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Christopher misses first days of school

This year Christopher got the one teacher (out of six) that I did not want him to get for fifth grade. I called the principal on Thursday--our anniversary--and told her I wanted to have him changed to another class. I went to the school on Friday and spoke to her in person and made my request again. She said that she would make the change, but not until after Labor Day, and to send her an email making the request.

After I got home, I emailed the principal and told her I still wanted to proceed with the change, but I would strongly prefer to not have to send Christopher to school for the first four days in the class with the teacher that I don't want him to have, and begged her to make the change before the first day of school (yesterday). That was Friday. She never replied before the first day of school.

School started on Tuesday and I still did not want to send Christopher to school, so I simply kept him home. When the school called to ask about his absence, I told the secretary that I kept him home because I don't want him to have the teacher he has. She sounded surprised--usually she hears about someone running a fever, throwing up, or the usual excuse for being absent. After that, I emailed the principal again, making sure she actually knew that Christopher was at home on day one of the new school year. She finally replied late in the day and continued to say that the change could happen after Labor Day. She never said that he could for sure have the teacher that I'm requesting. The choices for fifth grade are less than exciting. She also said that she hopes Christopher can come to school the few days left this week (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) and basically sit in the classroom that he's going to be taken out of until she gets around to making the change, after she sees the numbers in all the other classrooms.

Nope. I'm not sending him to a teacher that I do not feel comfortable with even if it's for four days. He can start school on Tuesday when he is in another class. I refuse to send him to her. And I will even threaten home schooling him. That's not going to happen, but it might sound good. I have never made a request for my kids to have a different teacher, but I'm getting some tips from my friend, Sherrie. She's a pro at it and does it all the time. Wish me luck as I make my protest!

Comments

Tamara said…
Good Luck! Let me know how this works out for you guys...
Happy The Man said…
We had the same deal with my daughter last year in 4th grade. Unfortunately, there was a window of days that changes could be made prior to the start of school, but for some reason we weren't aware of it. Because this teacher is so terrible, everyone wanted to get out of the class and the administration was playing hard ball with everyone because, what would they do with all these kids? (How about fire the idiot and hire a good teacher)? One other person did what you did and refused to accept that and got moved. We decided that maybe we were being too pre-judgemental based on the opinions of others and so we decided we'd at least try and if it really wasn't working, we'd insist on a change.

This teacher is retiring in a year or so and has tenure so she's not going anywhere unless she chooses to, but her IQ is lower than the 4th grader's that she teaches, she assigns a ton of stupid busy work that consumes hours and hours of time and teaches nothing. She's on a power trip bossing the kids around and her reasoning, because, "I said so". She's a complete idiot and we regret leaving Aleks in there rather than holding firm. Aleks almost didn't make it through the year but we kept encouraging her and with many excused absences, we commended her for getting through it. We're hoping that it doesn't impact her 5th grade experience this year.

So, I say remain immovable and don't let the administration bully you around. We will not be making that mistake again.
Kelly said…
That's good go hear, Greg. I had another parent who had her last year tell me before school started to stay the course too and remove him from her class. Thanks for sharing this and reconfirming my decision once again.
Hildie said…
What if they take you up on the homeschooling thing? It's one less kid they have to teach; they may like that idea!
Jess said…
good luck with all of that! I'm proud of you for "protesting" for a new teacher. If the current one isn't what you want, then they should be able to change it! What a great mom you are!

:)
Lisa said…
Good for you Kelly - stick to your guns! I can't believe they would stall you like that. I would think that she would know you were serious after he missed the first couple days of school and just make the change now. What does she gain to make him wait? Ugh. Just makes me nervous for when my kiddos are bigger and I'm dealing with all this stuff.
Maryanne said…
Wow, that teacher must be pretty bad for you to not want him in her class for even four days!! I can't imagine. Good luck with that.
The Roberts said…
Kelly, sorry that yall have to go through with this but I am glad that you have the energy and are fighting for what is best for your child. What if every parent actually did that!
Cathleen said…
You go Girl!! As Greg shared, we have had our share of school drama. Sometimes I fight and sometimes I just take it. My kids all start new schools this year except for Tory who is is a senior....but that was all drama too. I have had to fight the past couple of weeks for her to be able to stay at her same school for her senior year. After running between two high schools and the county offices, it looks like it is finally worked out. Now for the rest of the kids....
at least you get to have christopher all to yourself for another week. hope it all works in your favor!
Good Luck! I don't see why they couldn't make the change sooner than later. Crazy.
Anonymous said…
Good luck Kel! I love how you are not afraid to do the right thing!!!
Anonymous said…
ps - what FUN pics of your trip....WOW!!! I just posted the ones of us. Didn't know if you or Heidi had any.
Jennifer said…
Hey girl...I know this has to be frustrating for you. And if it is the same team of teachers for that grade level when I was working there, I completely understand your concerns. I'm sure the principal is going to make the transition for you, I can say though that the beginning of the school year is such a difficult time for principals and trying to meet the needs of every child and their parents in a school can be a daunting task. I can say from experience, it does take time to figure out how to make a transition like this work because it isn't always the principal's decision, much of it is determined by central office and the ratio of teachers and students that have been allotted for each school/classroom. Continue to be persistent though- good for you! I hope tomorrow works out the way you hope and that Christopher is matched with the teacher that will be a more comfortable fit for him and for you. Many blessings!!
Bobbi said…
Hang in there, Kelly. I have had some teachers dramatically affect my children for bod and for good. The administration needs to understand that it is your child and not their's. It can be terribly frustrating, but Christopher is worth it.
Conni said…
Kelly, been there done that. I applaud you for taking a stand. I wish I would have done it sooner for 2 of my children. It makes the WORLD of difference if they had a good teacher. Good Luck!!

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