I have to watch how I word this because I do not want to come across like a complainer.
Elizabeth was "tested" and scored above average. I was told by another personnel member of her school that if I apply for the reduced lunch, she would have enough points to go into the gifted program...
I cannot express how much this irritates me. She scored very well, needs to be challenged as she is reading on a 3rd grade level, does very well in math including those lengthy word problems, etc. So why should I have to apply for something for my daughter to get the proper education? What the f*ck am I paying taxes for? Why should I have to apply for some sort of assistance for my daughter to get the education she so rightfully deserves? I am hot about this. Here I am, having her bring her lunch, Friday's is a treat, she buys, not trying to take something we do not need and she still gets shafted??!!! It just does not make any sense to me.
This situation has been escalating for a couple of weeks now with numerous calls to the school and counselor, including the person responsible for the testing. Oh it does not end there...I am not looking for the gifted program because I have not heard that Yates gifted program isn't anything special, I am just looking for the proper treatment of my child due to her abilities, not due to any sort of prejudicial reason.
I did receive a letter from her teacher who wants to meet with George and I this week. I will also plan on taking this to the school district. I feel this way, I am one person and the chance of me doing anything, making a difference is slim. But to bitch about something and not do something or be heard is worse. I cannot sit back with this...I've dealt with family members taking advantage of the system by being put on Medicaid instead of getting off their asses and getting a job, etc. I can go on and on and like I said, just challenge my child. I do not expect my 1st grader to be taught algebra, but just let her think. The problem in some schools is that kids get bored and just go through the motions. I will not allow that.
Thankfully, Yates is not the only school in Hillsborough County with this vicious point system crap....
Thanks for letting me vent!!!
About Me
- Debbie
- I am a mom with 2 adorable daughters, who works full-time from home. I am involved in their schools as well as their outside activities. I am married to a wonderful man who loves me for who I am.......
5 comments:
That's absolutely ridiculous! Even if Elizabeth's IQ score didn't earn her a spot in the AGP (Academically Gifted Program), they should at the very least put her in an upper level class for the subjects she is excelling in. Being bored in school is not good for her. It will cause her to dislike school, or just become disinterested in it.
And you do NOT want to get me started on the free/reduced lunch program. We struggle to pay our bills every month, but the income levels for the lunch program are so low, we would have to have two or three more children to qualify.
And I don't know if you know this or not, but when the county decided to give free lunch to the reduced lunch kids, too, they jacked up the price of the regular lunches for the rest of us. So, I'm paying more so that someone else doesn't have to pay $.40 for their kid's lunch. Yeah, not fair.
I know...She buys lunch on Friday's and it went from $1.75 to $2.25. Granted, $2.25 is still not too expensive, but the reasoning behind it.....
But what you said is EXACTLY my point...I am not looking for the gifted program necessarily, just keep her busy, challenge her...My God, Elizabeth loves to learn and whereever we go, she has a workbook with her...Even Disney on Sat., she brought a book for the car. She wants to learn...God Bless her for that!!
That's incredibly frustrating, Debbie! Go get 'em & give 'em Hell! I think the school should provide for the level she's at - that is disgraceful. I was told once that situations like this have to do with the FCAT & that having students reach outside of the parameters that are set for a grade level somehow reflects badly on a school. Having them in a gifted program apparently hits a loophole - but don't get me started on Gifted...I have different views on that than many people. But I hope you can get somewhere. It is crazy that you'd have to go outside the school system to get her the challenge she needs! I know Matthew is also reading on a 3rd-4th grade level and we need to foster these great abilities NOW!
The lunch price increase this year wasn't because of the free reduced price lunches. That change occurred before Elizabeth started school. The price went from $1.25 to $1.75 when they made the change.
And just wait until your girls go to middle and high school. The basic price for a school lunch in the upper levels is $2.75.
So what are they saying...a poorer kid gets to be less intelligent than a average income kid to get into this progam? Very wrong, prejudice and somewhat coniving in my opinion. I have not heard my school say this....maybe I should inquire.
And I agree with Andrea.....don't get me started on the Gifted Program....my views are different than most on this subject!
Whatever you do....fight for your child to have the education she deserves. You go girl!!
Post a Comment