only backgroundI'm a wife, mother and grandmother. I'm opinionated. I contradict myself frequently. Most of all, I love my kids. I believe in them. I fight for them. They're weird and wonderful. If you want to know more, here's a bunch of other stuff from my old site.
I’ve been dealing with schools and school systems all my life. I was a student through 12 years of Catholic schools. As a parent, I’ve dealt with both public and private schools. The differences between the two are stark.
I’ve had good experiences with both school systems but there is one primary difference between them. In the public school system, teachers, principals and other school personnel exhibit an attitude that they must teach the students in spite of the parents. With only a handful of exceptions, parents must prove that they are worthy of a teacher’s respect; usually parents are seen as an obstacle. In private schools, teachers rely on parents and reach out to them. Teachers expect parents to contribute to the teacher’s understanding of the child. In private schools, parents are a key player in the child’s education.
Yesterday, I was reminded again about the differences between the two school systems. An incident occurred at school with my daughter, Maggie, and her best friend, Amanda. I was concerned because the incident was innocent but misinterpreted by a teacher. Amanda received demerits when she shouldn’t have. By the time Maggie and I discussed it and I thought I understood the events, the school was closed and the teachers were gone. So I emailed the principal and included my phone number on the off chance she would call me. I expected an email. I got a phone call.
I’ve never had a public school teacher, let alone a principal, make the effort to call me in the evening about an issue like this. I was reminded again that the staff in these private schools, at least around here, are very dedicated to the students consider the parents a vital part of a successful education.
My daughter happens to attend the same high school I attended. I know I made the right choice in sending her there. The caring atmosphere and genuine interest in the kids is reflected in every teacher, principal and support staff member.
I’m a very happy parent this weekend.
Oh, and on a side note, their football team won the first playoff game on their way to the championship. Let’s hope they make it through the next 3 games as easily!
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