In the last entry, I wrote of ways to help out in the classroom and I've thought about that a lot as I prepared my own classroom and office space. Dusting. That would help. Setting up non-dead-yet plants for the window sill, covering boards with colored paper and wavy border, proof-reading a first-day letter, being sure all books are marked with school (or my) bookplates. Not sexy but helpful.
This blog is a twofer because there are two thoughts bouncing around in my head. Blame it on beginning-of-the-school-year joy or muddle-headiness.
First, I am reminded of the magic of a truly coordinated Parent-Teacher Tango. One year, a parent sent a little note about their middle schooler: "Aiden is really excited about possibly going to Six Flags this autumn break. We've told him that he has to keep up with his homework, though, to earn it. Feel free to remind him. :-)" Bingo! Now, in class, I can do a casual CIA fly-by of his desk just as he's about to begin an agonizing procrastination stint. He's baffled by my insider information and gets the uncomfortable feeling that he has nothing to hide. In addition, he gets the supreme comfort of clear boundaries and an adult crew working as a well-oiled machine on his developmental behalf. It is teamwork at its best. That mother was hoping Aiden would have a good year, independently working, beating his procrastination devil, getting to go with his family on a fun vacation, and she knew I would not only be in complete agreement but that I would work in cahoots to help make this happen.
Second, and this is possibly just a pet peeve, but here goes. A father of two lovely and well-adjusted students has an annoying habit of stating everything in the negative and it just makes us (yes, I've checked with others) want to ignore him. Let's say he wants to have the Student Handbook printed on recycled paper. Fair enough. The problem is that he will state it this way in a large meeting, "Can we, uh, NOT have the Student Handbook printed on new paper this year?" If you don't see what I'm getting at, read that sentence out loud and take the attitude that the printing of the handbook on new paper was done because we were all too stupid to think of doing it otherwise. There you go. It's annoying! Teachers and administrators appreciate ideas and constructive criticism from parents (and students) because often we haven't thought of the idea or we had no idea how something was experienced by our community. Just try to state it in the positive. Imagine if he'd raised his hairy little arm and said, instead, "The Student Handbook is such an important document and I was wondering if we could have it both online and printed on recycled paper so it was available but also models the eco-friendly school that we are." Great! Love the idea.
There. I've said my piece and my peace.
September is around the corner. Crisp autumn leaves AND sharpies... I may faint!
Daisy
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