Is SSMA really that bad?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a primary and lower elementary student. Both kids have fantastic teachers. The school isn’t perfect, but I can tell you that communication issues have improved significantly this school year. The parent community is great and have been impressed about how quick they were able to pull together distance learning in comparison to well regarded Dcps schools. By the second week, their distance learning program was full in motion. Teachers have been remained on top of everything (following up with families, having daily interactions with kids, providing feedback on school assignments etc.)

I'm sorry, but the idea that the school is on top of distance learning is insane. SSMA's distance learning is a joke. My preschooler literally had a lesson over zoom where her teacher demonstrated the motion to be used in teeth brushing. I would simply opt out but the school has said that they are taking attendance during distance learning and will refer families to CPS for 10 absences. My suspicion is that CPS has bigger things to worry about right now but getting my child to listen to 15 minutes of idiotic chatter from her teacher seems easier than dealing with a potential CPS referral.

Wow so they are threatening families to call CPS if you don’t participate? That is crazy.

[Anonymous]

That is not true at all. Yes, they are taking attendance and have also asked parents to report to the teacher any absences (as you would normally do). At no point I have felt threatened by the school admin.

If you believe that explaining a kid how to brush their teeth or engage in any practical life lessons, then I suggest to reevaluate if Montessori is right for your family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That is not true at all. Yes, they are taking attendance and have also asked parents to report to the teacher any absences (as you would normally do). At no point I have felt threatened by the school admin.

If you believe that explaining a kid how to brush their teeth or engage in any practical life lessons, then I suggest to reevaluate if Montessori is right for your family.

Taking attendance means there is a reason for it so what is the reason? Or it implies that it is required or mandatory.

Why would the PP make a comment about CPS like that if it was not true? I don’t see you refuting what PP is saying.

I’m sorry but that’s a joke making my kid watch a stupid video explaining how to brush his teeth when he already knows how to do it. There should be an opt out option. If not and things like this is mandatory, then SSMA has got some issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is not true at all. Yes, they are taking attendance and have also asked parents to report to the teacher any absences (as you would normally do). At no point I have felt threatened by the school admin.

If you believe that explaining a kid how to brush their teeth or engage in any practical life lessons, then I suggest to reevaluate if Montessori is right for your family.

Taking attendance means there is a reason for it so what is the reason? Or it implies that it is required or mandatory.

Why would the PP make a comment about CPS like that if it was not true? I don’t see you refuting what PP is saying.

I’m sorry but that’s a joke making my kid watch a stupid video explaining how to brush his teeth when he already knows how to do it. There should be an opt out option. If not and things like this is mandatory, then SSMA has got some issues.

No dog in this fight, but my first grader could use that lesson.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That is not true at all. Yes, they are taking attendance and have also asked parents to report to the teacher any absences (as you would normally do). At no point I have felt threatened by the school admin.

If you believe that explaining a kid how to brush their teeth or engage in any practical life lessons, then I suggest to reevaluate if Montessori is right for your family.

I am so tired of SSMA boosters simply lying. It's one thing if you want to argue that the school is correct to refer families to CPS but why would you lie. The news and notes sent out on April 12th stated "Attendance, even virtual, is essential to student progress and achievement. Beginning on Tuesday, April 15th, SSMA parents of students not logging into Google Classroom/Hangout will receive an Attendance Report Notice. As in the past, students with 5-7 absences will receive a call from a member of the Attendance Team and your Guide— to find out how we can support your child’s virtual attendance. Unfortunately 10 or more “absences “ will be referred to Child and Family Services Agency."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That is not true at all. Yes, they are taking attendance and have also asked parents to report to the teacher any absences (as you would normally do). At no point I have felt threatened by the school admin.

If you believe that explaining a kid how to brush their teeth or engage in any practical life lessons, then I suggest to reevaluate if Montessori is right for your family.

I have no objection to explaining to a child how to brush their teach. I have serious objection to a requirement that my 3 year old join a zoom call to hear this explanation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is not true at all. Yes, they are taking attendance and have also asked parents to report to the teacher any absences (as you would normally do). At no point I have felt threatened by the school admin.

