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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by jambalady
Posted by Lillykat
how does your child feel about the teacher?
He's like any kid! It's pulling teeth to get him to talk.
He's spoken about things like library time or art time or lunch, but I haven't heard anything about her yet.
and so far, homework has been "Getting to know you" stuff.
I saw a cute article the other day on Huff Post about ways to speak to kids about school without actually mentioning school per se. You can probably google it. I've asked DS some of these questions.
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Posted 9/10/14 7:42 AM  |
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MrsS2005
Mom of 3
Member since 11/05 13118 total posts
Name:
B
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
I wouldn't be concerned. However, our district has a meet the teacher and see the classroom open house for parents and children the day before school starts. We also had an open house last night for the parents where the teacher went through the curriculum and her expectations. It would bother me that the district doesn't have anything like this so maybe I would expect more information from the teacher's welcome letter.
Grammatical mistakes bother me, but it's not something I dwell on. If you want to know about the curriculum and expectations, e-mail the teacher.
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| Posted 9/10/14 8:24 AM |
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MrsGmomof3
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Member since 6/08 3290 total posts
Name:
Irrelevant
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
No, I would not be concerned. That's what open school night is for.
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| Posted 9/10/14 9:51 AM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by MrsGmomof3
No, I would not be concerned. That's what open school night is for.
Yea but I think part of her concern is there is no open school night.
However, in my opinion I still think it's too soon to be concerned over something trivial. Yes it's the second week but isn't it like day 4 or 5? This is my sons second full day of 1st and I see what hwk he is getting and can get a gist of what he's learning. Are you not getting any papers back home?
I'm new to the school thing as this is DS's second year but I didn't get any detailed curriculum or anything last year. And even though we have back to school night, I wouldn't expect it this year. I just want to see how he is doing.
Now if we didn't have back to school then maybe I would email the the teacher in a few weeks but not before it's been even a week if there is no real issue.
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| Posted 9/10/14 9:59 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by afternoondelight828
I would think they would discuss more at open school night.
This exactly.
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| Posted 9/10/14 11:37 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by JennP
Respectfully, I think you are getting upset way too soon and about something that I believe to be minor in the grand scheme of things.
You should save some of this energy for concern over the following: Does the teacher connect with and build a rapport with the children? Does the teacher provide age appropriate, relevant, and engaging lessons? Does the teacher encourage creativity, collaboration, etc. and all of the other attributes that age is working on? Does the teacher make your DC feel welcomed, important and loved? Etc., etc.
All the important stuff you won't know for a couple of weeks. If you still have concerns then definitely get on the phone or send an email but give the woman a chance to show you what she can do in the classroom.
I have to agree with this. I think you're really overreacting. Not sending home a ton of info for you is really NO indication of the type of teacher she will be this year.
Cut her some slack. And if you're that concerned just contact her, I'm sure she would be happy to give you any information you're looking for. But I would tread lightly and be kind, you don't want to be "that parent" the first few days into a new school year.
Message edited 9/10/2014 11:44:35 AM.
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| Posted 9/10/14 11:42 AM |
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ohbaby08
Winter is Coming
Member since 10/07 1718 total posts
Name:
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Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Like a lot of other people, I don't find the communication the teacher has had with you to be upsetting. We received something similar the first day. Granted, we do have a back to school night, but like others have said as well, I don't think her lack of communication (in your opinion) is a good way of gauging how the year will go. As for email, we do not get access to emailing teachers, so that wouldn't bother me at all.
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| Posted 9/10/14 1:48 PM |
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sunnygirl
loving life
Member since 1/07 5413 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Normally i would say you will get all that info at back to school night but since there isn't one you don't need email send her a good old fashioned letter in the folder and ask for a mtg
Also regarding curriculum I'm sure all she would tell you is they follow the common core which you can get online
Other than her typo I think it sounded like a very nice intro letter. Teachers are very overwhelmed the first few weeks back give her a chance. As a pp mentioned I don't think you can really can't compare preschool to 1st
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| Posted 9/10/14 5:07 PM |
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adeline27
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 3121 total posts
Name:
Angela
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Knowing that there isn't a meet the teacher night and if you don't know anything about this particular teachers history I would understand your concern. I would want to know what their day/routine is like, what days they have art etc.. we received all this recently at meet the teacher night and a one on one teacher conference is set for October.
Just want to add my son's teacher made a typo on her welcome letter and she is a highly respected teacher at the school and lots of parents request her if possible. It happens :)
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| Posted 9/10/14 10:23 PM |
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nferrandi
too excited for words
Member since 10/05 18538 total posts
Name:
Nicole
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
I think you are probably overthinking this. A typo is just that. It's not an indicator of the teacher's intelligence.
