What do you think of this?

[RCT]

we recieved this letter in the mail the other day from ds's school...now keep in mind when I had the parent teacher conference all she told me that ds was having problems with were some of his letters were backwards....and he was having a hard time writing sentences...ok he is only 6

here is the letter:

Dear Mr. and Mrs.

We are concerned about your child's progress in school...On Monday February 4, 2002 @ 8:30 am, the Child Study Team will be meeting to discuss your child, -----. The Child Study Team (CTS) meets regulary to help children be more successful in school. The classroom teacher, principal, reading specialist, school nurse, guidance counselor and school psychologist will meet with you at the above date and time. Together, we will develop a plan to help your child be more successful.

sincerely _______



So I got kinda freaked....then starting thinking about last year...I think we recieve on of these letters too...and they had suggested a summer program for ds...but when it came time for him to enroll they had cut funding for the Kindergardeners going into 1st grade to attend...now that he is in 1st going into 2nd...I am thinking they want him to attend again this year...which would be fine....but the wording the classroom teacher,principal, reading specialist, school nurse, guidance counselor and school psychologist will meet with you at the above date and time. kinda struck me as WOW 8o is there something more going on....


anyone else get strange communications from thier kids schools?

BTW we have been working with ds every night on his letters and they have been improving.....:)

[AnnW]

That's called a STAT letter at our school. I have had those conferences with dd regarding her reading. While I do think that the teacher should have done a MUCH better job communicating her worries with you at conference THIS IN NOT A BAD THING! there is nothing wrong with your child, you didn't fail as a parent..this is GOOD NEWS! they see a need, are indentifying it and he is going to get help NOW rather than all the sudden he ends up in middle school and having a problem.
Go into this with an open mind, ask them if the have the Reading Recovery program in school, ask them how they are going to handle the situation in school, what they are going to do to help him. If they are going to recommend the summer program, ask them what happens if the program gets cancelled again.

[arianna]

MM! You have a right to attend any meeting concerning your child and also have permission to access all documents in the school concerning your child. I'd call and ask when the meeting will be and let them know you'd like to attend. ßß!

[AnnW]

Arianna, I think they were notifying her so she could come to the meeting.

[KathyT]

Although the wording of the letter is a bit formal, I see it as a positive thing. When problems are identified early on in a child's "academic career", often they are resolved early too.

I think the teacher defenitely should have alerted you to her concerns before you got blindsided by the letter! I would let her know that too.

Now that you know, I would get as involved as possible and see what else can be done to help support ds. I would attend all of the meetings and ask a lot of questions.

BTW, dd2 did reversals of numbers and letters well into grade one if she was tired or preoccupied, and she is one smart cookie. I think it is very common at your ds's age.

[Marla]

Renee...just curious...was it a form letter with your name added to it?

I agree with Ann...don't be alarmed by it, be thankful that they want to offer some extra assistance.

Reading Recovery programs are a terrific thing, hopefully your ds can get some extra assistance there.

[RCT]

yes Karla, I believe it is a form letter...and yes Ann, I am planning on taking that approach...oh what are you going to do to handle this as well as what can dh and I do at home.....I have a suspicion that Summer School will be suggested...and that they do this now....so that it won't be cancelled.....thanks again...I kinda was bumbed out when I first got it.....8)

[MaryL]

At our school most teacher's would have mentioned this to you at a conference, etc. before sending you a letter out of the blue. But, in any case, it sounds like a "routine" thing, and I wouldn't be worried. I like your attitude...what a great parent!

[Cathy]

Renee, What kind of a school does he go to???! I hate those kind of letters. I think they only make a parent feel intimidated and about to be told how to educate their child by "experts". Just remember, YOU are the expert on your ds. It's great that they want to work out a plan and that they invite your participation. So be prepared with some strategies that work at home, some things (subjects or topics) that he has enjoyed and done well, and some suggestions about what you are willing/able to do at home to support him.

I've seen parents reduced to tears by having to face a panel of professionals who list what the child's weaknesses are. Make sure they recognize his strengths.

I may not be the greatest teacher that my students will ever have, but I'm a parent, too. I think my parents (with rare exceptions) deserve the respect of hearing my concerns as they arise--as opposed to being ambushed by the system. I have my own policy that I won't ask for screenings (beyond the regular health requirements), evaluations, or 'in-house conferencing' until I've spoken to the parent. I almost always get them to ask for the help, and that puts them in the driver's seat (where they belong!!).

I know you'll do great, Renee. Sorry, this just touched a nerve. Please let me know how it goes.

[PamE]

I'll add my 'lil two cents here! :) Don't let them bully you! I've done the panel thing before with ds and had to at times be firm with what I knew to be the best for my son. Sometimes it's intimidating. I agree with Cathy.... "YOU are the expert on your ds"!!! IMHO it sounds like he's doing great!

[TXmom]

Well my goodness was the janitor busy that day?! Sorry - couldn't resist. Hang in there sweety!

[RCT]

Originally posted by Cathy
Renee, What kind of a school does he go to???! I hate those kind of letters. I think they only make a parent feel intimidated and about to be told how to educate their child by "experts". Just remember, YOU are the expert on your ds. It's great that they want to work out a plan and that they invite your participation. So be prepared with some strategies that work at home, some things (subjects or topics) that he has enjoyed and done well, and some suggestions about what you are willing/able to do at home to support him.

I've seen parents reduced to tears by having to face a panel of professionals who list what the child's weaknesses are. Make sure they recognize his strengths.

I may not be the greatest teacher that my students will ever have, but I'm a parent, too. I think my parents (with rare exceptions) deserve the respect of hearing my concerns as they arise--as opposed to being ambushed by the system. I have my own policy that I won't ask for screenings (beyond the regular health requirements), evaluations, or 'in-house conferencing' until I've spoken to the parent. I almost always get them to ask for the help, and that puts them in the driver's seat (where they belong!!).

I know you'll do great, Renee. Sorry, this just touched a nerve. Please let me know how it goes.


Oh thanks Cathy....I agree they can really cut you with critizisms on your child....they know how to go for the throat...:lol:....I am a realist when it come to ds and his strengths and weaknesses...AND we are so willing for him to participate in the Summer School Program....he goes to our local elementary.....and its supposed to be a good school....

Dh will be attending this meeting also and he is kinda a hard ass when it comes to "EXPLAIN" this to me....LOL....kinda fun to watch....he for some reason gets the teachers squirmy...:lol:

thanks for all your supportive words

Oh and TXmom :lol: that's what I was thinking.....:biglaugh:

[Mickey]

Cathy, Great reply!

LMAO, Donna!

Glad dh is like that, Renee! I'm sure things will be fine! :) I agree with the others who said to remember that YOU are the expert on your ds! Listen to your gut/heart.