October 7, 2009

How Much Interference at School is Acceptable?

So I am bumping up against an issue that is sure to plague me for many years to come - school. Lorelei doesn't love her teacher, as I have shared before. It is an opportunity for Lorelei to learn some coping strategies.

But then on Monday when I picked her up she said, "I don't want to come to school tomorrow." Why? Because her teacher talks strong (code for both loud and firm). Hmmm..... I have heard her teacher speak to the kids in the morning during drop off and I think I know just what Lorelei means. Her tone of voice isn't nice. It is hard and sharp and critical. On Tuesday afternoon, Lorelei told me that she did want to go to school on Wednesday for soccer, but that after that she didn't want to ever go to school again. Turns out that Lorelei was sent to nap in an adjacent room becuase she had gotten off of her cot. (This is what I can piece together from Lorelei's story.) She wanted Katherine to tie her shoes for her because Katherine is a famous star of the moment becuase she knows how to tie shoes! Easy one to field. Lorelei, I say, the rule during nap time is that you must stay on your cot (I'm assuming that is the rule butreally I'm winging it here). Your teacher probably thought that you were going to play with Katherine. If you follow the rules you won't have a problem. 

Come Wednesday morning, Mami remember that after today I don't want to go to my school anymore.

So how do I approach her teacher in a non-confrontational way and when? I think that she starts duty at 7 am and she leaves sometime in the afternoon before I pick up Lorelei. Should I talk directly with the Principal/Director? As Andres pointed out, a conversation isn't likely to change this veteran teacher, but I sure hope that the Director would care what story I put out to the public. Do I request a change in teacher? Arg. This morning I left a note for the teacher requesting a sit down meeting. I hope that she jumps on my request soon, because come Friday afternoon, I'll be in the Director's office sharing my thoughts.

What would you do?

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