School Support

As an educator, I have both unrealistically high standards and enormous amounts of patience for my kids' schools and staff. That's a pretty big juxtaposition I know but one that I think most teacher/parents would agree is true. I'm thinking "I could do that better" and also "wow, I never thought of trying that" and "gosh, I know they must be exhausted."

Since my eldest are 15-years-old, and Emmett is Emmett, I've worked with more schools than most people. Seven just for the two older twins. Add the two day cares and Matthew and Sarah's school and you have an even 10 total, so far. Only 6 of those 10, have dealt with us as a blended family. 

I go into a school partnership with the feeling that being a blended family is "normal" these days. After all, my own parents have been divorced since I was 9. My teachers seemed okay with all that, at least in my young eyes. And Emmett and Lydia's schools have been pretty great. Tom is a respected member of the parental team and both houses are communicated with equally. 

The problem came last year when Matthew and Sarah started kindergarten. We went in with high hopes but had a series of let downs. From having to ask the office three times to please mail us anything going to the custodial house to the "Kindergarten Welcoming Committee" which was anything but - it was disheartening. Now I will freely admit that I am sensitive to being treated as "the other woman."  I feel like I have a ton to offer as a parent and supporter of the school. Hell, I'm room parent material. Why weren't these people thrilled to meet and involve me?  I can get a bit touchy and probably read into things too much. The school is also where Tom's ex attended as a little girl, so part of me will always feel like an invader. Another barrier. 

Well summer was winding down, and I knew in my heart as a parent and educator that I needed to start fresh with this school. We filled out the usual intake questionnaires listing family members, contact info, strengths, weaknesses, etc.  We got the supplies. We sent them with high hopes and held our breath. 

Then curriculum night came up and we were both nervous and feeling like "do your worst - we can take it."  The teachers were warm and welcoming. They both had duplicates of materials for both houses, without us asking. Matthew's desk was even next to a student who clearly had two sets of materials. A kindred spirit perhaps?  The room parents had a table with materials to pick up. (Last year they had been addressed to one set of parents and it took forever to get extras.)

We left feeling hopeful and happy. I'm really going to try to keep an open mind. After all, it isn't about us at all. However, if the school can be supportive then life will be that much happier for all of us.