The Atlantic - Latest Comments in On the run

Re: On the run

MNPundit — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 18:24:13 -0000

I guess I'll add that growing up my entire school life was one long struggle to get my parents to care less. In fact, senior year when they asked me what I wanted for Christmas my response was for them not to attend parent-teacher conferences in the spring and they obliged.

I wasn't hiding anything. I was in Band, Yearbook, and had a 3.87 GPA in High-school I just wanted them to move the hell out of my way because I didn't need them checking on me.

Re: On the run

laborlibert — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:53:17 -0000

Glad to hear it. I wish other parents had a fraction of the involvement that you have.

At my fiance's school (a public school in the BX)they spend school funds on flat screen t.v.'s and restaurant gift certificates to raffle off on parent teacher nights and other school functions so that parents will actually attend.

It appears to work. Which leaves me sort of clueless as to whether this sort of carrot/stick measure is appropriate.

Re: On the run

Ta-Nehisi Coates — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:21:35 -0000

Kids in public school, and I have a good relationship with the folks there. We did pop-ins all last year. Teacher and principle loved it. It kept the boy on his toes.

And Doug, brother you have no idea...

Re: On the run

laborlibert — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 12:37:50 -0000

Quick word of advice to the host and to other parents: I'm not sure if your child is in public school, but I know several PS teachers who don't particularly appreciate a parent pop-in. This isn't to say that they don't appreciate your involvement, they most certainly do, but many teachers (necessarily) run very structured classrooms where any interruption can send the day's plan to the dustbin.

If you haven't already done this, you may wan't to clear this type of visit with the teacher in advance.

I know this is a bit of a PSA, but a teacher may appreciate it.

Re: On the run

Pesto — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:50:21 -0000

As a parent of 2, whose younger child just started kindergarten at the school his sister attends, too, I have to say that if I ran a bar I'd have a Back To School Day happy hour starting at about 9:00 a.m. Drop off the kids, call in sick, and raise a glass! Or five.

Re: On the run

DougEFresh — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:40:18 -0000

I have been spoiled by having daughters. This morning, I had to drop my daughter and my two nephews off at school. Boys can be pure hellraisers at times.

Re: On the run

scythia — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:21:03 -0000

Isn't that kinda the whole point of being his age (whatever that may be)?

Re: On the run

DaveinHackensack — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:14:24 -0000

What sort of school does he go to, public? Parochial? Charter?

Re: On the run

shani-o — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:10:53 -0000

Yes, gotta let the kid know that Dad can pop up at ANY. TIME.

Re: On the run

MNPundit — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:09:39 -0000

Because everything must rhyme!

Well good luck to the "tyke" though why you need to check on him....?

Re: On the run

scottstev — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:59:25 -0000

Using one of Pop's patented maneuvers, I see.

Re: On the run

Deborah — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:54:17 -0000

Picked my son and his friend up from their first day of second grade yesterday.

Thoughts on light sabers: 1438

Thoughts on school: "Good."

Re: On the run

Whitey — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 09:46:05 -0000

Are you gonna roll like your pops and sit at the back of the class?