Tight Hat

I don't let on that I notice, because I know you notice, but you are not the golden child at this school like you were your last. I don't think it has anything to do with you, but more to do with the fact that this teacher bonded with the other children at the start of the school year. I know you are a good student at school; I've asked your teacher numerous times how you are doing and she's never sent home any negative remarks. I can't tell you WHY you haven't received a bravo sticker toward the prize box, I can just tell you that you shouldn't be good just for the prize, but you should be good because it's the right thing to do. You already know this, I know, but I'm trying to soften this a little for you, because it's hard for me not to be hurt for you. How dare this woman not treat you like every other teacher has? Can't she see what a treasure you are? What a wonderful, kind, sweet, and occasionally mouthy (at home, only) little boy you are?

I am realistic, I know you have your moments (and so do I!) and I want to give her the benefit of the doubt, but this is the school that cancelled the Kindergarten Winter Program because five year olds were stepping out of line.

Before the school year started, I was pretty resistant to your first school because it had failed AYP the year before; but I think because of that the climate was more nurturing and encouraging and you learned more. You are too young for me to have a real opinion on standardized testing, but I wasn't impressed when your principal said "I know there are differing opinions on standardized testing, but we must realize it is here and it is here to stay." He's just going with the grain and this school has been VERY successful at going with the grain. I'm not sure that's really the best way to gauge a school's success.

Still, I'm not giving up on this school. The transition was rough. I have no plans to move and I really think that having a full year in one place will make all the difference in the world.

And maybe I'll join the PTA and let that principal know just what I think about his standardized thinking.