https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 12 Apr 2026 05:20:00 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2882135 Thu, 25 Apr 2019 23:13:23 +0000 MamaCate 2882135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: I am going to wall you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2882117 Thu, 25 Apr 2019 19:44:35 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2882117@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaCate: Fascinating. Our county (or it may be the state) just implemented a required assessment by behavioral health when a kid is newly placed in care. Nice idea, but there are a few issues with implementation. One is what kid will assess accurately in the midst of one of the biggest attachment trauma events possible. And two, they're wasting their time assessing all the newborns with assessment tools designed for 6-12 year olds. :shocked: :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2882116 Thu, 25 Apr 2019 19:40:28 +0000 MamaCate 2882116@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: those sound like classic trauma symptoms which totally make sense given what you have shared of her background and would be really well served in play therapy. It is funny how area specific it must be—I am interested he field and we have the opposite problem Sheffield all the dcs workers want therapy even if no on can tell us what the concerns are...I hope you find a good fit for her! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2882111 Thu, 25 Apr 2019 18:40:20 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2882111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaCate: I think it's partly just the area I live in. The general culture is anti therapy, especially for kids that are so young. Also, in the foster care world, her issues APPEAR pretty minor. So I think some of the social workers in the system just had kids with MUCH bigger issues to tackle. Also, I think she just presents really well and people think she doesn't need it. Now that she's adopted we can just do it ourselves. But it has been frustrating, to say the least. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2882110 Thu, 25 Apr 2019 18:26:07 +0000 MamaCate 2882110@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: wait why the opposition to play therapy? What you described sounds like a perfect fit for that. Not to thread jack but I am confused! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2882048 Thu, 25 Apr 2019 10:24:18 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2882048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@peachykeen: Ugh, yes. We've run up against road block after road block with pursuing play therapy because no one sees the issues except us. I already know this is going to be an issue in school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2882043 Thu, 25 Apr 2019 10:21:34 +0000 peachykeen 2882043@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Turtle: @charm55: This is my daughter too! Her teachers have NO idea and it's gotten worse at 4. We started her in play therapy a month ago and her teachers and other adults seem shocked/perplexed why we would pursue that. Hoping it helps both us (parents) and her to better deal with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2882042 Thu, 25 Apr 2019 10:21:00 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2882042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As part of the registration forms for my son’s new pre-school I had to write something similar. I welcomed the chance to provide a little more insight into my child and also had the opportunity to share my educational values/ goals as his mom through the process. </p> <p>When it comes to deciding class room make up- students/ teacher fit I think more information about each student is very valuable for a successful classroom. I’d write the letter. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881976 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 21:59:46 +0000 tysonja 2881976@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i think i would love to be able to provide a bit more info about my child to help the principal and teachers to place him in a class that would be best for all. there are a LOT of students in each of our grades and i am sure it is pretty difficult to make a balanced classroom for each class. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881961 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 17:15:51 +0000 charm55 2881961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LemonJack: that’s exactly what my DDs teacher has done and I can tell you it is SO appreciated by the parents! Teachers rock. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881960 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 17:07:17 +0000 LemonJack 2881960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@charm55: YES! We have a similarly anxious student this year, and knowing that has been really helpful. I focus on checking in with her and easing her anxiety surrounding school work so she doesn’t go home and focus on it. If her parents hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have known she needed that extra attention because she appears totally calm, cool, and in control while at school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881958 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 17:04:39 +0000 LemonJack 2881958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As a teacher myself, I would definitely write a letter. If they are trying to combine kids from two different schools, I can tell you that is incredibly difficult. It does help to have parent input, especially at that age. It can really help to balance out the classrooms as far as behaviors and specific needs go. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881957 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 17:02:31 +0000 charm55 2881957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would welcome the opportunity. As a parent and teacher I know that kids are not the same at home as they are at school. Parents and teachers have different views into a child and different perspectives. For example, my daughter has a lot of anxious behaviours but never displays them at school. She holds them all in until she gets home and unravels. Her teacher was shocked when I told her what we see at home. I want them to be aware and sensitive to this. </p> <p>I think it’s important schools have the parent and home perspective. I don’t get why it’s a big deal. If you don’t want to fill out a letter, then don’t? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881955 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 16:35:59 +0000 KT326 2881955@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wish my school had this! My son is in 1st grade, at the beginning of the year we filled out a form that asked us questions about our child. Had the same thing in Kinder. The more information teachers have the better for everyone! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881953 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 16:28:26 +0000 annem1990 2881953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m a former K-2nd teacher. And man, teachers and administration can’t win. Parents complain when their opinion isn’t asked, and then complain when the school asks for involvement. If it’s not even mandatory, what’s the big deal?? They want you to know your input is important. These people work so hard and are criticized by someone for any decision they make. </p> <p>I left the profession because it was so emotionally difficult. And it’s not even the kids! The kids are (usually :wink: ) awesome. It’s the parents that are awful.<br /> (And I recognize that it’s not all parents. Just some that ruin the whole vibe.