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| Posted 9/10/14 11:06 PM |
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
I thought of this thread last night.
I had to do a presentation late last night to potential clients.
I typed up a flyer indicating the type of services and supports offered through my program.
I realized at the last minute that I made a very big typo. I had given out some of the flyers earlier too but was able to fix the rest for the group.
I blame it on multitasking and being in a rush, plus it was a long day for me.
I'm sure this is the case with most teachers too.
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| Posted 9/11/14 5:29 AM |
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BabyLove08
Love her!
Member since 2/08 3673 total posts
Name:
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Would you be concerned - teacher-related
I'm a Kindergarten Teacher and one thing that stands out to me is the compliments I get from parents years later that they always remembered the warmth in my first letter to them and the special "bag" I made for them to help them feel a little bit better on their child's first day of school. I think first impressions are everything!
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| Posted 9/11/14 9:27 PM |
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MissJones
I need a nap!
Member since 5/05 22136 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by Hofstra26
Posted by JennP
Respectfully, I think you are getting upset way too soon and about something that I believe to be minor in the grand scheme of things.
You should save some of this energy for concern over the following: Does the teacher connect with and build a rapport with the children? Does the teacher provide age appropriate, relevant, and engaging lessons? Does the teacher encourage creativity, collaboration, etc. and all of the other attributes that age is working on? Does the teacher make your DC feel welcomed, important and loved? Etc., etc.
All the important stuff you won't know for a couple of weeks. If you still have concerns then definitely get on the phone or send an email but give the woman a chance to show you what she can do in the classroom.
I have to agree with this. I think you're really overreacting. Not sending home a ton of info for you is really NO indication of the type of teacher she will be this year.
Cut her some slack. And if you're that concerned just contact her, I'm sure she would be happy to give you any information you're looking for. But I would tread lightly and be kind, you don't want to be "that parent" the first few days into a new school year.
I have to agree. She might also be new to the grade and that alone comes with a set of overwhelming tasks that can cause several typos. She might not know that she needs to include more in her letter. She might have been hired the day before! No joking.
Just give her time. If your son comes home happy, that's all that matters.
On another note, I find it weird that your school doesn't have a meet the teacher night. 
And for the record, a teacher can do all the work in the world over the summer...but the first week or two...oh man, our brains are fried. You wouldn't believe all that comes up. And remember, if YOU have a question, so do the other 25+ parents. As a teacher, I ask that you cut her some slack. If communication STILL lacks and you feel the same way in late October, then I would say something. But for now, move on.
Message edited 9/12/2014 6:09:48 AM.
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| Posted 9/12/14 6:05 AM |
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jambalady
Is it summer yet?
Member since 8/06 7392 total posts
Name:
Holly
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
So today was the last day to sign up and pay for after school.
You had the option to complete the form online or send it in with your child.
I submitted the form online and sent an envelope with the check, indicating his name, class, and that the envelope contained the payment for after school in his folder as instructed.
I checked his folder today and the envelope was still in there, meaning she never took it out.
I sent an email to the parents association to make sure that they will accept payment on Monday.
She completely missed the envelope in the folder.
I will be sending a note to ask if I can speak to her.
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| Posted 9/12/14 10:01 PM |
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mosh913
baby boy coming spring '11
Member since 5/05 3133 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by MichLiz213
Posted by jambalady
And no one thinks that the grammatical error slows sloppiness? DH's Kindergarten teacher always stressed that you should have pride in what you do. This is her first impression on parents. At least proofread your letter.
If it was a constant thing, I would be concerned. But it happens. You just wrote "slows sloppiness" instead of "shows sloppiness." It happens to the best of us. Sometimes we proofread on the fly and one gets past us. If she's using their, there, or they're in the wrong context, then that would be concerning.
I would give it time.
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| Posted 9/12/14 10:16 PM |
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mosh913
baby boy coming spring '11
Member since 5/05 3133 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by jambalady
So today was the last day to sign up and pay for after school.
You had the option to complete the form online or send it in with your child.
I submitted the form online and sent an envelope with the check, indicating his name, class, and that the envelope contained the payment for after school in his folder as instructed.
I checked his folder today and the envelope was still in there, meaning she never took it out.
I sent an email to the parents association to make sure that they will accept payment on Monday.
She completely missed the envelope in the folder.
I will be sending a note to ask if I can speak to her.
