, teachers are constantly in meetings - with very little time to work in classrooms. In fact, I'm certain that many have been in schools this weekend.

I'm always amazed at how ignorant folks are on this forum.