Posts tagged ‘teacher’

School Open House Excites the Kids for the First Day of School

3 September, 2009 | dcfemella | Comments

The kids and I attended their open house this morning. When we entered the school, there were children smiling and parents trying to find teachers’ room and activities. The Assistant Principal, who we have gotten to know very well, smiled and waved at us. She hugged Cebastian and asked how our summer went.

“We had an amazing summer,” I answered.

“Great! And who is this?” Ms. B asked.

Isabelle cowered behind me. It is her first year at the school, so she is a little frightened. Ms. B smiled at her and told her she had nothing to worry about.

We were then greeted by Cebastian’s first-grade schoolmate’s mother E., who is very involved at the school, and we have become great friends when we were doing the GRACE Art program together. She told us that in the cafeteria, we could see all the wonderful new activities that the PTA is offering this year and helped us find our way to the kids’ classrooms.

I decided to go to Isabelle’s room first. It was easy to find because her teacher’s classroom is right next to Cebastian’s old first grade teacher. We said hi to her and also to the Spanish teacher. After we did some small talk, we went to Ms. R’s class. Ms. R is the type of teacher I remember when I was in school. Gentle but strict and will be one of the teachers Isabelle will probably always remember. We found her desk and underneath was the PTA toolbox that I ordered last school year, so I wouldn’t have to scramble around looking for school supplies.

One thing I liked is that in both children’s classroom, they are sharing all the supplies, which is better than if each child has his/her own because the teacher will never run out of supplies. We met a few of her classmates and headed to Cebastian’s.

We were met by some classmates along the way, and then we were at Ms. H’s class. She seemed very sweet and attentive. Ms. B called me a month ago to tell me she handpicked Ms. H herself, so I know that she is the type of teacher who will be great for Cebastian. He chose his desk, but I quietly took Ms. H to the side and told her that I preferred to have him near her. She said don’t worry that she will move the children around after the first day.

We headed upstairs to the cafeteria. Some tables had sheets where parents could volunteer. I volunteered for a marathon and Ice Cream Social. The teacher in charge of the marathon was very thankful because I was the only one who had signed up. I love volunteering, so I was happy to help.

The activities this year are amazing:

  1. Chess - Cebastian showed interested. They have ten one-hour sessions from October 5th til December 14th. They divide the children into three groups: Beginner, Beyond Beginner, and Intermediate. In the Beginner class, which Cebastian would be, they will teach kids the chess rules and etiquette to prepare them in playing chess. Definitely one I am considering.
  2. Young Rembrandts – Young Rembrandts is drawing course that I think Isabelle would love because she loves art. They teach the children drawing and cartooning. I saw Isabelle’s eyes widen when we headed to their table, so I know to register her when they open registration. Art is something that all children should appreciate, so I definitely want her to be involved in this curriculum.To learn more about the program, here is their web site: http://youngrembrandts.com/
  3. Brainstorm Reading Program – E. told me about this program. She has her daughter in it, and it has really improved her reading. They do it by using fun activities that engage the children’s interest in education. I am definitely enrolling the children in this program. I want them to have the reading fluency that I had growing up because it helps them with the rest of their study areas.To learn more about the program, here is their web site: http://brainstormcenter.com/index.html
  4. Spanish Club – I know that I am teaching the children how to speak Spanish, but I want them to be in a club that will help them with their writing and vocabulary. I heard that instructor is in high demand, and so I am really thinking of placing the kids in this program.
  5. Brownies/Cub Scouts – We met with the Cub Scouts, and Cebastian really loved it.  Isabelle then whispered that she wants to do it as well, so I just emailed the Girl Scouts council for my area to get information.  When I was a little girl, I wanted to join the Girl Scouts after seeing “Troop Beverly Hills,” but my parents had busy work schedules, so I was unable to do it.  If the kids want to do it, then I am happy to have them join. On FriendFeed, there were helpful insight on people’s experience, so check them out: http://bit.ly/pxyZm

I read somewhere that School Open House and Back to School Night are having less and less parents attending.  Don’t skip them! They are very informative and helps make you aware of what is going on at the school.

Photo Detail: Pre-balancing School., originally uploaded by ~Misty~.

School Gets That Labels Hurt Children

11 August, 2009 | dcfemella | Comments

back to school blackboard, originally uploaded by mystockphoto.

This morning, after I had left the house, my cell phone rang.

“Shevonne speaking,” I answered.  I don’t know why I never say hello anymore.  It’s just something I haven’t done in years.

“Hi, Ms. Polastre.  This is Mrs. Bacon.”

