I've got sunshine, birds singing like crazy, it's supposed to get to 58 degrees and my tulips are 6 inches tall. Spring is coming!!!!!!

I must say it's not the teachers, just the administration. You are so right about the keep parents in thier low place attitude. Maybe I don't have a degree in education, but I think raising children gives you some degree of insight. After reading these postings, I know most of us could write books on the subject, if only we had the time. The district however, not only supports, but tries to foster, parent involvement. I've let my feelings be known to them, but I also don't want to be that parent, and we all know her, that never has anything to say except to complain. I know she's a busy woman because I read about her here all the time.

There's no sign of spring here today. It's rainy and windy - gusts up to 50 mph - so I'm stuck inside, with no excuse not to get any laundry done. Have some chocolate on me.

BusyMom, I know where you are at. Not to say that I am not thanked but that the principal has not liked the way I have pointed out what needs to be changed and a lot of it was her. Funny thing is, lots of teachers left last year because they felt the same way. I think sometimes we just have to sit and wait for the weakest time to jump in and say, okay you messed up now let's try it my way. I think that is what will be happening a lot over the next few years as more and more parents are no longer welcomed into schools. Make sure to let your district know what's happening. Write an editorial to your local paper about parents being driven from supporting the already worn out teachers. I know you are tired, but make one last effort for your school before you throw the towel in.

It's not really the lunch thing that bothers me, it's more of a lot of little things that have been building all year. New administration came in with a "large and in charge" attitude. Parents are not welcome at school, and most of our good ones have disappeared. I used to be a well informed parent, now I know nothing, and I'm still one of the better informed. I'm watching a school I love become a wreck, and there's nothing I can do about it. It's so frustrating.

Pour something strong and endless. I'm quitting. This year has been too hard. I'm gonna finnish up this year, and then dump it. If there's no one to pick up the pieces, (because the principal has run them off) too bad, because I won't be treated like this again. I'm tired of a principal that won't be civil and say hello to me at the school, or when she brings my son to my car at parent pick up. I'm tired of a principal that doesn't see fit to invite me to the volunteer appreciation breakfast, even though I am the PTO pres, the school advisory chair, the district advisory rep, quite often the only parent to help at bookfair, and even more often the only person at the holiday store at all. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm tired of giving, giving, giving, and getting dumped on in return. It's one thing to do a thankless job and be appreciated, quite another to do a thankless job and be treated poorly. I really need some chocolate. Of course this kind of stress is why I've gained 20lbs this school year. [img]redface.gif[/img] It's definitely time for some me time. Thanks for letting me rant. I can't eat while I'm typing.

Luv, Speaking as a former gifted child who was totally bored in school and hated being seen as the smart girl, find some creative outlet, preferably physical, for your daughter. I here your story and I don't want her to have a baby at 17 like me. It's something I was later told that all gifted parents should be taught how to let their kids express themselves in some way that does not exemplify their giftedness. Hope all goes well.