Public School Issues
My oldest son is due to begin kindergarten in two months.
This has caused some inner turmoil. Let me explain.
Our family lives in a big american city on the east coast. This city, like most big cities has a large amount of violence, voluntary segregation between races and religions, and crummy schools.
We live within a crummy school district. Sure, it’s not one of the very worst, but it’s not very good either according to greatschools.net. It falls well below the state averages in reading and math. Also, only 1% of attendees to this school are children of our ethnicity.
The reason for mentioning averages in school subjects is obvious, but what about ehtnicity?
For me, school was much more than just learning basic subjects. It was learning that you get singled out for ridicule by other children if you are different, whether that be because of skin color or personality. For children who are more sensitive (as I was) this can have lasting emotional consequences.
I have decided that if I do not choose to send him to this school I will homeschool him until we can move into a good school district. A private school is not an option at this stage in our lives.
This article addresses some of the advantages and disadvantages of Homeschooling and I believe it is something I am prepared to take on for my sons first year of school.
I want the emotional and physical well being of my child first and foremost.
But is this reason enough to further contribute to this city’s problem of voluntary segregation?
Comments
8 Responses to “Public School Issues”
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Summershine,
I have friends who started their boys in school at the age of six because their father had been held back a year in school after his father returned the family to Utah after service as a Mission President for his church. He said it was the best thing for him. He was among the older student in his class. After marriage, he and his wife talked about schooling options and decided to try starting a year later and it has worked out well for all 4 of their children. Their children are in public school but have also benefited by the activities the parents have provided at home.
Keeping your children home for kindergarten should be what is in the best interest of your child, not what is in the best interest of the community.
If you do decide to start him in public school this summer, are you in a position that you can help out in his class room and contribute to your community and your child in this way?
I have been dealing with the same issues. My oldest is due to start Kindergarten in one year. We have already been looking at our options. We live in a failing school district and also find the private schools MUCH too expensive. So what to do?? I have looked into a few charter schools and will try to get the lottery into those. I would strongly recommend homeschooling if you feel you are up to it. We have a strong homeschool network in our area. Many moms I know are contemplating doing the same thing as you. I never thought about schools when we moved into our house and I never thought it would be such a nerve-wracking decision. I feel that as long as you commit yourselves to this as a family you will do great!
PB&J
That’s another thing I’ve thought about.
I want to be very involved wherever I send my son to school and that would be a little difficult at this point, as I have a 4 year old and 2 month old. My 4 year old has speech therapy twice a week and then of course the baby won’t be on a schedule for a while.
#2, I’ll have to take a look at charter schools around here.
Lots to consider. Thanks for your comments.
When we moved to SD, one of our main considerations was the school. We are fortunate enough to live in a great school district (within walking distance), but our experience in Baltimore did open our eyes a bit. Having a recent kindergarten graduate has shown me that even good public schools have their pitfalls. That first month of starting school was rough (unfortunately, a majority of the schools including ours, have full-day kindergarten). We had one grumpy, and even angry, tired boy on our hands. Home-schooling may side-step this dilemma. Living in a more affluent area (we are definitely NOT among them) and a good school district also doesn’t prevent and protect your children from bad influences. Even though it was heart-wrenching to send him off to school into the big, bad world, knowing I wouldn’t be there to kiss every scraped knee and sooth every hurt feeling (there were several of each), I also learned how resilient, self-sufficient, and diplomatic my little boy is and is becoming. It amazing to see how he has developed friendships, become more aware of others and their feelings, and begun to see that he is part of a larger community.
I would say that the things that have helped us the most are:
1. Waiting until our son was five going on six (October) to start kindergarten.
2. Being in the classroom as often as circumstances allow (fortunately the teacher was just fine with my 3 year-old tagging along)
3. Getting to know the children in the class (refer to #2)
4. Getting to know the teacher, have a clear understanding of her classroom (discipline, teaching methods, routine, etc.) and respecting her (or him) for doing a difficult job often under difficult circumstances.
5. Getting to know the parents of the children in your class and sharing the positive things you observe or hear about their children.
6. Even if I couldn’t be in the classroom, (I e-mailed a simple weekly newsletter with announcements, school events, assignments, etc. to all the parents). You can also do things like help with art projects at home (cutting out a million little hearts for Valentine’s Day).
7. Spending a little time each day to talk about school and work on homework, reading, etc. Asking specific questions (how was your day? was usually answered with a non-committal “good”.
That’s a long list, but most of it doesn’t take a huge amount of time. It makes me extra grateful to be able to be at home, it seems like they need you even more!
sorry, that was a long post, I’ve actually never posted before and I think I was taking the opportunity to decompress after a “growing” year for all of us.
kelibbysmom,
Thank you for your comment. Funny you should mention Baltimore, that’s where we live. I suppose it has it’s good points but I can’t say I wont be happy to move.
I plan on making a visit to this school to meet some of the staff and take a tour, and to find out what the parental involvement is like. I think that can certainly make a huge difference in a school atmosphere and how children learn and treat each other.
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Hello, I have done both. I have posted some things about the issues I have face. I have two special needs adopted kids with have a good handle on life. If I can be of any support let me know.
Donetta