The problem mother

I feel like I am always in the school questioning the teachers or the principal about things. I don't want to be the mom that when they see me coming they think to themselves "oh geez. What now?" On the other hand, I want to be involved in my kids education and I want to be sure they are progressing and being pushed/challenged a little, etc.

At the end of last week the school sent around emails to the parents telling us that the District as a whole had cut PE and Art class to part time (which essentially meant that the kids would only get PE and Art once every other week instead of once a week) and then our particular school was adding dance. DANCE? Are you kidding me? My 7 year old would rather barf than dance. He LOVES PE and absolutely loves the teacher, Mr. "C". In fact, if Mr. "C" says Spirit should do something at home (like practice jump rope or play ball, whatever) Spirit makes sure he does it! He looks forward to pleasing Mr. "C". Spirit also enjoys the art class. The art teacher, Ms. "K" is nationally recognized as an elementary art teacher... I mean nationally -- who better to teach my kids about art (besides me of course) than a nationally recognized elementary art teacher.

So, upon hearing this news and some contemplation (noticed I didn't say much), I wrote a letter to the Superintendent of the whole county. I basically said, I think this change is a joke. I commented that there is a full time administrative position that is a "coordinator" position. I asked the Superintendent if there was any way to cut that position to a PT and keep PE and/or Art? I said I felt there had to be other options than to cut a program and add a program such as dance. I also asked what happened to "No child left behind" -- I said it seems as though many children will be left behind if we make the changes. I also said in my letter, that we are house shopping and were hoping to stay in the same school, but maybe we will broaden our house search and move somewhere else. (I wasn't trying to threaten by any means, but I really felt like why are we struggling to find a house we like in the area JUST to stay at the same school?!?!?!)

Well, unbeknown st to me...... Mr. Superintendent forwarded my email to the district superintendent who happened to be at the school having a meeting about this matter and she received it on her Blackberry. A friend of mine, who serves as a "parent Rep" for the school was in the meeting. So she told me how, the District Superintendent looks at her Blackberry and reads my letter. She then tells the group in the meeting who wrote the letter. My friend said "I was secretly going 'YES' when she told me you were involved!" Anyway, because of my letter and so much verbal out-pouring of comments from other parents, the District SI has decided to reverse everything she did and she is asking for a parent meeting to discuss options!

Also because of my letter, the Principal has asked for a meeting with me! Great!! I have that meeting scheduled for tomorrow at 10 AM. I have to go to the principal's office! GREAT!!!!