(Disclaimer: I think teachers are one of the most important people in a child’s life. Teachers posses more patience, more energy and more excitement in one school year than I have in one hour. Teachers are helping our little ones become responsible members of society. And the last thing they need to be hearing is me complaining about something. But here goes…)
On this First Day of School Eve, I want to send a request to all teachers and room parents:
When sending home papers, please include something that tells me which room/grade/teacher/child this particular paper is meant for.
Here’s the deal…I’m usually organized. I have two calendars that sync together with my phone, meshing my work and home life into one big calendar. We’ve never been late for the bus, and I’ve never missed a parent teacher conference, a music program or school party (that I said I would go to…)
But here’s where it all falls apart: When one child’s papers, assignments, notes or classroom instructions get mixed up with the other child’s papers, assignments, notes or classroom instructions.
Example:
“For our Halloween party we will be making scary snacks! Please bring one of the following to class by Friday. For questions, contact Jane (Jordan’s mom) at XXX-XXX-XXXX .”
“We are doing a special project at school! Please bring 3 empty paper towel cardboard inserts to school by Wednesday.”
“In order for me to better get to know your child, please fill out the following questionnaire and send it back with your student on the first day of school.”
Do you see the problem here? I don’t know who Jordan is. And what if both my children have a Jordan in their class? Which class is doing the special project? Which one of my boys do you want to get to know?
And don’t say “just ask your child,” Anyone with children knows how this turns out.
“Whose paper is this?” –> “I don’t know.”
Well, did your teacher say you were having a party?” –> “I don’t know.”
“Do you have a child in your class named Jordan ?” –> “Um…maybe. Well…no, I guess not. But there’s a Jordan in the classroom next to me.”
“Who has a child in their class named Jordan?” –> “I might, but can’t be for sure.”
This probably wouldn’t be that big of a deal if I had a 5th grader and a 1st grader. Maybe I could figure it out based on the content of the paper. But you see, my boys are one grade year apart. Which makes it extra tricky.
I did buy some magnetic file holders that each child is supposed to put their papers in. But come on, do they do this every day? No. Sometimes all the papers end up on the kitchen table. And that’s where the trouble begins.
So please, teachers and room parents, help a sister out and include something on your take home papers that would tell me which paper goes with which child. A simple “5th grade party!” or a room number or the teacher’s name would work just fine. I know I can’t be the only one who has mixed up papers…am I?
One Kansas Girl 