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This is a reblog from http://arewegoingtodoanythingtoday.wordpress.com
I think it has an important message worth sharing. Parents, this is a letter a teacher WISHES she could write to her classes parents. Please read this with an open mind and remember that our teachers have taken on what at times is an overwhelming task of teaching our kids. As a Parent Volunteer who has logged countless hours in the classroom I can atest to the hard work these educators are doing, the love they are giving our little ones, and at times the mistakes they've made. I ask you again to think, without judgement, have I ever made a mistake in my OWN workplace? We are all human, all of us. Reblog: There are so many things I wish I could say, but alas, I am not allowed. Ok, anyone who actually knows me, knows that I would NEVER say these things, but this is how I really feel, and this is the truth; at least it’s my truth. Dear Parent/Guardian, I am looking forward to a great year with your student. I have spent my summer learning new strategies, and looking at ways to improve student learning. Not a day has gone by that I didn’t at least think about something I would like to do or change in order to enhance student learning. I have ignored statements made about what I do with my summers, ignored reports of testing on the news, and done what I know is right. I know, that if I do my best to help and teach all students, tests will take care of themselves. Every summer, not only do I prepare curriculum, but also prepare my classroom. I believe that no student should have to receive a lower grade because they can’t afford basic supplies. I stock my room with $1500-$1800 worth of supplies from my own money. I go to trainings year round. I go to school an hour early, and will stay late to help your child do the very best they can. I don’t ask for much in return. Here’s what I would like: 1. Respect my time. If your student stays late, please pick them up. 2. Don’t speak negatively about teachers in front of your student. It undermines our ability to be the authority figure in the classroom. If I can’t discipline your child because you have told them not to worry about what a teacher says, it disrupts the learning of others. If it were the other way around, would you be up at the school demanding a conference because your child couldn’t learn in that environment? 3. I don’t mind providing supplies when needed, but please don’t take advantage of me. I don’t make enough to support 110 children. 4. I need more than 24 hours to grade 110 essays. Don’t call or email complaining that grades aren’t updated. 5. Guess what, sometimes students lie; sometimes teachers make mistakes (we are human after all). If something is bothering you, please call or email so we can discuss it before you jump to conclusions. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am sure I have left some things out, but this is what comes to mind as I begin to shop for supplies. Again, Please think about this, and I would love to hear your thoughts. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer!
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As a CASA in Williamson County (Court Appointed Special Advocate) I am assigned a child by the court to speak for IN court. My job - (although I'm a volunteer) is Guardian ad Litem - The function of the GAL is to advocate in Court for abused, neglected and abandoned children who have been declared dependent by the Court, kids that are in the system. I am basically a liaison between this child and everyone else involved, - CPS, all the lawyers, the parents, the judge, and anyone else relevant to that child's case.
At any given time I'm an investigator, a researcher, a writer (CASAs write and submit reports that become a part of the Court Record), a mediator and a listener, a cheerleader and promoter, a fighter and a defender. At ALL times, I'm an advocate, with the best interest of that child at the forefront of my work. It's not always easy, and can be trying, highly emotional, frustrating, exhilarating and debilitating, sometimes all in one day. While doing this work, I started to see the connection between being a Guardian ad Litem and a parent and began to apply what I have learned as a GAL to my own parenting. I began to see myself not only as a parent, but as my own children's ADVOCATE as well...I thought, why don't I share what I've learned with other parents, so here it is... First and most important: Have a sense of humor!!!! Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying, or screaming, or both. Humor is an invaluable tool. USE IT! Be the investigator and researcher
Be their fighter and defender
Don't miss out on who your kids are because you're too busy parenting them. I would like to invite anyone that is interested in learning more about being your own child's advocate to attend Tuesday night's PTA meeting at Pleasant Hill School at 6:30pm. I'll be speaking about everything listed above and welcome any questions about being a CASA or about being "your own child's advocate". If you can't make the PTA meeting or don't attend Pleasant Hill - or if you would like for me to speak to your PTA or parenting group please contact me by leaving a comment below, as always, thanks for reading, and remember - you are your OWN child's advocate! Interested in being a CASA? Check out the link below for CASA Williamson County: http://williamsoncountycasa.org/ For CASA Travis County: http://www.casatravis.org/ CASA's truly make a difference, one child at a time. It's the second hardest job I've ever done that I don't get paid for. The first one is parenting. |
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