Sometimes you just want more!
Conferences have come and gone for Justin. Justin has done very well so far in 1st grade and we are so very proud of him for the hard work that he has put into his school work, but we are still left wanting more for him. God has blessed us with a son that has a passion for reading and all kinds of learning for that matter. But what opportunities are there for a child with this passion? Not many. Budget cuts, funding restrictions, staff shortages have left our public schools with not much to offer him and others with his same passion outside of regular classroom work at present time. How about TAG (talented and gifted) you say? Nope, program doesn't start until 3rd grade...he can be tested but can't participate...budget cuts! Individualized reading program you say? Nope, class sizes are too large, teachers are over worked and unable to dedicate that much one on one time...staff shortages! Isn't there anything you say? Nope, federal and state grant dollars are already dedicated to other programs...funding restrictions!
Conferences have come and gone for Justin. Justin has done very well so far in 1st grade and we are so very proud of him for the hard work that he has put into his school work, but we are still left wanting more for him. God has blessed us with a son that has a passion for reading and all kinds of learning for that matter. But what opportunities are there for a child with this passion? Not many. Budget cuts, funding restrictions, staff shortages have left our public schools with not much to offer him and others with his same passion outside of regular classroom work at present time. How about TAG (talented and gifted) you say? Nope, program doesn't start until 3rd grade...he can be tested but can't participate...budget cuts! Individualized reading program you say? Nope, class sizes are too large, teachers are over worked and unable to dedicate that much one on one time...staff shortages! Isn't there anything you say? Nope, federal and state grant dollars are already dedicated to other programs...funding restrictions!
As parents we cannot sit by and let another program be cut, another opportunity for learning be lost! We must protect our children's right to receive a quality education!
This post is not a reflection on Justin's classroom teacher in the least! She is battling with us and for Justin to get all he can get out of his 1st grade year. She is excellent and we are so thankful that he has her. I'm posting this tonight to encourage all who read this to "be the squeaky wheel"! Teachers need our help! If we don't tell them that we are interested they can't know what we want for our children! Good teachers everywhere are disheartened by the lack of parent involvement in their student's education! BE involved! Email/call your classroom teacher! Let them know that you want to help them educate your child! And vote!!!! Vote to support funding for our schools and our teachers! Vote to support candidates that support more funding for education!! Our children's futures are at stake!
okay, getting down now...
13 comments:
Amen, Sister! So with you here!
I am hearing you, and missing you at DVE as we have our Winter Concert this week... I was remembering seeing you last year.
It is sad to see our schools "without" so much of the time!
Well said!!!
I love soap box time! Especially this one!
Thanks to our government our schools suffer. That is awesome though that Justin loves to read and is doing so well.
Thank you for caring!!
I will gladly get up on that box with you anyday.
Love that you care! And as frustrating as it may be, because you care so much Justin will do GREAT!
And I love the picture of the tabs! Elly is all excited...thanks for the support:)
Amen! you said it!
Um well said...just frusterating feeling like there is nothing we can do.
Sad to hear all the things that have been cut from 1st grade ed.
Social Studies, Sciences, Arts, Arts, Arts, Arts...Okay I could keep going ;).
So thankful our school has a wonderful music program though.
You go Girlfriend! Love it!
I TOTALLY AGREE!
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