This is our last week of school. Well, except for next Wednesday, when the kids are supposed to go pick up their report cards. For my kids, this is the last week. I think it's ridiculous to go back next week, so they'll get their report cards in the mail. This has been a very challenging year for us. There are good things about this school, I'm sure there are, but none come to mind at the moment!! That's not entirely true. I can think of a few good things, like the fact that Avery is going to be ready for sixth grade next year. (he's only in the fourth grade this year) Okay, I'll really stop now. I just feel the need to have some closure about this year of school, so this is my final post about it. I need to get a few things off my chest, and I promise I'll be done. I've actually tried really hard to not always whine about it on here. That doesn't mean that a few of you haven't had to hear about it though!! I mean, I've got to vent to someone!!
About a month ago, Keith went to the school and talked to Avery's teacher about a rule that we found unfair and too strict. I should have gone up to the school earlier in the year, but I just couldn't make myself do it. Keith said the conversation was somewhat heated, but not a yelling match or anything. I went up to the school that day to check Avery out, because of the disagreement, and I ended up having a conversation with her too. It's what I was trying to avoid, but I managed to hold it together until I got back in the van. Then I was hysterical. Anyway, back to the conversation with his teacher. I told her that there were several issues that we didn't see eye to eye on, and I saw no compromise. She talked about not bending the rules for Avery, which is NOT what we wanted or ever said. She also mentioned that we wouldn't want him in a class that just plays all the time. Again, that's not what we wanted either. All we wanted was some kind of balance. He's still a kid, and doesn't need to act like an adult yet. She just didn't see it that way. She even got emotional that we were that upset. I felt awful for upsetting her, but I didn't back down from what I believed. She actually said to me, that it only gets worse as he gets older. She said school isn't fun for kids anymore. Wow, way to be encouraging. Thanks for giving me something to look forward to. I know that not all fourth grades are like this, not even at our school. There's got to be a better way to find balance. She also told me that they averaged the required amount of recess over the entire year. There is no way that's true. They have been going out most days this last month, but that's not how it should be. Here's what I think. School isn't about kids anymore. It's about government, budget cuts, paperwork, test results and political correctness. I'm already sad that I have to send them back next year. I know all teachers are not as strict and unforgiving as her, but it's left me with such a bad taste in my mouth, that I dislike the entire school. Actually dislike is not strong enough, but I think you get the picture. So, we end this year with a very unsettling feeling. I don't know how next year is going to be, but I guarantee that we won't have another year like this one.
Okay, now I feel the need to apologize to all the teachers that read this. My kids have had some wonderful teachers that we truly loved, and it wasn't because we agreed on everything. I admire anyone who chooses to be a teacher. It's an overwhelming job to deal with all the kids, their parents(especially those like me!), and all the rules that you have thrust upon you. I don't want anyone to think I'm not trying to be understanding. Trust me, I've tried all year to understand. I know there are things that teachers would change too. So, I'm sorry if I've offended anyone while I was ranting. I just needed to get it out, and hopefully be done with it. I'm ready to put this year behind us, and start fresh.
After we spent a couple of days in Atlanta, we headed down to Keith's grandparents' house. We usually only see them once a year at Thanksgiving, but we're trying to do better than that, so we went for a visit. The kids always love going there, as there's an endless supply of dirt. That's not the only reason, but that's definitely part of it!! There's also the golf cart, four wheeler and the lake. Of course they enjoy getting to see Granny and Granddaddy! Oh, how could I forget Granny's cooking?! That's why Keith goes! Just kidding (sort of)! I wasn't able to make Chloe a birthday cake since we were traveling, but Granny took care of that. She always has a chocolate cake on hand! We had a great visit, and hopefully we can do it more often from now on, just not in the truck.