If you believe that explaining a kid how to brush their teeth or engage in any practical life lessons, then I suggest to reevaluate if Montessori is right for your family.

I have no objection to explaining to a child how to brush their teach. I have serious objection to a requirement that my 3 year old join a zoom call to hear this explanation.

You are free to withdraw your child from SSMA at any point during the year. Since it's PK3 you don't even have to homeschool.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is not true at all. Yes, they are taking attendance and have also asked parents to report to the teacher any absences (as you would normally do). At no point I have felt threatened by the school admin.

If you believe that explaining a kid how to brush their teeth or engage in any practical life lessons, then I suggest to reevaluate if Montessori is right for your family.

I am so tired of SSMA boosters simply lying. It's one thing if you want to argue that the school is correct to refer families to CPS but why would you lie. The news and notes sent out on April 12th stated "Attendance, even virtual, is essential to student progress and achievement. Beginning on Tuesday, April 15th, SSMA parents of students not logging into Google Classroom/Hangout will receive an Attendance Report Notice. As in the past, students with 5-7 absences will receive a call from a member of the Attendance Team and your Guide— to find out how we can support your child’s virtual attendance. Unfortunately 10 or more “absences “ will be referred to Child and Family Services Agency."

I suspect they're tracking it because they are up for charter review next year and know that even without this year's PARCC scores, many of their stats don't look so great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is not true at all. Yes, they are taking attendance and have also asked parents to report to the teacher any absences (as you would normally do). At no point I have felt threatened by the school admin.

If you believe that explaining a kid how to brush their teeth or engage in any practical life lessons, then I suggest to reevaluate if Montessori is right for your family.

I am so tired of SSMA boosters simply lying. It's one thing if you want to argue that the school is correct to refer families to CPS but why would you lie. The news and notes sent out on April 12th stated "Attendance, even virtual, is essential to student progress and achievement. Beginning on Tuesday, April 15th, SSMA parents of students not logging into Google Classroom/Hangout will receive an Attendance Report Notice. As in the past, students with 5-7 absences will receive a call from a member of the Attendance Team and your Guide— to find out how we can support your child’s virtual attendance. Unfortunately 10 or more “absences “ will be referred to Child and Family Services Agency."

Former SSMA family here. Totally NOT defending the school for many of it's issues. But, I think your privilege is showing if you have a big issue with the attendance. Your kid is very lucky to have you at home with him/her, reading, teaching, getting to log into class meetings, etc. Not all families are so lucky. And yes, your child likely is in class with kids who don't have a great home life, in abusive situations, are being left alone all day, don't have enough to eat, etc etc. If a child is absent from virtual "school" for multiple days, this could be an indication of a dangerous issue at home, and schools should have a duty to report that to the proper authorities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is not true at all. Yes, they are taking attendance and have also asked parents to report to the teacher any absences (as you would normally do). At no point I have felt threatened by the school admin.

If you believe that explaining a kid how to brush their teeth or engage in any practical life lessons, then I suggest to reevaluate if Montessori is right for your family.

I am so tired of SSMA boosters simply lying. It's one thing if you want to argue that the school is correct to refer families to CPS but why would you lie. The news and notes sent out on April 12th stated "Attendance, even virtual, is essential to student progress and achievement. Beginning on Tuesday, April 15th, SSMA parents of students not logging into Google Classroom/Hangout will receive an Attendance Report Notice. As in the past, students with 5-7 absences will receive a call from a member of the Attendance Team and your Guide— to find out how we can support your child’s virtual attendance. Unfortunately 10 or more “absences “ will be referred to Child and Family Services Agency."

Former SSMA family here. Totally NOT defending the school for many of it's issues. But, I think your privilege is showing if you have a big issue with the attendance. Your kid is very lucky to have you at home with him/her, reading, teaching, getting to log into class meetings, etc. Not all families are so lucky. And yes, your child likely is in class with kids who don't have a great home life, in abusive situations, are being left alone all day, don't have enough to eat, etc etc. If a child is absent from virtual "school" for multiple days, this could be an indication of a dangerous issue at home, and schools should have a duty to report that to the proper authorities.

