I reported earlier that a the Principal's letter included a statement that the parent observations would not take place this year (read the post here).
I always felt it was a good interaction between students, parents, and staff and it was something I've taken the time out of work to do in the past and was planning to again.
For a few reasons, some of which were shared with me by others and some of which were personal, I was dissappointed to see this practice end and decided to contact Principal Mudlock. I emailed his this morning a received a response a few minutes ago (for those of you wondering about the response rate of administrators;-).
Here is what he wrote:
I appreciate your inquiry regarding American Education Week here atAgain, while I am dissappointed with ending this practice, I do appreciate his taking the time to respond (I did tell him I would be posting the response here in advance).
Shafer. I will gladly explain my decision to remove parent observations
during American Education Week. The traditional "Turkey Lunches" are
extremely time consuming and require a great deal of effort from the
entire staff. The addition of having classroom observations during the
same week is an arduous task. After conferencing with my teachers, I
decided to remove the classroom observations. I agreed to keep the
traditional turkey lunches.
Parents and community members DO NOT need to wait for a designated week
to observe their child's classroom. They are welcome any week during
any month of the academic school year. All that I ask is that parents
and community members contact their child's teachers one week in advance
to select a date and time for the classroom observation.
By setting the classroom observations in this manner, parents/community
members will be able to observe a more authentic lesson, rather than an
activity developed for twenty parents sitting in a classroom. The
observation experience will be more informative and beneficial to the
parent/community member.
If you have questions at any time, please do not hesitate to contact
me.
What do you think? Is the "group observation" worthwhile or should individuals schedule a time to visit? As mentioned I like the two paired, but more important here is what are your thoughts on this? Seems like it is only an issue at Shafer? Is this right?
4 comments:
Mr. Mudlock seems to be doing a reasonably good job as the new individual in charge over at Shafer. My only criticism is that I think he has imposed his will a bit too hastily this year.
As a new hire, administration 101 indicates that the first year should be one of little change and a chance for him to observe the way that the school works. The administrator would then be ready to make an informed decision on what is working and what needs to be changed. It seems this administrator let whomever had his ear help him to reach some hasty conclusions.
To "poll" a bitter and strike-ready workforce before he has had a chance to see the week in action is a bit reactive, IMO. I am sorry that the teachers find this unenjoyable, a hassle, or an intrusion -- too bad.
The tradition of Turkey Lunches and classroom visitations is tied in with American Education Week. I remember my parents looking forward to this week and seeing the classroom in action. Sure it is a bit "staged", but Mr. Mudlock knows darn well no parent is going to take them up on the offer to see the classroom on an appointment basis.
I find it intersting that Principal Yanek IS conducting the clasroom observations and has a welcome letter than can be found on the BES website.
http://be.nazarethasd.k12.pa.us/American%20Ed%20Week.pdf
I was not disappointed when the classroom observation was canceled. That week is always so hectic for teachers, children and parents. Especially working parents. I enjoy spending time with my boys during their lunch time but all of this is done on my lunch hour from work. Most lunch hours are just that an HOUR. When you add additional time to observe a classroom that is staged and not the norm, it is a waste of time for teachers, children and parents. Let the teachers use this time to teach. There is enough playtime and funtime for these children. We as parents have to stop thinking that everything has to be warm and fuzzy. We can do that in our home setting. I want the teachers to do what they are being paid to do, TEACH.
But for those people who have to take time off to attend, having the observation does make it more worthwhile.
I agree that Mr. Mudlock has been doing a pretty good job and he's had some challenging situations to start the new year, but I also agree that maybe he ought to have observed this event before cancelling it.
Regarding the one hour lunch, previously you weren't obligated to attend both, you could have done just lunch, but now the only option is lunch. A bit dissappointing to me.
As parents, we looked forward to the 2 events almost as one. I wish Mr. Mudlock would waited this one thru this year and then decided to continue on with the school wide visit day or not.
Post a Comment