Yesterday was national parent involvement day so I spent the day at my daughter's school. I went to her school rather than the boys' school because I have not had the opportunity to do anything during school hours with her since she has been in middle school. I went on a field trip with the boys and got to spend the day with the at school making Christmas decorations just before Christmas. So yesterday was her day. Pretty soon I will be back to work and will not have the opportunity to do anything like this with them.
First the parents met for coffee and donuts to discuss what we were about to do and to have our introduction to the principal. Then we were off to the classrooms.
There really are not a lot of parent's that are involved with their children and school. There were probably twelve of us for the entire middle school. Kind of sad, although I do understand that many parents have to work during the day, such as myself usually. Another thing though is that some students never even informed their parents of the event. My daughter did inform me though, she walked right into the house and asked me if I was going to be working that day. When I said no she said "good" and clue me in on what was planned. Although it really wasn't that eventful, I am still glad I went. It seemed as if I was the only parent there for seventh graders. Most of the parents where there for the sixth graders.
My first class that I got to join her in was her science class. There was a substitute teacher in this room. I walked in right in the middle of a movie that they were watching about erosion. Actually what I saw of it seem to be a fun video, much more interesting than the ones I had to watch when I was in school. Then she spent the rest of the class working on an assignment taken from the movie and the chapter in their book. So I didn't get to really see any real teaching in that class. As a matter of fact the teacher barely said anything to them. I was only in that class for about thirty minutes.
Next we were off to a double band class. This was not their typical class. On this particular day they had someone visiting. I never did catch his name, but he was helping them to prepare for an event that is coming up. This band class was two hours long. They were up on the stage so I didn't really have any contact with them, but I did get to watch them play and get their instruction. Of course I don't know anything about music, so I couldn't really tell you how well they were doing.
After band class, we were off to lunch. What a mess, man those kids go crazy for food. My daughter got her food and was off to grab a spot at a table. I was left to fight my way around all of these kids. I thought about getting the pizza since that is a favorite among the children, but when I got a peek at it, I changed my mind and just stuck with the salad bar. A wise choice. When I walked out into the seating area, I could not find my daughter anywhere. She blended in with this sea of children. Eventually I caught a glimpse of her and sat down at the table with her. I was introduced to her friends, who all seemed very nice. After lunch I left and she continued on with her day.
Even though I didn't get to really see how they teach, I did get a glimpse into what her life is like every day at school. She's a good girl, and she makes me happy.
7 comments:
How do you think her experience at school will prepare her for life after school?
Well I hope that it helps her to be responsible, to learn to work well with others, to have confidence in herself, to gather the skills necessary to succeed in life. I don't doubt that my daughter already possesses these things. I don't expect her to be extremely successful and make millions, all I want from my children is for them to live happy lives and to be successful in their own minds, and morally responsible.
One thing I do expect is for all of them to go to college. It is coming to a point where you can't even get a job in a factory without a degree.
That's great that you went. We had the same thing a few month ago, called National Academic Week. And yes, I understand what you mean about parental involvement. Over the years you notice that it's the same group of parents who are there, but as you mentioned, many have to work.
rgmb-I remember you going. Isn't that the day that you blogged about? I go to everything that I can for the kids. It makes it difficult when I work, but usually I am home early enough to go to some of their evening events. Like art shows, award ceremonies, band concerts, and since my daughter is in Pep band the games. As a matter of fact I went to one today.
thanks BW, I know my children know how important education is to me, I just hope that then learn from my example.
Absolutely, parental involvement is very important! Glad to hear you had a chance to spend the time on this very important issue. Even though I work full time I make a point to take vacation-days off anytime there is a fieldtrip or an important event. I try to help the school in as much as I can. The last couple of years I was even more involved as I was the treasurer of the Home and School Club. It was a fun and an amazing experience. Unfortunately it did take a lot of my time and I decided I had to say no this year. I still help in special projects when I can...This year I'm helping with the yearbook!
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