I'm overwhelmed with school activities...it's a lot!
Moms View Message Board: General Discussion: Archive May 2007:
I'm overwhelmed with school activities...it's a lot!
Ok, so I am not one to join every group. I do the hospitality committee for PTO because they can just call me now and again to make something for the teachers luncheon or they need cookies for a meeting-perfect.
Well, as if school is not full of fundraisers as it is....they are raising money for a new playground....so we bought a $100 brick, which is wonderful. It will have our familys name to commemorate Syd's first year at school. Great....
Now, they are having a carnival. I offered up my time to do a session at the cupcake decorating booth. Great. Then, yesterday home from school comes a paper saying if your name begins with...well sure enough "G" was--"Please bring 2 dozen undecorated cupcakes!" What the??
THEN! They are also having a silent auction/golf tournament outing. Great. Our playgroup is hosting a day at the park tomorrow to collect bottles of wine for a basket to auction off. Terrific. It was a low key thing--just easy drinks and little snacks. Then, I was just asked to bake something little......
Then, Syd's teacher called last night to tell me she will be moving on the 1st grade and is where she should be, but she is in the lower half of the class reading.....so, she recommended a Summer Literacy Program....which is really wonderful, but it's all happening at once! Gosh, the kid is sounding out words and I thought she was doing great! Geesh.
Ok, Jay is in D.C. and I'm having my house painted.....AGGHHH! It's just too much....
Calgon.....this is why I don't volunteer and I don't like signing Sydney up in many activities....it turns in to other things. I hate making the commitment. Is it me or it school just crazy these days?
Thanks for letting me vent.....
What can I make that's easy? Cookie squares maybe?? LOL
Making cookies into bars, instead of cookies would be a lot easier! Rice Krispy Squares are unbelievably easy to make and everyone loves them!
Well, I am learning that once you volunteer, and people know it, they will call you for everything. This year, I have gotten good at saying no. I volunteer at the school library one day a week, and I help both boy's teachers one day a week. I also help both room moms with class parties, and activities. Then, I will do things here and there, IF I have the time. Our school has been crazy with fundraisers. We did the main one at the beginning of the year. When I received other ones, I just sent the forms back.
As far as Syd's reading. My youngest sounds just like her. He was just starting to read at the end of K. His teacher recommended Hooked on Phonics. I ordered the 1st grade set, I think it was around $55.00. I worked with him at home last summer, and he did great when he started 1st grade this year. If you don't want to do the literacy program, you can just work with her yourself this summer.
School is crazy these days. {{{HUGS}}} I'm feeling the crunch as well and have been picking and choosing what to help out with and take part in. In fact, I got called to help out at functions at both Ty and B's schools this week but gracefully bowed out because I'm baby-sitting my nephew. 
Almost forgot...
Regarding Syd and reading - Follow your mommy instincts. As a former teacher myself I think Syd is doing fine. Keep in mind your district tends to really push academics. Although neither Ty or B were specifically recommended for summer school our district has been strongly recommending it for all who can attend. If either child was struggling, OF COURSE, but I truly believe they need summer break to be kids and have fun. Besides the fact that we have already booked and paid for a cottage for two weeks in July. Taking vacations while school is in session is highly frowned upon in our district. Now they're recommending summer school and made it clear absences wouldn't be tolerated. Sorry, our family has plans! LOL!
Hi Eve,
I know that feeling also. My daughter went to Catholic School and boy do they push for parent participation or you have to pay hundreds of dollars a year. It is ridiculous. I signed up to be the homework helper for my sons 2nd grade class, and between me working and in school full time it can feel overwhelming. LOL
Last week was teacher appreciation week so everyday they had to bring in stuff for the teacher and let me add that my son has two teahers so it was double of everything. Day one flowers, day two diet coke, day three cards,day four gift cards etc.. I thought this was alittle extreme but I didn't want my son to feel bad if he didn't bring something. Honestly, elementary school causes so much stress now days. Forgive me for venting but I know how you feel.
As for Syd and her reading I would just read with her this summer. Honestly, 2nd grade is a lot of repetition from first grade so I think she will be fine. All kids learn at different levels, it doesn't mean a thing. Look at the bigger picture, your daughter comes from a great family and she will be just fine.
Take care,
Stori
Thanks, everyone. I should say the crazy part is that Syd IS reading. LOL She has a list of site words and she is getting 27 out of 30 (teachers testing), but the teacher would like to see her hitting 30. She is writing stories and spelling words herself. For ex: red team soccer is 'rd tm scr.' She has books that she brings home every week that she can read. She is starting to see words while we are out and about and she tries to sound them out....Gosh, here I thought she was doing so well and she is in the bottom of her class for reading. Holy smokes! I'm not taking it personally, as I don't push it. We do read and I point out words and have her read them, but sometimes she just gets angry and is tired of it, so I just read the story. I know a lot of other parents around here, are really gung ho about it, and I'm just not. But, the pressure! Wow!
Thanks for all the advice!
And I bought ready made cookie dough and I'm making cookie bars. I'm just going to drizzle some chocolate over the top to make it look like I did more than I did. LOL
And this is why I list on the volunteer form that we get at that beginning of the year that I work full time so if you need money or me to buy something at the store I will do it sometimes. I find it ridiculous how much they want from volunteers at schools these days, and my kids go to a public school.
Last week during teacher appreciation week I was expected to buy a present for my DDs teachers every day (she has 3) WHAT???? maybe one or something but 15 presents is ridiculous...
Eve,
Have you considered Hooked On phonics? It really bossted my daughter's reading at that age.
I would do that over summer school.
I know this is would be hard with the little guy, but try to get into the class and listen to the kids read. That will give you a much better idea as to how she is doing. I volunteered to go in and read with the kids when dd was in 1st grade. I thought dd was behind in reading until I went in and worked with the kids. LOL She was actually one of the top readers in her class. LOL Actually hearing the other kids will give you a much better idea as to how she is doing.
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