Wow, really?

I think you're the one whose privilege is showing. MANY parents have better things to do than assure their preschooler's attendance at a zoom meeting. Many parents don't have enough screens or time for that.

OP, please take these borderline crazy responses from parents about definitely crazy policies of the school as confirmation that yes, SSMA is still that bad. We tried it many years ago and could tell very quickly that it was not a good fit. It appears we made the right decision. And that it's still a really out of whack school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a primary and lower elementary student. Both kids have fantastic teachers. The school isn’t perfect, but I can tell you that communication issues have improved significantly this school year. The parent community is great and have been impressed about how quick they were able to pull together distance learning in comparison to well regarded Dcps schools. By the second week, their distance learning program was full in motion. Teachers have been remained on top of everything (following up with families, having daily interactions with kids, providing feedback on school assignments etc.)

I'm sorry, but the idea that the school is on top of distance learning is insane. SSMA's distance learning is a joke. My preschooler literally had a lesson over zoom where her teacher demonstrated the motion to be used in teeth brushing. I would simply opt out but the school has said that they are taking attendance during distance learning and will refer families to CPS for 10 absences. My suspicion is that CPS has bigger things to worry about right now but getting my child to listen to 15 minutes of idiotic chatter from her teacher seems easier than dealing with a potential CPS referral.

Wow so they are threatening families to call CPS if you don’t participate? That is crazy.

No dog in this fight but... CPS is not going to follow-up on an attendance report on a pre-schooler. Parents are required to send a child to school at age 5 and above. A 3 or 4 year old can't be truant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a primary and lower elementary student. Both kids have fantastic teachers. The school isn’t perfect, but I can tell you that communication issues have improved significantly this school year. The parent community is great and have been impressed about how quick they were able to pull together distance learning in comparison to well regarded Dcps schools. By the second week, their distance learning program was full in motion. Teachers have been remained on top of everything (following up with families, having daily interactions with kids, providing feedback on school assignments etc.)

I'm sorry, but the idea that the school is on top of distance learning is insane. SSMA's distance learning is a joke. My preschooler literally had a lesson over zoom where her teacher demonstrated the motion to be used in teeth brushing. I would simply opt out but the school has said that they are taking attendance during distance learning and will refer families to CPS for 10 absences. My suspicion is that CPS has bigger things to worry about right now but getting my child to listen to 15 minutes of idiotic chatter from her teacher seems easier than dealing with a potential CPS referral.

Wow so they are threatening families to call CPS if you don’t participate? That is crazy.

No dog in this fight but... CPS is not going to follow-up on an attendance report on a pre-schooler. Parents are required to send a child to school at age 5 and above. A 3 or 4 year old can't be truant.

You can't be truant but it's more of a flag on your kid's file to follow up with a wellness check or have a social worker call. If you are generally engaged but miss 10 days over the course of a year, no big deal. Missing 10 days over a few weeks would be concerning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is not true at all. Yes, they are taking attendance and have also asked parents to report to the teacher any absences (as you would normally do). At no point I have felt threatened by the school admin.

If you believe that explaining a kid how to brush their teeth or engage in any practical life lessons, then I suggest to reevaluate if Montessori is right for your family.

I am so tired of SSMA boosters simply lying. It's one thing if you want to argue that the school is correct to refer families to CPS but why would you lie. The news and notes sent out on April 12th stated "Attendance, even virtual, is essential to student progress and achievement. Beginning on Tuesday, April 15th, SSMA parents of students not logging into Google Classroom/Hangout will receive an Attendance Report Notice. As in the past, students with 5-7 absences will receive a call from a member of the Attendance Team and your Guide— to find out how we can support your child’s virtual attendance. Unfortunately 10 or more “absences “ will be referred to Child and Family Services Agency."

Former SSMA family here. Totally NOT defending the school for many of it's issues. But, I think your privilege is showing if you have a big issue with the attendance. Your kid is very lucky to have you at home with him/her, reading, teaching, getting to log into class meetings, etc. Not all families are so lucky. And yes, your child likely is in class with kids who don't have a great home life, in abusive situations, are being left alone all day, don't have enough to eat, etc etc. If a child is absent from virtual "school" for multiple days, this could be an indication of a dangerous issue at home, and schools should have a duty to report that to the proper authorities.

