The parents who do this at our school basically ensure that their kid doesn't get the teacher they want. The principal is kind of a jerk and likes to send a message that parents won't get what they want.

Anonymous wrote:At previous MCPS ES, if you made any request re: placement (even if it was not a teacher request) the principal would do exactly the opposite for no other reason except to be spiteful.

Wondering if we were at the same school.... Never made a teacher request but suggestions in standard form led to direct opposite.

At previous MCPS ES, if you made any request re: placement (even if it was not a teacher request) the principal would do exactly the opposite for no other reason except to be spiteful.

Op here. Interesting, I had no idea!

I'm going to for next fall!

It depends on who is screwing who.

My children have been at 2 different MCPS schools. At #1, requesters were almost 100% unlikley to get a request filled. At #2, the principal is much more flexible about working with parents when he can. You need to get the vibe at your school from others.

A better approach is to send the principal a letter describing your child and his/her temperament to help find the right match.

It's always generally to avoid a teacher than it is to choose one.

Yes, people do it and whether you get the teacher you want is all in HOW you ask.

You can request all you want but it's not likely to happen.

Yes. I did last year when my son entered kinder. I am a school psychologist and the truth is that teachers vary in quality. I began asking anyone whose child went to our neighborhood school about the teachers their children had starting when my son was two. Two names kept coming up - one was thought to fantastic, the other one had several complaints. I also toured the school and visited the kinder classrooms. I requested a teacher and my son was placed in the teacher's classroom. The kinder teacher I requested really is an amazing teacher.

Our school doesn't take requests.

Anonymous wrote:My oldest is starting K in the fall and I overheard a few moms talking about talking to "someone" (?) at the school to request a teacher. Does this actually happen? I always assumed you get whom you get. I was surprised this happened in public schools.

All the time.

Yes

My oldest is starting K in the fall and I overheard a few moms talking about talking to "someone" (?) at the school to request a teacher. Does this actually happen? I always assumed you get whom you get. I was surprised this happened in public schools.