It was my son’s (and soon-to-be daughter’s) school principal.

At the end of December, after my ex started to become more and more MIA from the kids’ lives, my son started acting up in school.  The counselor, teacher, and principal didn’t label him a “bully,” like they would have done at other schools.  They would call and email me to let me know how he was doing, they put him in counseling sessions at school, and would praise him when he behaved. At my end, I sat down with him and told him that it isn’t his fault that his father is not more involved.

It was very important to me that my son not be labeled a “bully” or any similar words.  When you start throwing labels out to children, they start believing them and playing the part.  You could even say that it happens to adults as well.  My parents would always have labels for my sisters and me, and I saw how it affected us.  I don’t want that to happen to my children.  I told them this, and they wholeheartedly agreed that labels do not help.

The principal and I chitchatted for awhile, and she then asked to talk to Cebastian.

“Hi, Mrs. Bacon,” he said.

By his smile, I could tell she said some nice things, and then he said goodbye and handed the phone back to me.

“Ms. Polastre, I just wanted to tell you that I hand picked your son’s second grade teacher.”

“Is she strict?” I asked.

“Yes, she is.  However, I didn’t want her to be so strict that it suffocates his individuality because he is a very unique person.  She will be perfect for him,” she said.

This is how schools should be.  I can tell that she genuinely cares for the students that attend the school.  When I was going to school, the counselors and principal didn’t care to really interact with their students.  If someone misbehaved, instead of working with the parents, they would label them and not deal with the issue behind the superficial one.  They didn’t know anything about their students’ personalities.

My children’s school is definitely different.  They get that a school is part of the community, and that it takes a community to raise a child; not just the parents.  I am not saying that parents are not the core of a child’s upbringing, but their environment also helps mold that child.

Making Christmas Presents for Teachers

18 December, 2008 | dcfemella | Comments

The kids and I made Christmas totes for Isabelle’s two teachers, Cebastian’s teacher, and Cebastian’s day care provider. They are a great way to make totes that people will always treasure, can carry art or teacher supplies, and you don’t waste unnecessary paper.

Materials List

  • Four totes
  • Fabric Paint
  • Jeweled Ribbon
  • Fabric Glue
  • Old Towel

Instructions

  1. Lay down old towel
  2. Do not get involved.  Let the children paint designs on the tote
  3. Let dry for 5-10 minutes.
  4. With the fabric glue, glue the jeweled ribbon on the tote
  5. Let dry for 12-24 hours



Today I met up with my co-moderator, from a woman’s social group that I am a member of, at Victoria’s Secret. I got a pair of body splash and body cream for each person. I got scents that were very faint because not everyone loves pungent or sweet smells.

At Michaels, I got Land O’ Lakes recipe books to accompany the Victoria’s Secret items, totes, fabric paint, jeweled ribbons, and fabric glue. Let your children pick out the items. It will make them more involved in the craft.

Voila! Instant, green, not-break-your budget presents for teachers.

I’ve come to realize that people prefer presents that you put some thought and effort into more than the expensive, I-didn’t-think much present. It’s something that you always cherish. The children’s teachers are going to love these totes. The kids (with my help) did a great job. I am so proud of them.





Other Great Ideas

Recycled Newspaper Gift Bags: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/12/how_to_recycled_newspaper_gift.html

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About 1,500 schoolgirls stay home after acid attack

13 November, 2008 | dcfemella | Comments

Some 1,500 Afghani girls stayed home from school on Thursday, one day after a vicious acid attack on eight of their fellow students. This is a horrible act by some atrocious people who should be tortured for doing this to innocent girls. If you watch the video, you can sense the pain this girl is feeling. On top of that, her sister and her will be scarred for life, emotionally and physically. It’s horrific people would do this just cause these girls want to go to school and get an education.

read more | digg story

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Never Doubt Your Kids

3 November, 2008 | dcfemella | Comments

After going grocery shopping, Cebastian, who doesn’t have school for two days due to parent/teacher conferences, and I went to his teacher conference. She said he is excelling at school, and that his behavior is getting better. I was pleasantly surprised. He was waiting outside the classroom for me. He asked me how he was doing?

 

I said, “Cebastian, you are doing amazing in school, and Ms. Seidel says you are doing better with your behavior.”

 

His response? “Mom? Don’t you feel sorry that you doubted me.”

 

I started laughing, and I said, “Sorry Cebastian, I shouldn’t have doubted you.”

 

He said, “That’s ok mom, I forgive you.”

 

Hahahahahaha….Crazy kid.

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