I feel so much better about kindergarten

Dh and I just got home from an info. meeting about the kids going to K next year. We both feel better. I got to talk to the counselor about placing the kids together. She had no problem doing that. I talked to the nurse about handling Sarah asthma and Timothy's nut allergies. Both are mild and hard to set off, but I needed to know what to do and they do need medications for "just in case".

The rooms are awesome. They have what are called Prometheus boards in every K room. It a screen about 4ft. tall that is touchscreen activated and the teacher uses it for interactive learning with the kids. There are about 4 to 5 computers with headsets per room. There are tons of book and learning toys. Dh and I were looking around wondering if we could go back to school. I think the kids will be soo happy once they get there.

Next is a day in May where the kids get invited to join a K class for 2 hours. They said the parents will drop the kids off at the door to the school. They have volunteers to take them to class. They'll spend time in the class. They'll take a ride on a school bus and then you pick them back up at the door.

I just feel better now. I've literally been having nightmares about things that could happen at school.

Marissa

 

That's great Marissa! It really makes the transition when Mom and Dad feel good about it.

 

I think part of the reason I feel better, is that I've been some pressure to homeschool. A little from family, some from church, some from friends. I know now, very confidently, that I cannot equal the education that mine will get in a public school. Our district tied for #1 in the nation in their size of districts for having technology in the classroom. It's one of the top districts in Kansas. We picked this house based on being in this school district. But when enough people start second-guessing you and and questioning you, it wears on you. After seeing the classroom, I'm quite confident in our descision again.

Marissa

 

Oh wow, that is hard when people are pressuring you to do something you aren't sure you want to do. I am terrible with that. I tend to do the opposite of what they say, just because I am stubborn like that. The more pushy people are the more it turns me off to their point of view. I know I could never home school well enough compared to our school district. It also, is part of the reason we bought our house where we did. I am glad you are confident in your choice!

 

The Prometheus boards are really cool. We have ONE in our entire school and it's in the library. Our computer lab teacher uses it for lessons. We have been learning how to use it so we can sign up to bring classes down to work with it. There's a whole website of lessons designed just for that board.

If your kids have an opportunity to attend a public school that well funded why not jump at the chance. They will be exposed to so many more things than you can do at home. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about your choice.

 

QUOTE(rissakaye @ Mar 4 2009, 02:47 PM) [snapback]1214346[/snapback]
Our district tied for #1 in the nation in their size of districts for having technology in the classroom. It's one of the top districts in Kansas. We picked this house based on being in this school district.
Marissa


Marissa...you must be in the Blue Valley school district, huh? LOL When the boys and I lived with my Dad & step-mom in Olathe, the boys went to Morse Elementary...an EXCELLENT school (except that the principal INSISTED that the boys be in separate classes, turned out very good for us tho but was a huge transition for them). They do have some really good schools in that area and I really miss that now that we're back down in Florida. I'm glad you feel much better about them going to school...I really like that idea of them getting to go in to sit in on another K class for a couple hours, that's cool. I bet they'll be SO excited to start school then.

 

QUOTE(krysn2ants @ Mar 5 2009, 12:52 AM) [snapback]1215148[/snapback]
Marissa...you must be in the Blue Valley school district, huh? LOL When the boys and I lived with my Dad & step-mom in Olathe, the boys went to Morse Elementary...an EXCELLENT school (except that the principal INSISTED that the boys be in separate classes, turned out very good for us tho but was a huge transition for them). They do have some really good schools in that area and I really miss that now that we're back down in Florida. I'm glad you feel much better about them going to school...I really like that idea of them getting to go in to sit in on another K class for a couple hours, that's cool. I bet they'll be SO excited to start school then.



Actually we're down by Wichita. We're in the Andover district. We did notice how good the Olathe Schools were. There was a chance we would have had to move to the KC area for jobs. I looked at the schools closely there. My sister is actually a teacher in Tampa and she is ready to quit because she is so frustrated. Next year the teachers won't be allowed to say anything negative to the kids, even when they are throwing chairs across the room or running out of the building.

Marissa

 

QUOTE(rissakaye @ Mar 5 2009, 05:30 PM) [snapback]1215881[/snapback]
Actually we're down by Wichita. We're in the Andover district. We did notice how good the Olathe Schools were. There was a chance we would have had to move to the KC area for jobs. I looked at the schools closely there. My sister is actually a teacher in Tampa and she is ready to quit because she is so frustrated. Next year the teachers won't be allowed to say anything negative to the kids, even when they are throwing chairs across the room or running out of the building.

Marissa


We used to live over in Melbourne (Brevard County) here in Florida and I think the schools there are better than they are here in Orlando. The school that the boys went to for pre-k wasn't our "home school" when it was time for kindergarten, so I went to their home school and got a form signed so they could go to the other school that they had gone to for 3 years. It was one of the best schools in our area. Then we moved to Olathe and I was just so super impressed with their school. They did so much more stuff with the kids than they do here in Florida. Thankfully, both of the boys are doing good in school and have mostly A's but it still worries me. I feel bad for your sister, I truly think teachers not only need more money but need some more authority with the kids.

 

I'm glad the visit relieved your concerns. It always feels better to be able to see the room and talk to the teachers. Sounds like a wonderful school!