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881951 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 15:52:12 +0000 graceandjoy 2881951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know since my 1st LO is just going to K this year; but this is great! I would love to send in info about my kid! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881950 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 15:25:18 +0000 pinkcupcake 2881950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@meganmp: yeah, same here. I don’t understand what’s so odd about this. I think it’s great that schools are seeking more info about students </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881949 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 15:24:39 +0000 Autumnmama79 2881949@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with many of the above comments. As a teacher, parents do this anyways so if you'd like to have some input as to your child's learning environment/experiences/placement for next year then I'd say go for it!</p> <p>As a parent, I do write a letter or have a series of conversations with the current years teacher as to the type of teacher/classroom that works best for my DD. In the district where I teach/DD goes to school parents are also encouraged to identify at least one peer that we would like them to be placed with - its nice to have a friend! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881947 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 14:31:15 +0000 meganmp 2881947@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As a teacher, I'm shocked by the number of parents who don't want to do this. Of course teachers know children well, but parents know them better- parents see things we don't and may hear about things that we don't. Whenever I get this information I take it into consideration when creating classes for the next year. Even if it is something that I know already, it might remind me to be extra aware of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881935 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 12:30:38 +0000 Foodnerd81 2881935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: we actually cannot request a specific teacher anyway, just a learning/ class room style that’s best for our child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881934 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 12:27:48 +0000 bakingdoodle 2881934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you all for your input. I don't plan to write a letter. I wish it was more formal with a form to fill in and I didn't realize that some parents would give their input anyway and so the principal is trying to include all parents. I unfortunately don't know any teachers in 1st grade so how wouldn't be able to have a preference. My son's kindergarten teacher is fantastic and I just wondered if I should just take the opportunity to write to the principal to tell her that... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881932 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 12:16:59 +0000 Mrs. Turtle 2881932@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hitchhiker: I think this is a really good point. </p> <p>O is only in preschool, but I'm actually thrilled to see that schools do this. O presents like a very bright, confident, chatty kid. Under the hypervigilance is intense anxiety, an amplified stress response, and difficulties with emotional regulation, sensory integration and impulse control. None of these things are visible or apparent when she's being hypervigilant, which she is a lot of the time at school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881931 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 11:50:14 +0000 meredithNYC 2881931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Huh. I've never heard of this, and I'm the NYC suburbs, where parenting runs pretty helicopter-y. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881917 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 09:08:42 +0000 Pollywog 2881917@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My guess is that this stems from some over involved parents trying to give unsolicited advice about where to place their child. The principal is opening it up to everyone to try and be fair. I'd only respond (in bullet points) if there's things they'd want to know and a teacher you're trying to avoid. </p> <p>So if you have a boy who needs lots of physical activity and one of the teachers has a strong female preference and typically skips recess in favor for extra art time, I'd write a note saying that your son excels with lots of physical activity and the opportunity to play interactively with other children. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881916 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 09:06:09 +0000 hellobeeboston 2881916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: we just got something very very similar. </p> <p>I also agree that I think the teacher (at this point) should know enough about the kid to make a recommendation to help structure the classes for the next year.</p> <p>Agree with others that I'm sure they already get these letters/emails anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881915 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 09:01:05 +0000 hitchhiker 2881915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think a formalized process is good for equity. I'm sure the principal gets a lot of unsolicited requests and information from parents with a lot of resources/know how, and this lets everyone know what the process is and what information will be used. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881912 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 08:54:24 +0000 Foodnerd81 2881912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are invited to write an optional letter about our child’s learning style and best learning environment for them, as well as request if there is a child they should be separated from. She is entering kindergarten so the school doesn’t know her yet, although you have the option to write it any year. </p> <p>I did write one because my girl has had some serious struggles in school and I think a specific environment (very routine based, she needs a super patient teacher, etc) is best for her- I asked her preK teacher what she thought too. And there is a boy that she really should be separated from because they bring out the worst behavior in each other. </p> <p>I don’t imagine I’ll write one later on once she’s in the school since the previous years teacher would know her better. And several of my friends with pretty typical kids didn’t write one. If you feel comfortable with the current teacher making the best recommendation, skip it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881910 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 08:50:11 +0000 Madison43 2881910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have to do this every year as well - I’ve never really thought twice about it? It only takes a few minutes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881908 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 08:48:42 +0000 shabang 2881908@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My guess is the principal gets a lot of unsolicited information along these lines, and they just decided to formalize the request. </p> <p>We've filled out similar, but only when there was specific information to relay. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/principal-invites-us-to-write-a-letter-about-our-child-is-that-common-nowadays#post-2881904 Wed, 24 Apr 2019 08:24:36 +0000 Mamaof2 2881904@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bakingdoodle: Every year in March we are given a paper to fill out about our kids strengths, weaknesses, what kind of learner they are, etc. It also asks if there are any kids you do or do not want your child to be placed with the following year.</p> <p>Its all optional.</p> <p>I have never completed one. </p>