I attended my first parent-teacher conference last Thursday. I started vomiting uncontrollably not long after, but I'm pretty sure the two events were unrelated. Kate's doing great- which shouldn't surprise me at all.
I was really surprised at how much money it cost to get Kate ready for kindergarten. Forget the clothes and all of that, I'm talking the school supplies, the classroom supplies, and the "suggested donation." In cash, thanks, and it sounded kind of mandatory to me. I feel for the teachers, because I know it's hard to ask for money, but I don't think that they have a choice in the matter. Funding is so scant for education, especially here in Utah. These teachers are desperate for a little help.
(Here's a statistic, if that's what makes you warm and fuzzy inside: Utah spent an average of $5,437 per pupil in 2005-2006, compared to $9,138 nationally. The gap between Utah and U.S. average per pupil expenditures equals $3,702. Utah’s five peer states (identified in Utah Foundation’s 2008 report as being demographically similar to Utah) spent between $7,700 and $10,000 per pupil. (Kroes, What Can $3,702 Buy? How Utah Compares in Education Spending and Services, 2008) Read the whole article HERE.)
When I registered Kate, in addition to the money I spent, I filled out a survey about what volunteer work I was willing to do (short answer: anything). Someone called and asked if I would work for an hour every week switching out reading books for the kids, which was no problem. Then the room mom called and explained that Kate's (wonderful and competent) teacher needed a parent volunteer for 3 hour-long shifts per week. I was willing to do that, too, plus I figured that with 25 or so kids in the class, I'd be in the classroom for an hour every month or six-weeks. However, when the room-mom called back, there were only three, YES, THREE, parents willing to volunteer in the classroom for an hour shift. I totally get that people work, that people have small kids at home, and everything else. There are lots of things that keep people really busy, but I am truly shocked that out of 50 people that made these kids, there are so few of us willing to spend such a small amount of time in the classroom. It's inexcusable, it really is.
Mrs. W acted thrilled when I told her she was stuck with me every Thursday morning. Perhaps I'm more empathetic to teachers than most since my mom is one, but I bet she wasn't even faking her excitement for a helping hand. It benefits Kate and I as well, since I'll know firsthand what educational experience she's having. It's a darn shame that other parents will go on blissfully unawares (and no doubt griping about the sorry state of our educational system.).
Mona 5th Ward primary families
9 months ago
3 comments:
a-freakin-men
P.S. I have 230 students, no parent volunteers.
I, too, was shocked when I found out how many parents would not, not could not, volunteer. I also love the fact that by volunteering on a regular basis, I get to see what is going on in my child's classroom and school. My children get preferential treatment. I would never admit it and I'm sure that no one at the school would either, but it is true. The only down side to being very active at the school: don't be surprised to find yourself the PTA president.
That's surprising, especially at the Kindergarten level.I suspect it is a Utah - (lots of kids) issue. I have the opposite problem at the boys' school. I was dying to go visit (in K) and see what went on and how Jake was doing. It took two months before I even got on the schedule. I tried to get Grandma Karla on the schedule this year and they bumped me because of it. I only am allowed every other month in DB's class now. Come on down!
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