First day back to school, teacher sends homework home for parents

[A+]

My wife just got home from picking up our kids on their first day to school, and finds a note from one of the teachers that tells us (the parents) to write an essay describing our child to be turned in by Wednesday. I had to check it myself, and sure enough it isn't for the kid to do, it is for the parents. Seriously, wtf?

I think I am going to send a note to her saying that I'll need an essay from her describing herself to us first.

Stevo

well thats kinda dumb. We had to write an essay for our kids when they first started school but that was to get them accepted.

[Leah]

IMO, it should be voluntary AND have a suggested due date of next week sometime. Show some respect for busy parents and allow time for them to hopefully have a day off to spend some time on it. You'll still accomplish every goal you expect to accomplish this way (identify the committed, involved parents, learn about the kids, help to set an example, etc) and you won't have to come off as impatient, demanding, or disrespectful of other people's time.

The whole requirement and Wednesday due date would rub me the wrong way, and obviously would make a lot of others feel the same. Why start off the year like that?

Completely agree.

We would get the essay done as a family. I would take the laptop to the kitchen so my wife can type it up.

I see what you did there. Ass.

Also, I believe it isn't a teachers place to judge the intelligence of the parents of a child as it shouldn't have any bearing on how they educate said child, the kid should get equal treatment even if the parents are illiterate shit-flinging skunk-apes straight out of the swamp.

Stevo

It is not so they can educate your child differently, it is mostly to see what level of support is being offered at home, how important education is considered in the family and therefore, what supports SHE/HE will need to provide in the classroom to account for that.

The teacher can do everything in the world, but if the parents can't read/write, how much help do you think that child is getting at home? Can they help with homework, reading assignments and spelling tests? Probably not as much as someone who can read/write themselves. So when little Johnny can't write his name by the 3rd week of school, the teacher will at least know the severity of the intervention that needs to happen in order to get that student up to his peers.


As for the letter, I don't think that was demanding and I'm sure she wouldn't have a problem if it was sent in at the end of the week or even next week. She just wants to get to know them.

[Ruffdaddy]

How are people missing over the fact that Shes asking for details to help her teach. These details would normally take years to learn, but this teacher only has 8 months and wants to make the best of her time.

[stevo]

I have 0

Ahh, that is exactly what I thought. Your opinion means dick.

She just wants to get to know them.

I doubt she is going to remember the details of 35 different children.

At the end of the day, I think it is just a ploy to attempt to give some sort of false parent-teacher intimacy, and as mentioned to gauge parent interaction, to a lesser intent. Giving a due date and listing it as 'PARENT HOMEWORK' comes off as arrogance to me regardless how many "pleases" are added, just my opinion.

Honestly, I feel her enthusiasm to be a connected teacher with your child.
Granted, it was in my cousin's voice. She is a teacher within our school district.
How did "Meet the teacher night" go?

Robert, we have not met this teacher since she is new and we didn't know which teacher he was going to have for the year until last week.

Stevo

[Treasure Chest]

Ahh, that is exactly what I thought. Your opinion means dick.



I doubt she is going to remember the details of 35 different children.

At the end of the day, I think it is just a ploy to attempt to give some sort of false parent-teacher intimacy, and as mentioned to gauge parent interaction, to a lesser intent. Giving a due date and listing it as 'PARENT HOMEWORK' comes off as arrogance to me regardless how many "pleases" are added, just my opinion.



Robert, we have not met this teacher since she is new and we didn't know which teacher he was going to have for the year until last week.

Stevo

Is she a fresh out of college teacher? If so, this might be one of those instances where she's trying to apply what she learned in school to be the best enthusiastic first year teacher she can be. A survey would have seemed a little less demanding. I can see both sides of it, though.

[psdtech]

i was pissed about this demand at first but i wonder if the letter was writen like this if it would of come off better

Quote:
PARENT HOMEWORK:

I am so excited to have your child in my class this year. I am ready to know everything about your wonderful children.

Please write me a letter about your child. I want to know EVERYTHING! Tell me all ther favorites, what drives them crazy, what their interests are, what their dreams are, all their strengths, any weaknesses, and anything you think that I should know so that we can have positive, fantastic year.

Please send this essay to school by Wednesday, August 24.

Thank you so much for supporting your child and XXXXXX Elementary.

Mrs. XXXXXX

[slow99]

i was pissed about this demand at first but i wonder if the letter was writen like this if it would of come off better

Quote:
PARENT HOMEWORK:

I am so excited to have your child in my class this year. I am ready to know everything about your wonderful children.

Please write me a letter about your child. I want to know EVERYTHING! Tell me all ther favorites, what drives them crazy, what their interests are, what their dreams are, all their strengths, any weaknesses, and anything you think that I should know so that we can have positive, fantastic year.

Please send this essay to school by Wednesday, August 24.

Thank you so much for supporting your child and XXXXXX Elementary.

Mrs. XXXXXX

So... "letter" instead of "essay"?

[akfodysvn]

if people truly were concerned and not just bitching/complaining like most American's, they would send their child to private school. If it's that important, you find a way, there are always exceptions. Hands down you will get a better education from a private school

[Wicked SVO]

if people truly were concerned and not just bitching/complaining like most American's, they would send their child to private school. If it's that important, you find a way, there are always exceptions. Hands down you will get a better education from a private school

lol? as long as the checks clear...

-k

[slow99]

if people truly were concerned and not just bitching/complaining like most American's, they would send their child to private school. If it's that important, you find a way, there are always exceptions. Hands down you will get a better education from a private school

Damned American's.

[Ruffdaddy]

Ahh, that is exactly what I thought. Your opinion means dick.
I doubt she is going to remember the details of 35 different children.

At the end of the day, I think it is just a ploy to attempt to give some sort of false parent-teacher intimacy, and as mentioned to gauge parent interaction, to a lesser intent. Giving a due date and listing it as 'PARENT HOMEWORK' comes off as arrogance to me regardless how many "pleases" are added, just my opinion.

Robert, we have not met this teacher since she is new and we didn't know which teacher he was going to have for the year until last week.

Stevo

Lol cause having a kid is the only thing that makes an opinion valid when discussing a teachers intent. On that same shitty concept I can ask if you've ever taught a classroom, or many other things.

You sure seem to make alot of excuses...

I feel bad that any of my teachers had to deal with this overly sensitive bs.

[stevo]

Is she a fresh out of college teacher? If so, this might be one of those instances where she's trying to apply what she learned in school to be the best enthusiastic first year teacher she can be. A survey would have seemed a little less demanding. I can see both sides of it, though.

We will find out pretty soon, going to leave a message asking her when it would be a good time to setup a conference.

Stevo

[psdtech]

So... "letter" instead of "essay"?

sometimes a word can change the "feeling" of it. I have always hated essays in school and now that out im not going to write any. Now if you want a letter, phone call, e-mail, or to sit down and talk thats ok with me

[slow99]

Now if you want a letter, phone call, e-mail, or to sit down and talk thats ok with me

I don't think I'd be comfortable with that... I don't even know you.

[Treasure Chest]

if people truly were concerned and not just bitching/complaining like most American's, they would send their child to private school. If it's that important, you find a way, there are always exceptions. Hands down you will get a better education from a private school

Shit. The majority of private schools here are Christian schools that may be ok in the lower grades, but as they get older, there are more entitled pricks and better grades of pot than anything else. For the most part, it's a facade of a better education and good Christian peers.