Thank You and an Update
Again and again, I am reminded that the readers of this blog are the most compassionate and articulate and wonderful group of friends I have ever had. Even when we disagree, the tone is always of mutual respect and kindness. I consider you all among my greatest blessings. Thank you. You humble and uplift me.
I received a LOT of correspondence on my last blog post about Jane's school situation this new school year, both on the blog and in e-mail and every bit of it was so helpful. For one thing, I am conditioned to think that when I get really and truly angry, it is an out of proportion response. Thank you for validating me.
For another, someone sent my blog to the Principal of Jane's school (she wouldn't say who, which is fine) on Tuesday and she immediately called both my husband and me and asked to meet with us. Initially, my heart sank and I felt...well, I felt like I'd been sent to the Principal's office! But then, you know, I remembered that I stood behind every word I had written. That I had written the truth as I knew it and that it was my child's well-being at stake.
When we got there, the Principal had already called in the district psychologist and had spoken to the teacher. I was not expecting her to be so proactive, nor was I expecting the level of concern and genuine regard for Jane's well-being. I was impressed. I felt a lot better. I felt heard.
That being said, we are still exploring our options for Jane's school year. We do feel that a change will have to be made but are discussing (ad nauseum) what form that change will take. We are actively looking at the array of private schools around us, as well as contemplating a teacher change. We think we will be able to make a decision by early next week.
As for Jane, she is definitely not feeling stress at the moment. (Y'all can just imagine how closely we are monitoring THAT situation, right?) She started trumpet lessons yesterday and today is picture day.
Just now, as I was making her bed, I spied her new song in progress:
It says:
FEROCITY
I was prepared to show them, yeah
Ah...
Was prepared to spray-ay-ay-ed my wings
So when I did, I took wing
And they, they gaped after me
So when I spread my wings
I showed them FEROCITY!!!
Gosh, I learn so much from that kid.
I received a LOT of correspondence on my last blog post about Jane's school situation this new school year, both on the blog and in e-mail and every bit of it was so helpful. For one thing, I am conditioned to think that when I get really and truly angry, it is an out of proportion response. Thank you for validating me.
For another, someone sent my blog to the Principal of Jane's school (she wouldn't say who, which is fine) on Tuesday and she immediately called both my husband and me and asked to meet with us. Initially, my heart sank and I felt...well, I felt like I'd been sent to the Principal's office! But then, you know, I remembered that I stood behind every word I had written. That I had written the truth as I knew it and that it was my child's well-being at stake.
When we got there, the Principal had already called in the district psychologist and had spoken to the teacher. I was not expecting her to be so proactive, nor was I expecting the level of concern and genuine regard for Jane's well-being. I was impressed. I felt a lot better. I felt heard.
That being said, we are still exploring our options for Jane's school year. We do feel that a change will have to be made but are discussing (ad nauseum) what form that change will take. We are actively looking at the array of private schools around us, as well as contemplating a teacher change. We think we will be able to make a decision by early next week.
Just now, as I was making her bed, I spied her new song in progress:
FEROCITY
I was prepared to show them, yeah
Ah...
Was prepared to spray-ay-ay-ed my wings
So when I did, I took wing
And they, they gaped after me
So when I spread my wings
I showed them FEROCITY!!!
Gosh, I learn so much from that kid.
Comments
You go Ferocious girl! Both of y'all ferocious girls!
Sarah
Good for you. I tend to be very meek and apologetic when I approach a principle or teacher with my concerns, and I need to learn to stand up straight and strong. Good job mama bear. xoxo
That's a million mega-watt smile on that kid.
Love that Jane smile.
Carole
Have a great weekend.
Wow, on the song!
Bethany
Bethany
I am also happy that she seems to be moving throught it well - just proves that your parenting "mistakes" have not been so terrible!
And I am sorry that it had to be one of those mom's who called while you went out on a pick up run. I probably would have done the same thing and then beat myself up for weeks over the other mom's attitude, too. But I agree with the experts and the commenters that you have to make a judgement based on the kid and the circumstance.
Hope everything has a positive resolution - are you still trying to sell the house?
Excellent song. Excellent parenting. (Way cool that I got happier ending by catching up all at once -- your last post had me sad for Jane.)