Honestly, it sounds like you have your mind made up about this teacher. I teach first grade ad I DO NOT check their folders. I teach them how to check their own. If their was $ in your child's folder it's most likely b/c he didn't take it out. You can't judge a teacher b/c she didn't state her homework policy in the first night of first grade, had one typo and b/c your child didn't empty their folder which is a routine they are learning at this point in the school year. I say you have to give it until the end of September.
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| Posted 9/12/14 10:19 PM |
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MissJones
I need a nap!
Member since 5/05 22136 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by mosh913
Posted by jambalady
So today was the last day to sign up and pay for after school.
You had the option to complete the form online or send it in with your child.
I submitted the form online and sent an envelope with the check, indicating his name, class, and that the envelope contained the payment for after school in his folder as instructed.
I checked his folder today and the envelope was still in there, meaning she never took it out.
I sent an email to the parents association to make sure that they will accept payment on Monday.
She completely missed the envelope in the folder.
I will be sending a note to ask if I can speak to her.
Honestly, it sounds like you have your mind made up about this teacher. I teach first grade ad I DO NOT check their folders. I teach them how to check their own. If their was $ in your child's folder it's most likely b/c he didn't take it out. You can't judge a teacher b/c she didn't state her homework policy in the first night of first grade, had one typo and b/c your child didn't empty their folder which is a routine they are learning at this point in the school year. I say you have to give it until the end of September.
I taught 1st for 10 years and emptying their folder was THEIR responsibility that I started on day 1.
Listen, you may have legitimate concerns. She might not be that focused, etc.
But BEING a teacher, having been a NEW teacher, being in a NEW grade, the first week or two is difficult.
When a teacher has been in a grade for a few years, all of those letters are typed, corrected, and ready to go. All of the routines are easy to implement.
But for a new teacher or someone new to a grade, they have to start all over and it can be very overwhelming.
Again, you might be right. She might not be a strong, effective teacher. But she might also be trying really hard and may be in over her head a little.
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| Posted 9/13/14 7:30 AM |
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jambalady
Is it summer yet?
Member since 8/06 7392 total posts
Name:
Holly
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by MissJones
Posted by mosh913
Posted by jambalady
So today was the last day to sign up and pay for after school.
You had the option to complete the form online or send it in with your child.
I submitted the form online and sent an envelope with the check, indicating his name, class, and that the envelope contained the payment for after school in his folder as instructed.
I checked his folder today and the envelope was still in there, meaning she never took it out.
I sent an email to the parents association to make sure that they will accept payment on Monday.
She completely missed the envelope in the folder.
I will be sending a note to ask if I can speak to her.
Honestly, it sounds like you have your mind made up about this teacher. I teach first grade ad I DO NOT check their folders. I teach them how to check their own. If their was $ in your child's folder it's most likely b/c he didn't take it out. You can't judge a teacher b/c she didn't state her homework policy in the first night of first grade, had one typo and b/c your child didn't empty their folder which is a routine they are learning at this point in the school year. I say you have to give it until the end of September.
I taught 1st for 10 years and emptying their folder was THEIR responsibility that I started on day 1.
Listen, you may have legitimate concerns. She might not be that focused, etc.
But BEING a teacher, having been a NEW teacher, being in a NEW grade, the first week or two is difficult.
When a teacher has been in a grade for a few years, all of those letters are typed, corrected, and ready to go. All of the routines are easy to implement.
But for a new teacher or someone new to a grade, they have to start all over and it can be very overwhelming.
Again, you might be right. She might not be a strong, effective teacher. But she might also be trying really hard and may be in over her head a little.
She is not a new teacher and this is not her first year teaching this grade.
She apparently has been teaching at the school for at least 5-6 years because I have older nieces and nephews who went there and they remember her.
Honestly, I didn't know that it was DS' responsibility to empty his folder.
Had I known that, I would have reinforced that he needed to tell his teacher that the money was in there.
But, having no instruction from her, how would I have known?
I asked him and he said that the teacher empties the folder for homework, but he was supposed to tell them if there was a "special note".
so, maybe it was my fault that I didn't stress to DS to take the money out, but that was because I didn't know he was supposed to.
Again, wouldn't this be covered in the intro letter? This is how I run my class, kind of thing?
Now I'm scrambling to make sure he can get into after school.
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| Posted 9/13/14 12:02 PM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Would you be concerned - teacher-related
No it wouldn't be covered in an intro letter and as far as I'm concerned Intro letter isn't a requirement? It seems like one of those extra things that has been added over the years. You obviously don't like his teacher and don't even want to give her a chance, so meet with her and run the risk of being "that" parent.
