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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Report Cards and Lost Books
So Robbie lost a book last month. Yesterday his teacher told him he would not get his report card if he didn't return the book.
It wound up being a non-issue because he found the book yesterday, but I am a little perturbed that the school could threaten to withhold a progress report if he didn't return a paperback library book worth $5. Do you think this was just an empty threat or do you think I would have been forced to go up to the school and demand that they give me the information that they plan on putting in my child's records relevant to his progress in 3rd grade?
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Posted 6/23/10 9:36 AM  |
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OffWithHerHead23
Keep passing the open windows
Member since 10/06 3627 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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Re: Report Cards and Lost Books
It sux, but I think this is pretty much standard operating procedure with most schools, whether it's a $5 paperback or a $200 textbook. The rule in the school that I taught at was that you either returned the book, paid for the book, or didn't get your report card.
When you think about it, it's really the only thing the school has as leverage.
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| Posted 6/23/10 9:52 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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It's not like his year is expunged from his record & when he goes to college they're going to question him on what he missed in elementary school
I think it's fine for them to either ask for the book back or payment for a new book.
Message edited 9/1/2011 4:24:43 PM.
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| Posted 6/23/10 10:15 AM |
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Karen
Just chillin'!!
Member since 1/06 9690 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Report Cards and Lost Books
I think it's pretty standard procedure. In my old district report cards will not be issued while library fines, missing books, etc. are pending.
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| Posted 6/23/10 11:03 AM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: Report Cards and Lost Books
I don't mind paying for a book or finding it. I do mind that they would hold his progress hostage if I didn't have the money or means to do so. I pay thousands of dollars in taxes, spend endless hours helping my kid with schoolwork, go to PTA meetings, school meetings, assemblies, buy gifts, etc.. and they are going to tell me I don't have the right to know how my child did in school? I don't think so.
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| Posted 6/23/10 11:10 AM |
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curley999
Family!
Member since 5/05 2314 total posts
Name:
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Re: Report Cards and Lost Books
My DD school has the same policy. I was kinda surprised when I heard it, but I suppose that it is the only way to ensure the books are returned or paid for before the end of school
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| Posted 6/23/10 11:38 AM |
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kellybean
LIF Infant
Member since 9/07 85 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: Report Cards and Lost Books
I remeber that as a policy when I was in school and it is in my kids school district. If they didnt implement some kind of punishment there would be alot more funds spent on replacing books that schools just cant afford. If a parent has to choose between replacing the book their child lost or not getting the report card ...most pay for the book...saving thousands a year for the district and tax payer
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| Posted 6/23/10 1:17 PM |
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AngelaD1031
LIF Infant
Member since 11/09 219 total posts
Name:
Angela
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Re: Report Cards and Lost Books
Posted by rojerono
I don't mind paying for a book or finding it. I do mind that they would hold his progress hostage if I didn't have the money or means to do so. I pay thousands of dollars in taxes, spend endless hours helping my kid with schoolwork, go to PTA meetings, school meetings, assemblies, buy gifts, etc.. and they are going to tell me I don't have the right to know how my child did in school? I don't think so.
I'm sorry, I hope you don't mind me butting in here but I'm a 7th grade teacher and I just wanted to respond from the school's perspective.
Could you imagine how much more you'd be paying in taxes if there were no penalties for losing a book? I have a list of at least twenty names of kids who have not returned their class library books. I think a lot more students and their parents would have a nonchalant attitude about returning things if they knew nothing would happen if they didn't. The schools would have to replace all of those books (you can't have students without text books!) and money would be eaten from the budget in that way.
Not meant to start any problems, I just wanted to show the other side of this.
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| Posted 6/24/10 2:36 PM |
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RMA9728
LIF Adolescent
Member since 1/08 863 total posts
Name:
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Re: Report Cards and Lost Books
Posted by AngelaD1031
Posted by rojerono
I don't mind paying for a book or finding it. I do mind that they would hold his progress hostage if I didn't have the money or means to do so. I pay thousands of dollars in taxes, spend endless hours helping my kid with schoolwork, go to PTA meetings, school meetings, assemblies, buy gifts, etc.. and they are going to tell me I don't have the right to know how my child did in school? I don't think so.
I'm sorry, I hope you don't mind me butting in here but I'm a 7th grade teacher and I just wanted to respond from the school's perspective.
Could you imagine how much more you'd be paying in taxes if there were no penalties for losing a book? I have a list of at least twenty names of kids who have not returned their class library books. I think a lot more students and their parents would have a nonchalant attitude about returning things if they knew nothing would happen if they didn't. The schools would have to replace all of those books (you can't have students without text books!) and money would be eaten from the budget in that way.
Not meant to start any problems, I just wanted to show the other side of this.
I'm a teacher too. It breaks my heart when kids loose books and I have to tell the parents if they don't pay for it then they don't get their report cards. This is standard practice in all schools though.
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| Posted 6/24/10 4:27 PM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Report Cards and Lost Books
I've really debated posting this as I don't want to discourage parents from paying for lost/damaged books nor throw my fellow school librarians under the bus:
It is illegal in NYS to withhold report cards or diplomas.
I can't tell you how many times that students have come in looking for a book that is overdue. I lost 10% of my book budget this year and I'm losing another 14% in September. please return your library books!
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| Posted 6/24/10 9:16 PM |
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rojerono
Happiest.
Member since 8/06 13803 total posts
Name:
Jeannie
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Re: Report Cards and Lost Books
Posted by AngelaD1031
Posted by rojerono
I don't mind paying for a book or finding it. I do mind that they would hold his progress hostage if I didn't have the money or means to do so. I pay thousands of dollars in taxes, spend endless hours helping my kid with schoolwork, go to PTA meetings, school meetings, assemblies, buy gifts, etc.. and they are going to tell me I don't have the right to know how my child did in school? I don't think so.
I'm sorry, I hope you don't mind me butting in here but I'm a 7th grade teacher and I just wanted to respond from the school's perspective.
Could you imagine how much more you'd be paying in taxes if there were no penalties for losing a book? I have a list of at least twenty names of kids who have not returned their class library books. I think a lot more students and their parents would have a nonchalant attitude about returning things if they knew nothing would happen if they didn't. The schools would have to replace all of those books (you can't have students without text books!) and money would be eaten from the budget in that way.
Not meant to start any problems, I just wanted to show the other side of this.
No problems - I am not remotely upset or annoyed by the idea that most people do not agree with me! :) I actually DO get the perspective of the school and understand why they want/need to secure the money for lost books. I would never in a million years debate that.
Having said that - there needs to be a different way to secure those lost items. It seems absurd to withhold a progress report because of it. It's like "Sorry - you don't have the book so we aren't going to let you know what your child might need to work on this summer!" And what about teacher conferences? Would a teacher say "Yeah - sorry, I can't give you any of my time to discuss your child because they lost a library book and giving you insight into their progress is not allowed until they put up or pay up."
Again - my kid loses a book he's going to find it or he's going to pay for it. But the idea that they are going to hold his progress hostage REALLY sits wrong with me.
And I have to think Erica must be correct - if your child goes to a public state-funded school it seems within the parents inherent right to be given reports on progress. I think any parent who chose to 'fight' the school on the issue would win.
Message edited 6/25/2010 7:26:34 AM.
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| Posted 6/25/10 7:26 AM |
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