Wow, really?

I think you're the one whose privilege is showing. MANY parents have better things to do than assure their preschooler's attendance at a zoom meeting. Many parents don't have enough screens or time for that.

OP, please take these borderline crazy responses from parents about definitely crazy policies of the school as confirmation that yes, SSMA is still that bad. We tried it many years ago and could tell very quickly that it was not a good fit. It appears we made the right decision. And that it's still a really out of whack school.

Exactly! For me the issue is less what the policy is our who has privilege or whatever and rather the fact that the school has such crazy boosters that they are simply lying about what the school is saying. Dr. Rodriguez sends out news and notes that say 10 absences will lead to a CPS referral and parents are on here swearing it never happened. SSMA PTA tells you to reject the evidence of your eyes ears.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a primary and lower elementary student. Both kids have fantastic teachers. The school isn’t perfect, but I can tell you that communication issues have improved significantly this school year. The parent community is great and have been impressed about how quick they were able to pull together distance learning in comparison to well regarded Dcps schools. By the second week, their distance learning program was full in motion. Teachers have been remained on top of everything (following up with families, having daily interactions with kids, providing feedback on school assignments etc.)

I'm sorry, but the idea that the school is on top of distance learning is insane. SSMA's distance learning is a joke. My preschooler literally had a lesson over zoom where her teacher demonstrated the motion to be used in teeth brushing. I would simply opt out but the school has said that they are taking attendance during distance learning and will refer families to CPS for 10 absences. My suspicion is that CPS has bigger things to worry about right now but getting my child to listen to 15 minutes of idiotic chatter from her teacher seems easier than dealing with a potential CPS referral.

Wow so they are threatening families to call CPS if you don’t participate? That is crazy.

No dog in this fight but... CPS is not going to follow-up on an attendance report on a pre-schooler. Parents are required to send a child to school at age 5 and above. A 3 or 4 year old can't be truant.

You can't be truant but it's more of a flag on your kid's file to follow up with a wellness check or have a social worker call. If you are generally engaged but miss 10 days over the course of a year, no big deal. Missing 10 days over a few weeks would be concerning.

Perhaps during the regular school year. But during distance learning?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parent of a primary and lower elementary student. Both kids have fantastic teachers. The school isn’t perfect, but I can tell you that communication issues have improved significantly this school year. The parent community is great and have been impressed about how quick they were able to pull together distance learning in comparison to well regarded Dcps schools. By the second week, their distance learning program was full in motion. Teachers have been remained on top of everything (following up with families, having daily interactions with kids, providing feedback on school assignments etc.)

I'm sorry, but the idea that the school is on top of distance learning is insane. SSMA's distance learning is a joke. My preschooler literally had a lesson over zoom where her teacher demonstrated the motion to be used in teeth brushing. I would simply opt out but the school has said that they are taking attendance during distance learning and will refer families to CPS for 10 absences. My suspicion is that CPS has bigger things to worry about right now but getting my child to listen to 15 minutes of idiotic chatter from her teacher seems easier than dealing with a potential CPS referral.

Wow so they are threatening families to call CPS if you don’t participate? That is crazy.

No dog in this fight but... CPS is not going to follow-up on an attendance report on a pre-schooler. Parents are required to send a child to school at age 5 and above. A 3 or 4 year old can't be truant.

You can't be truant but it's more of a flag on your kid's file to follow up with a wellness check or have a social worker call. If you are generally engaged but miss 10 days over the course of a year, no big deal. Missing 10 days over a few weeks would be concerning.

Perhaps during the regular school year. But during distance learning?

If you really go completely AWOL, yes, I would like to think someone would follow up. Not necessarily to refer it to CPS, but call and call until they spoke with an adult, at least. Missing just one element of a day would not be a big deal in these times. CPS referrals are often based on a constellation of factors, and missing school can definitely be one of them, but by itself it isn't usually enough.