I wasn't given any instructions but I know first grade is different from kindergarten and expect my son to know what's going. If there is something in his folder regarding work that I have a question about and he doesn't know it, I make sure to stress that he needs to pay attention and that this is first grade now.
Example, his teacher forgot to put a lunch envelope in his folder and I wrote a note. I also made sure to keep reminding DS to let her know. Any money I put in, again I stress and try to remind DS to let the teacher know.
Too be honest I wouldn't make a big deal, I would email the teacher about the after school and notify the school office. But all the meeting with her about the curriculum and hwk. I think it's an over reaction and excessive when school just started. Has he not gotten hwk yet? If he has, does he understand it? That's how I gage with what my son is learning in class.
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| Posted 9/13/14 2:27 PM |
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
I think some of you are being a little bit hard on the OP.
It's pretty clear to me just from what she wrote that there's not good communication.
Maybe some of you are okay with that, but with what we pay in taxes and what some teachers make here on LI, I think it's reasonable to not have to guess what's going on at school.
Especially if there's NOT an open house.
Not everyone is a teacher, and not everyone has been through the school system yet to know what's normal and what's not.
Cut her some slack.
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| Posted 9/13/14 3:22 PM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
No one is being mean. She asked for advice and the majority thinks that she is over reacting. She is mad because there was a typo in a letter and wasn't given a detailed outline of everything the teacher is going to do. Which isn't the end of the world when it's only been a week of school.
Teachers and moms who have went through or are going through the same thing gave their opinion in which OP is clearly not trying to hear it.
I don't know what taxes has to do with the OP's question but I pay high taxes in NJ where I live in addition to having my son in private school. And I still wouldn't measure a teachers success or how good she is by an intro letter.
I think too many parents interfere now a days when they don't need too, instead of letting the teachers do their jobs.
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| Posted 9/13/14 5:14 PM |
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
How is wanting to know basic things going on with your kid "interfering".
She also added more info which goes beyond the typo, so yeah, I don't think she's overreacting OR interfering but your damned if you do, damned if you don't on here.
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| Posted 9/13/14 5:41 PM |
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Sash
Peace
Member since 6/08 10312 total posts
Name:
fka LIW Smara
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
How is wanting to know basic things going on with your kid "interfering".
She also added more info which goes beyond the typo, so yeah, I don't think she's overreacting OR interfering but your damned if you do, damned if you don't on here.
Ok you don't think so but the majority thinks she is. She asked for opinions and people didn't agree. What's the big deal. According to what she has written in this thread, NO I don't think she should be concerned as of yet and is over reacting. When I hear the teacher doesn't reply to email, ignores students and parents or they aren't learning anything then that would be a major flag.
It's very clear she is upset at not getting whatever info she desired at the beginning of the shool year and was determined to find fault in this teacher. Well now she has her reason and can meet with her.
To be honest I also would not expect all this information and a letter every year. You may never get a welcome letter again but doesn't mean your DC won't have an awesome teacher. My child kindergarten teacher kicked ass and I didn't get a welcome hooplah letter or curriculum.
Message edited 9/13/2014 6:18:01 PM.
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| Posted 9/13/14 6:17 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Would you be concerned - teacher-related
We do have "welcome" letters but they are basically a big nothing. Hi, welcome to second grade and bring in your supplies. I have never heard of any welcome letter laying out the curriculum for the year and your district should have the curriculum on their website if your interested. After K the kids are starting to be taught to be more self sufficient and I know in my school they unpack first thing in the morning. Homework goes in one bin and other paperwork goes in another. All done by the kids. The teachers never look in the folders. If I had something that important inside DD's folder then I would have emailed the teacher to be on the lookout.
What bothers me more than anything is that they have no open house/meet the teacher. I personally think it's imperative to meet the teachers and administrators of the school at least once a year. I am very surprised they do not offer that. For the open school issue, that has nothing to do with your teacher and I would email the principal to find out why that is not being done.
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| Posted 9/13/14 6:44 PM |
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PrincessP
Big sister!!!!!!!!!!
Member since 12/05 17450 total posts
Name:
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Re: Would you be concerned - teacher-related
Yes, I do think you are overreacting. Many concerns you are addressing could have already been addressed by speaking/emailing the teacher. A simple typo is not a huge deal either. As your child gets older they will have to be much more accountable then this level. Sorry, I don't think you should have hard feelings with the teacher less then 3 days in. Should be an interesting yr.
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| Posted 9/13/14 6:45 PM |
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