It's been one of those weeks where I'd like to pretend everything is A-OK. We are adjusting to a new life at a new high school. In the first two weeks, our child (and others who rely on ONE mode of transportation to school) had to suffer through ridiculous overcrowding and unsafe conditions on our bus. In week three, the health teacher decided to do a "live" Google search on the subject of "Corset Piercing" (don't go there) and well, some naked women came up on the screen (still trying to figure out how that relates to the health "curriculum" at the school). No, there was no email from the instructor with an apology or a "head's up, I messed up!" In week five, our child is "stabbed" by a student at lunch with a mechanical pencil and we spent $100+ for the entire thing, but it was accidental--so we'd rather not have our child pulled out of class to avoid the "pull child out of class trick" when we complained about an overcrowded bus. That's also why we couldn't call about the porno trick in health--we got the message loud and clear--complain, and well, your child will answer for it. And this week, well, I can't even mention the next trick our high school has pulled. I'm so exhausted; I'm sad; I'm frustrated; I'm appalled. And we have just arrived. I was told by others, "Milton does so much hand-holding for the first two weeks for freshmen!" That's a bunch of bullshit. I can say two good things: Math rocks. Cross-country rocks. Thank God for those things.
The world deserves a better relationship with truth in education. Truly. All I can think of in this time was my own transition from public (inner city) learning to private school (affluent suburbs) and thinking, "wow, these folks have NO CLUE about the real world." I am soooo thankful I didn't grow up that sheltered. This time, though, my child is going from public school to public school (but make no mistake about it; this is public to private--the re-districting process is uber political). So depressed. Consider this one droplet a tear, only one of many I have shed over the month. Just one.
Fantastic shot, though! :-). I do hope things improve. Actually, I'm sure they will because you are all strong. High school is rough, maybe especially on parents.
@danette If I could show you the horrific student article I just witnessed depicting the President and his wife on "school lunch" you'd throw up. It's beyond disgusting. I have to gather myself. I can't even begin to tell you the horror of this week...
This is a very sad and moving entry. I can't imagine what you are going through especially given that this is supposed to be a 'good' school. How horrid for your daughter and how awful for you and your family. High school is hard enough.
@taffy I am truly in shell shock. I would much rather our old districted school. We had no choice in the matter. We have gone from a diverse, Title I school, where everyone worked to make each student matter, to a bizarre world of privilege, power, and intimidation. It's a toxic mix. And it's the #1 suicide school in the county. Joy. Not.
Sounds like a horrible situation, Daryl! I feel for your daughter and family. How stressful! Your shot is wonderful though! i hope there are no more tears!
@darylo I suspect you already have, but have you reached out to the school counselors? Or are they only about college prep? This seems like the kind of situation your daughter needs support within the school if at all possible -- a safe place to be able to go and someone to help her navigate. Just a thought...and probably not one you haven't already considered.
@taffy sent you an email...if only I could say that was the solution. At our other school, I could say, "Yes! I love the counselors," but this school is just in a league of its own...and stats show it..
Oh, Daryl How sad for you! l hate you are struggling so much. This is really too much suffering for your art! The image is wonderful but the struggle to get iti is not good.
