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I love my kids school. However, there have been some problems. Should I pull my kids out or stay and fight?
bdgray0226 January 9, 2010
My kids have been going to GWCA since kindergarten, and I just found out yesterday at the school board meeting that they got kid of there former kindergarten teacher. I am really upset because I do not understand whey this happen. There is another board meeting on Monday and I am going to try to find out what happened. There have been alot of drastic changes in the last two years and some of them not good ones. My kids still doing well but, I am afraid that some of these changes will effect them negatively and I am not sure if I can take that risk. I am currently trying to get more involved with the school to help then get back on the right track. I have talked to the adminstration and agreed to help with the new and up and coming programs that they are implementing this year. Some of the parents have given up and pulled their students out. I am trying to stay with the school to help them and my children achieve the goals that they are trying to implement.
healthy11 January 9, 2010
Hello. Can you explain what "I just found out yesterday at the school board meeting that they got kid of there former kindergarten teacher" means?
Are you saying that your children are now older, and have been assigned to a new teacher who is their former kindergarten instructor's son or daughter? Why is that bad? Even if you didn't like your children's former kindergarten teacher, it doesn't mean their offspring is the same....no two instructors are alike.35319
TeacherParent January 9, 2010
As important, what has caused these drastic changes in the last two years? Has there been a new superintendent? If that would be the case, then it isn't likely the school will change back.
What are your other choices for schools? How much time do you have to devote to helping your current school stay on track?
It's not easy to give advice on such an important matter as this. Good luck with your decision. Any school will be fortunate to have an involved parent like you who's willing to devote to the school.
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bdgray0226 January 9, 2010
The board has had several management companies within the last 3 yrs. At the board meeting last night they told the parents that they have decided to no longer use a management companies to help run the school. Instead the have hired an human resource company to deal with the hire and firing of staff. They have made this decision because of budget issues this year. They have also gotten rid of teachers that have been with the school for a long time.35317
bdgray0226 January 9, 2010
They did not tell the parents why the got rid of the kindergarten teacher. All I know is that they moved her from teaching kindergarten to teaching the 4th grade then fired her. I have made several inquiries regarding what happened and know one is giving me a clear comprehensive answer. I am frustrated and concerned. She was a very sweet and caring lady and I am really upset about the whole situation.35316
healthy11 January 9, 2010
Now I understand ~ they got RID of your child's former teacher, not "kid of there former...." That's a different situation than what I first thought you were saying.
Is your child attending a public school, or charter, or a private school? I'm not familiar with schools that hire outside management companies, and my son has attended public, private, and parochial schools over the years... That does sound like it would be a very difficult environment to figure out "who is calling the shots." Since you say they've been getting rid of a lot of teachers who have been at the school a long time, I wonder if it's a purely economic move, since new teachers are usually paid less? I think it's wise and important for you to get involved as much as you can in the school, not only to help improve the situation, but also to find out more about what's really going on.
As an aside, I recommend that you tell another teacher at the school (whom you trust and who was friends with the kindergarten teacher you liked who isn't there anymore) that you'd like to contact the former teacher, and ask if they have a way of reaching her. My son had a wonderful teacher in elementary school that moved on, but I was able to talk to another teacher and I gave her my contact information (in other words, I did not expect the current teacher to give me the former teacher's personal address for security reasons, but I left my info, hoping the former teacher would remember me and call. She did, and we've maintained private email contact ever since.)35315
tjlove January 12, 2010
As much as you'd like to know the reasons why this teacher was let go, don't expect the administration to give you answers. They are most likely legally bound by confidentiality agreements. I know how a staff turnover can change the atmosphere of a school but if you have faith in the administration, it might be worth the fight.35314
bdgray0226 January 17, 2010
You are correct. I agree it is so easy to leave and go somewhere else when things are a challenge. There is also no guarantee that the new school will be any different or no have other challenges. Therefore, I have decided to stay not only to make a difference but to also teach my children that you should never run from a challenge no matter how difficult it may be. I am currently in the process of applying for a membership on the school's board and I am on the Title I School Improvement and Technology Committees. I not going out without a fight. My kids future is at stake and I think that is pretty important. I'll keep everyone posted on how my efforts.35312
