No More Pencils, No More Books

I am now the proud mom of a fourth-grader and a second-grader! (Oh, yeah, and an oldest-group-at-preschooler.) In the past we've always gotten our next year's class list and teacher assignment on the last day of school, or the day after at the latest, but this year we're not getting it until August 25! Apparently there are still some enrollment numbers and budgets to finalize at some of the other schools in our city, so they're making us all wait. It really stinks. Last year when Steph had her horrible placement, I at least had all summer to get used to the idea and to make sure to "play it" properly to her. We also were in touch with her teacher, who was nice enough to send a letter and photo and ask for a postcard in return, which she then replied to. I think that stuff goes a long way toward making the first day not so anxiety-producing (for me as well as for the kids!). Even if I could just know either the kids' teachers or the class lists, that would be enough. Man, I hate waiting.

Comments

[pam]

What a nice system (when it works)! My kid's school never has its act together that early. Placement sheets are posted in the window of the principal's office a few days before school starts. No letter or anything.

On the plus side, the school is so small, the kids get acquainted with most of the next grade teachers over the course of a year anyway.

[Margaret]

It is hard not to know! I think that some schools don't want to give out the placements because too many parents complain or want switches to a "better" teacher's class. I have had those not-so-great placements, but they have managed to work out. My kids are now more flexible and accepting because of it.

[Karen]

In the past the placement letter has stated, in no uncertain terms, that all placements are FINAL. And by then there's no one in the school office to complain to anyhow! Stephanie's lousy placement this past year was not a good thing. I don't want a repeat of that!

[Kirsty]

We sent out our class lists today - and there's still a month of school left before the summer break for most schools in the UK!