OT: back to school and work stuff

That is so kool a story Azzy (I hope?!) I think I would enjoy the younger kids better as tey are easy to teach and entertain, albeit often, for short time frames!!

I had to laugh at "mommy ain't djustin well!" Just treasure the memories and do notthink of the future because as we all know, kids grow TOO FAST!

OKC Dave

Yeah, there are memories so beautiful that they make you cry! I'm just so happy for you Arleen that you are back doing something that you love to do and that your memories are of a healthy active 5th grader!

It reminded me of something that happened when my DS when he was in kindergarten. I was in the military then and had to go out of town the day before my DS had some sort of a presentation at school with picnic and everything. I had arranged for a freind of mine that I had gone to HS with and whose son was in the same class to look after him, but, I was so sad not to be able to be there. Well the Lieutenant-Colonel who was my boss cut our trip short, drove back to town like a maniac and got me back in time to make it for the picnic. I will never forget the joy that lit up my son's face when he saw me. I still make me misty eyed... ok cry... to think about it and all the things he and I shared through the years. I'll bet that we all have many special stories like that!

I'm enjoying all the back to school stories, we still have 2 weeks of vacation left. I'm a teachers aide an awaiting a letter from school telling me my assignment. Aides are moved around alot but I'm pretty sure I'll have junior high kids just not sure what teacher I'll be with, and they are a tough bunch. I have 2 grandsons going to pre k this year. Lucky for the teachers they are in different schools. The boys do not get along very well. Hunter is such a MaMas boy I think my daughter may be ging to pre k. lol Lin

How fortunate for you that you've found work that you love! Too many can't say that.

Alicia

Azzy, I'm glad you are back to where you are happiest! I understand the "Mommy is not adjusting very well" part. My baby a freshman in high school this year and all I can say is treasure all the moments because it won't be long before they are out the door. Have fun in the Kindergarten classes, the little ones are always a hoot!

I really love Kdg, thye are so adorable! I get so many of hugs everyday, they tell me I am pretty, they get so excited when they learn a new thing and do it succesfully, I have one little boy that tells me he loves me several times a day...he is a doll! He is only 4, he turns 5 later this month. I think , though, the main reason I love this grade the most, is because in kindergarten, they are all equal. Some may grow up to be drop outs, or gang bangers, or druggies, while others become doctors, or lawyers, or even the President of the United States. But right here, right now, they are all just 5 year olds learning to write their name, and tie their shoes, and get through the day without Mommy. I look at all the 5th graders that I knew in Kindergarten, and boy have they changed...some of them in very sad ways. They have divided into seperte groups...but in kindergarten they were all friends.

Azzy

I know what you mean Azzy. My son just started 9th grade and watching the past 4 years as the kids all split into different groups and how some don't get along with others is so sad. Like you said when they were in K all the way to 3rd grade they were all friends. Yeah they had their favorites, but they all got along. 4th grade hit and I also didn't like volunteering in the class anymore. The naughty ones really got naughty that year and stayed that way. I don't have the take charge personality to reign them in.

Azzy I'm glad you are back with the kids that you enjoy working with. It is so important to get the little ones off to a good start. I know what you mean about the memories. I'm feeling kind of envious of all of you sending your kids back to school this year. Mine graduated from college last spring, so no more "first" days of school for me! (Although she will be going back to get her teaching credentials in November.)

That's great that you're back where you're happiest! The little ones are always so much fun. I'm hoping I can find some time to volunteer in my kiddos' classes this year. I haven't been able to do that for the past two years, so this will be a first. But I am making some goodie bags to take to DD's class on Friday! Her bday is Sat. and due to federal regulations, we can't send cake or sweet treats for bdays anymore. But I checked with her teacher, and some goodie bags will be fine, with a box of raisins or something healthy like that.

Deb I was curious ...what did you mean about federal regulations that you cant send cake or sweet treats for birthdays to school?? They dont allow that anymore, or you cant make them at home? I have heard that some schools wont allow home baked things..but you can buy them at a bakery or something, and it would be ok! My kids always looked forward to birthdays at school! :-(

Linda C

I know in the school where I teach, we've been told that the kids can only have "healthy" snacks (ie raisins, etc.), otherwise it messes up the nutritionally balanced meal provided by the federal food program...of course, they can eat whatever the heck they want at home. LOL Anyway, we are not allowed to have birthday parties, etc. either. The only parties we are allowed are Christmas and Easter.

Selena

L> Deb I was curious ...what did you mean about federal regulations that

Another mother in DS's class, who works for the school district, said it's due to a federal mandate(?). So, now the schools are going to nutritionally balanced breakfast & lunch menus, if they hadn't already. But on top of that, no more sweet treats, either home made or store bought. The teachers can't even give out candy as prizes or anything. Both kids' teachers said we can do treats for birthdays, but they have to be healthy snacks.

At our school treats such as cookies are still acceptable for birthdays as long as they come from a bakery or the parent sends in a note stating that they baked them personally and gives a list of ingredients used. That makes them liable if there is an issue. I love to read the menues the school posts - they are suppose to be following the federal standards, but sometimes the only way I can figure they are serving the correct amount of veggies is if they count ketchup as a veg. I have seen them list it on the menu. At my childcare I have to follow the same standards - post my menues, and allow drop in visits by the state/federal food program inspectors. For birthdays I ask the parents to send plain bakery purchased sugar cookies. We then let the children decorate the cookies with icing I provide. I know what my kitchen looks like and my own standards of hygiene. I also know the bakery gets inspected by the health department and has to meet lots of regulations. I don't know the hygiene standards of the parents homes. I know it sounds bad not accepting homemade items from parents for their child's birthday, but with today's society of sue-happy individuals it's just not safe anymore. Sandy

We have the federal mandate as well. However, from what I read of the paper. it mandates what the school supplies for them. I don't think that they can stop parents from bringing in whatever they want. I hate that they will alow treats if they are low fat.....I don't like low fat things, and we don't eat them hear at home...diet eaither. I don't believe they are good for you...so it annoys me that they allow them to be served to my child.

Azzy

Selena:

Do you teach in public or private school?

Alicia

now, they are all just 5

the day without Mommy.

Well put!

For one of my college projects while I was student teaching, I did a profile of one of my 4th graders. He was one of those teetering between heading in a positive direction if the right person(s) intervened in his life or starting down the path of constantly getting into trouble. I still think of him periodically over 2 decades later & wonder what happened in his life.

Alicia

I teach in a public school. I taught in a private school prior to this teaching position. It was a small school and we were allowed to have a party for anything we wanted!

Selena

Alicia wrote: