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Post by Arch on Sept 15, 2008 22:45:09 GMT -6
Thanks Arch. I know I got off topic there, but this whole middle school thing is a bit of a transition for me also. I'm not sure if I like the very little contact with teachers. They are with my children during the weekday hours more then I am. I kind of like to know who is looking after them. I guess it's just part of growing up (parents and children). Back to hs transition..... It is a shift of gears, no doubt about it and each kid handles it differently. Sometimes each teacher is only with them 40 minutes a day, so that's something else to keep in mind... So, it can help them as much as it can help you to establish that link. Fewer people do it than you might think and out of those that do, each do it in different ways. We handled each of my three differently when they hit MS and I'm just passing along the info of what I wish I would have known when my first hit MS many moons ago. When my youngest hits there in 2 more years I'm sure I will tweak it again but the core of what I passed along previously will hold. I'm hip on the social and peer concerns but it also sounds like that will happen from the school side of things on its own schedule and that may fall short of what many hope. Getting that foot in the door now w/ initiative can't be a bad thing in the scheme of things.... For #1, we were in a posture of waiting for contact; for #2 she has an interesting aura about her that we didn't need to, but for #3 we had to apply the lessons learned in ES due to special needs and that really opened our eyes to how that would have benefited #1 more if we took the same approach prior even without the needs as a variable. #4 will reap (and has reaped so far) the benefit of all that prior knowledge. |
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Post by steckmom on Sept 16, 2008 5:40:55 GMT -6
As for transitioning further away, Steck moved from Granger by WV to Granger in Stonebridge. But I don't have any info for you as we weren't involved.
I will say though that I've heard nothing but good things about Granger since I've lived here.
Actually, thinking back, I vaguely remember my neighbors kid made the transition, but all I remember is that she was very excited to go to a new school.
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Post by doctorwho on Sept 16, 2008 5:47:55 GMT -6
Thanks Arch. I know I got off topic there, but this whole middle school thing is a bit of a transition for me also. I'm not sure if I like the very little contact with teachers. They are with my children during the weekday hours more then I am. I kind of like to know who is looking after them. I guess it's just part of growing up (parents and children). Back to hs transition..... It is a shift of gears, no doubt about it and each kid handles it differently. Sometimes each teacher is only with them 40 minutes a day, so that's something else to keep in mind... So, it can help them as much as it can help you to establish that link. Fewer people do it than you might think and out of those that do, each do it in different ways. We handled each of my three differently when they hit MS and I'm just passing along the info of what I wish I would have known when my first hit MS many moons ago. When my youngest hits there in 2 more years I'm sure I will tweak it again but the core of what I passed along previously will hold. I'm hip on the social and peer concerns but it also sounds like that will happen from the school side of things on its own schedule and that may fall short of what many hope. Getting that foot in the door now w/ initiative can't be a bad thing in the scheme of things.... For #1, we were in a posture of waiting for contact; for #2 she has an interesting aura about her that we didn't need to, but for #3 we had to apply the lessons learned in ES due to special needs and that really opened our eyes to how that would have benefited #1 more if we took the same approach prior even without the needs as a variable. #4 will reap (and has reaped so far) the benefit of all that prior knowledge. So true on kids not always voicing what is going on - even those who are normally very vocal. My last experience in the transition to MS was a great example of this.While my oldest was a quiet and shy girl ( except on the court ) my youngest more likeme, or so they tell me. Very vocal, always the first participant into things,first one with her hand up etc. - or was until she started MS. A couple of weeks into MS all of a sudden she was missing homework, turned in late, didn't know when tests were --and I kept asking is everything OK - and the stock answer back was always, everything is fine. Well about the 3rd or 4th week of class we got a request tomeet with her 3 CORE teachers @ Hill. My youngest was appalled - this was a straight A student her whole life and we were being requested tomeetwith all 3 teachers at one time. Well let me tell you the 3 of them ( all of whom we still talk to today, 1 sorely disappointed she can't watch her play at WV since her daughter plays VB also) -noticed that the feedback they had on my youngest wasn't matching her behavior. She wasn't volunteering for anything - she had not asked 1 single question in class- never raised her hand. When calledupon she would answer they said and she always had the right answer but she would never offer it.So we had this meeting and they expressed to her they were there to help, they would appreciate participation even if the answers were wrong , and explained to her they thought she had so much more to offer than she was... after exploring was there anything else wrong, the conclusion we all came to was the different environment had caused her to go into a shell. It threw off everything including organization. After this meeting she slowly emerged to be the kid she was in ES - and by the end of the 1st quarter all was back to 'normal' and the quiet girl was gone again.... and my A student with the non stop yapper was back. This was an example IMHO of teachers going above and beyond, - but also an example of how even outgoing kids can find change very very hard - not to be blown off as how well all kids do, it's the parents with issues as some comments have been made. I watched for the same thing in HS - especially since she underwent such a huge change ( way more than MS split ) - it appears all is OK...but I'll keep watching. |
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Post by Arch on Sept 16, 2008 6:31:22 GMT -6
As for transitioning further away, Steck moved from Granger by WV to Granger in Stonebridge. But I don't have any info for you as we weren't involved. I will say though that I've heard nothing but good things about Granger since I've lived here. Actually, thinking back, I vaguely remember my neighbors kid made the transition, but all I remember is that she was very excited to go to a new school. Was this a case of a MS no longer being a MS or a case of 'move this select group out and shove some other group in' ? I'm guessing this was the freshman center conversion, but I don't want to make that assumption. |
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Post by slp on Sept 16, 2008 6:39:27 GMT -6
As we4 has said - we're all in this together. I just don't like people insinuating that the district isn't doing what it's supposed to do. The children are being educated and parents and students will have plenty of information about their new schools long before they begin attending them. Is it just that there needs to be something to complain about at all times? How is the start of the school year going for your children? If it bothers you to read complaints, you can always stop reading them. Why be so smug about it? It really shouldn't matter to you that other people would like some communication from the district. Nothing will be taken from you, I promise. smom, I had the same thoughts. |
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Post by steckmom on Sept 16, 2008 6:41:24 GMT -6
As for transitioning further away, Steck moved from Granger by WV to Granger in Stonebridge. But I don't have any info for you as we weren't involved. I will say though that I've heard nothing but good things about Granger since I've lived here. Actually, thinking back, I vaguely remember my neighbors kid made the transition, but all I remember is that she was very excited to go to a new school. Was this a case of a MS no longer being a MS or a case of 'move this select group out and shove some other group in' ? I'm guessing this was the freshman center conversion, but I don't want to make that assumption. It was the freshman conversion. I don't know if they changed boundaries at that point or not. |
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Post by slp on Sept 16, 2008 6:42:51 GMT -6
I will also add that what most are stating is constructive criticism to HELP our kids. I will not be told that isn't important by anyone or made to feel differently.
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Post by Arch on Sept 16, 2008 6:46:50 GMT -6
I will also add that what most are stating is constructive criticism to HELP our kids. I will not be told that isn't important by anyone or made to feel differently. Maybe some are afraid of a mystical widespread panic if it's talked about any sooner... who knows... |
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Post by rew on Sept 16, 2008 7:43:57 GMT -6
I think there are two issues beind addressed here. One is a transition from one school to another, similar to our kids going from grade school to MS to HS, it is a new building, different layout, different kids. While a tour of the new MS is nice, the incoming sixth graders do not tour their new MS until the end of their fifth grade year, and the same holds for eigth graders.
What I bristle at is when you are at a Scullen music concert and they have invited a NVHS group to perform and the teachers announce how someday you'll be there and have Mr so and so for jazz band etc. And they seem oblivious to that fact that half the kids are not going to NVHS.
Scullen (and Still) is now and will be a split MS for the forseeable future. They need to encourage pride in NVHS and WVHS and address the informational needs for both HSs (summer camps etc).
I see that as a seperate issue. It is a fundamental change in mindset rather than a temporary transition issue. These MSs have to figure this out.
For the sixth graders moving to a new MS next year, and that includes my neighborhood, IMO, the transition can be dealt with in the spring.
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Post by rew on Sept 16, 2008 7:56:47 GMT -6
Please don't think I am criticizing anyone for feeling pinched by change, change is indeed difficult. But we have a new principal at NVHS this year and I didn't know his name until this spring and, in fact, I got to hear him speak for the first time last night at the Indian Prairie Scholar Awards ceremony.
And I thought his remarks were terrific.
But is that really what you're anxious about? Who the principal is going to be at Fischer? Are your anxieties really going to be reduced by a 30 minute tour of the building?
I am not minimizing anyone's hardship in all this. I share all those same anxieties. But they will not be calmed until my kid is settled and happy in his new school (I hope).
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Post by d204mom on Sept 16, 2008 8:01:01 GMT -6
That's a joke, right?  We're supposed to trust the board and admin's promises about what's going to happen? If you don't trust them than you can find out at your own PTA meetings and/or by attending the SB meetings and/or talking to your school principal. There is no great secret about any of it. What reason is there not to trust them? This has been done many times before without so many concerns. I am surprised that you think it's business as usual in this district. Metzger acknowledged the lack of trust in his announcement regarding the new board member. Daescher acknowledged it in his recent interview with NCTV. At least they "get it." It's one thing to tell the public to assume the board & admin are LYING to secure a vote. Then to pour salt in the wound by RIDICULING them at meetings? The disrespect shown to the parents and voting public of this district is mind-boggling. EVERYTHING is going to be harder in this district over the next few years until this board and admin are gone, and then the next will have to BUILD back the trust that they've destroyed. It is not "been done before" business as usual. |
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Post by slp on Sept 16, 2008 8:07:54 GMT -6
What I bristle at is when you are at a Scullen music concert and they have invited a NVHS group to perform and the teachers announce how someday you'll be there and have Mr so and so for jazz band etc. And they seem oblivious to that fact that half the kids are not going to NVHS. Scullen (and Still) is now and will be a split MS for the forseeable future. They need to encourage pride in NVHS and WVHS and address the informational needs for both HSs (summer camps etc). I see that as a seperate issue. It is a fundamental change in mindset rather than a temporary transition issue. These MSs have to figure this out. That is my issue at this point as well. I know that Kathy Kosteck is aware of this concern and hopefully we will see both NV and WV referenced at Scullen very soon. |
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Post by researching on Sept 16, 2008 9:34:48 GMT -6
What I bristle at is when you are at a Scullen music concert and they have invited a NVHS group to perform and the teachers announce how someday you'll be there and have Mr so and so for jazz band etc. And they seem oblivious to that fact that half the kids are not going to NVHS. Scullen (and Still) is now and will be a split MS for the forseeable future. They need to encourage pride in NVHS and WVHS and address the informational needs for both HSs (summer camps etc). I see that as a seperate issue. It is a fundamental change in mindset rather than a temporary transition issue. These MSs have to figure this out. That is my issue at this point as well. I know that Kathy Kosteck is aware of this concern and hopefully we will see both NV and WV referenced at Scullen very soon. I see this a bit differently. What if Metea isn't ready in 2009? I think that is a slim possibility as I have stated by belief that they will open it with tents on the property if they have to but it is a possibility. If the Principal talks up the switch and it doesn't happen, then what? I really don't see the harm in providing information for both schools but this early in the game I think it should be done lightly. As for the high school side, I do not want this switch harped upon as it seems to be. It is making the students feel basically "homeless". I really don't want my child to hear another thing about the switch until next semester. I do not approve of the new WVHS Principal visiting the segregated NV advisory periods within the first TWO WEEKS OF SCHOOL. Seriously? It was poor planning and not well received. I am sure it was done with the best intentions but I did not like it at all. |
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Post by casey on Sept 16, 2008 10:49:19 GMT -6
As for the high school side, I do not want this switch harped upon as it seems to be. It is making the students feel basically "homeless". I really don't want my child to hear another thing about the switch until next semester. I do not approve of the new WVHS Principal visiting the segregated NV advisory periods within the first TWO WEEKS OF SCHOOL. Seriously? It was poor planning and not well received. I am sure it was done with the best intentions but I did not like it at all. I couldn't agree more, researching. The whole advisory period rah-rah was a poor attempt at transitioning. The current freshmen don't want to hear a thing about it. Remember, these are the kids that were already told they'd be moving to MV (at BB) then they voted on the name and mascot of MV. "whoops! forget it. you're not going there. do over! we were just kidding!" At this point in time, I don't want any kind of HS transition because I just don't know if that HS is really happening for 2009. I'll state it once again, it would make way more sense to open MV with freshman only. Don't move the kids from their current HS. It is a big mistake and a huge nightmare for those kids that are supposed to switch. Please tell me that the SB is re-examining the scenario! |
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Post by steckmom on Sept 16, 2008 11:25:20 GMT -6
Please don't think I am criticizing anyone for feeling pinched by change, change is indeed difficult. But we have a new principal at NVHS this year and I didn't know his name until this spring and, in fact, I got to hear him speak for the first time last night at the Indian Prairie Scholar Awards ceremony. And I thought his remarks were terrific. But is that really what you're anxious about? Who the principal is going to be at Fischer? Are your anxieties really going to be reduced by a 30 minute tour of the building? I am not minimizing anyone's hardship in all this. I share all those same anxieties. But they will not be calmed until my kid is settled and happy in his new school (I hope). I agree there are two issues. I'm not anxious about who the principal will be, specifically, as much as I am concerned that we are opening a new school with new staff. Yes, I know the school will pull staff from all over, but there will be new hires. I'd like it to get started and to be informed of the process. Same goes for the new PTA. I couldn't care less about a building tour. On the other issue, I don't understand why across the board it is such a difficult problem for people that we would ask the schools and staff to be sensitive to the changes that will occur. Again, why would anyone object to this? I actually don't feel that strongly as I may have sounded about either issue, but when my post on green was treated as if I was foolish for caring and should just trust the district, I dug in my heels. Frankly, I don't know why anyone would object to the SD being proactive and getting the ball rolling sooner rather than later, but I'll just have to not get it, I guess. |
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We're supposed to trust the board and admin's promises about what's going to happen?