Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok so my kid is in a mediocre rated school (4-5) which is also title 1. I mention this to say that u fortunately many parents don't care/are not involved in their kids education, but there is a smallish group of parents who do and potentially could be drivers of change.
So far I saw no big issues (granted,it was only K). However, his teacher was young and she started going through some personal issues mid year and started slacking a lot- kids were shown tons of Disney movies (as opposed to educational videos on the as needed basis), allowed non educational games on classroom tablets for their "free choice time" and such. She also brought tons of sweets in class for no apparent reason (no occasion).
Now that I am aware that this may even be an issue in public school, how do I delicately broach the subject with my son's 1st grade teacher? I do not want to offend her and do not want to look like "that mom", but would like to let her know that I am strongly in favor of capping screen time and sweets in classroom. So far I was thinking of asking about her stance on these issues and then go from there.
I am also willing to volunteer in class - this is to say that I don't intend to be a PITA but am willing to work with the teacher to ensure my kid gets the best education possible.
So, how do I convey the message that I will be watching closely without appearing a PITA?
Thanks.

Do you also keep attendance records on the teacher?

OP you absolutely are "that mom." You do not convey anything to the teacher. She will see you coming a mile away.

I am not the OP of that thread if that is what you are asking but in fact I kind of do! If a teacher is absent more than once a month I am absolutely annoyed Doesn't mean I will show it but still.

the thing is, teachers in our school are tempted to slack since so many parents do not really care. I just want to get the caring vibe across - as I said - without appearing "that mom".

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ok so my kid is in a mediocre rated school (4-5) which is also title 1. I mention this to say that u fortunately many parents don't care/are not involved in their kids education, but there is a smallish group of parents who do and potentially could be drivers of change.
So far I saw no big issues (granted,it was only K). However, his teacher was young and she started going through some personal issues mid year and started slacking a lot- kids were shown tons of Disney movies (as opposed to educational videos on the as needed basis), allowed non educational games on classroom tablets for their "free choice time" and such. She also brought tons of sweets in class for no apparent reason (no occasion).
Now that I am aware that this may even be an issue in public school, how do I delicately broach the subject with my son's 1st grade teacher? I do not want to offend her and do not want to look like "that mom", but would like to let her know that I am strongly in favor of capping screen time and sweets in classroom. So far I was thinking of asking about her stance on these issues and then go from there.
I am also willing to volunteer in class - this is to say that I don't intend to be a PITA but am willing to work with the teacher to ensure my kid gets the best education possible.
So, how do I convey the message that I will be watching closely without appearing a PITA?
Thanks.

Do you also keep attendance records on the teacher?

OP you absolutely are "that mom." You do not convey anything to the teacher. She will see you coming a mile away.

Anonymous wrote:Ok so my kid is in a mediocre rated school (4-5) which is also title 1. I mention this to say that u fortunately many parents don't care/are not involved in their kids education, but there is a smallish group of parents who do and potentially could be drivers of change.
So far I saw no big issues (granted,it was only K). However, his teacher was young and she started going through some personal issues mid year and started slacking a lot- kids were shown tons of Disney movies (as opposed to educational videos on the as needed basis), allowed non educational games on classroom tablets for their "free choice time" and such. She also brought tons of sweets in class for no apparent reason (no occasion).
Now that I am aware that this may even be an issue in public school, how do I delicately broach the subject with my son's 1st grade teacher? I do not want to offend her and do not want to look like "that mom", but would like to let her know that I am strongly in favor of capping screen time and sweets in classroom. So far I was thinking of asking about her stance on these issues and then go from there.
I am also willing to volunteer in class - this is to say that I don't intend to be a PITA but am willing to work with the teacher to ensure my kid gets the best education possible.
So, how do I convey the message that I will be watching closely without appearing a PITA?
Thanks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you didn't bring it up with the K teacher, why in the world would you say anything to the 1st grade teacher who hasn't done anything yet? That is weird.

This. I would be offended if I was the first grade teacher and you talked to me about the failings of a previous teacher. It assumes I will do the same thing.

Oh no no no! This is OP. What I meant was asking something like- so, what do you think of this modern enfatuation with technology? Kids seem to have so much screen time in class and at home. Also, I need a similar line for testing the waters for the candy issue. I am not going to mention the previous teacher at all!

Anonymous wrote:Ok so my kid is in a mediocre rated school (4-5) which is also title 1. I mention this to say that u fortunately many parents don't care/are not involved in their kids education, but there is a smallish group of parents who do and potentially could be drivers of change.
So far I saw no big issues (granted,it was only K). However, his teacher was young and she started going through some personal issues mid year and started slacking a lot- kids were shown tons of Disney movies (as opposed to educational videos on the as needed basis), allowed non educational games on classroom tablets for their "free choice time" and such. She also brought tons of sweets in class for no apparent reason (no occasion).
Now that I am aware that this may even be an issue in public school, how do I delicately broach the subject with my son's 1st grade teacher? I do not want to offend her and do not want to look like "that mom", but would like to let her know that I am strongly in favor of capping screen time and sweets in classroom. So far I was thinking of asking about her stance on these issues and then go from there.
I am also willing to volunteer in class - this is to say that I don't intend to be a PITA but am willing to work with the teacher to ensure my kid gets the best education possible.
So, how do I convey the message that I will be watching closely without appearing a PITA?
Thanks.

Anonymous wrote:If you didn't bring it up with the K teacher, why in the world would you say anything to the 1st grade teacher who hasn't done anything yet? That is weird.

Anonymous wrote:Ugh, you only want to volunteer to make sure your kid is getting what you think he deserves? Ugh

Anonymous wrote:Don't blame one teacher's inexperience and personal issues on the fact that the school is Title I. My kids both attended a title I school and they had mostly wonderful teachers, some OK teachers and zero teachers who handed out candy and showed them movies for no reason. Why would you assume that this is just how all of the teachers will be and insult the 1st grade teacher like that?

Anonymous wrote:I think if you start with the teacher, then you will be getting off on a bad foot.

You should either wait and see or talk to the principal about your concerns and what the policies are.

If you don't like the answers you get from the leadership, then you should find a school you like better.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you didn't bring it up with the K teacher, why in the world would you say anything to the 1st grade teacher who hasn't done anything yet? That is weird.

This. I would be offended if I was the first grade teacher and you talked to me about the failings of a previous teacher. It assumes I will do the same thing.

Anonymous wrote:PP again - you can also be part of the PTA board, and wield influence there.

Anonymous wrote:I totally agree with you, OP.

However I would ask for a meeting with the principal, and ask there. It's better to start at the top, to ensure that ALL teachers go by the same rule.

Many non-title 1 elementary schools have teachers which give out candy and show non-educational movies. I don't think a lot of Americans really understand how incredible this is. I've lived in western Europe and Japan, and this does not happen in schools - teachers values themselves and their job more, and the curriculum is more ambitious anyway, so they really wouldn't have time.

At our Bethesda elementary, we have gone from K through 5th and haven't seen an unconscionable amount of candy distribution or movie-watching. So I think it must depend on the principal and his or her authority on the teachers.
This goes for academic standards, as well, OP. The principal hires the teachers.