NO DOGS OR PARENTS ALLOWED

Before we moved to Long Island, and when we had our children in a big, neighborhood public school, we were always irritated with how little connection we had with the school. We were let in for a few special occasions, but the loudspeaker would come on, warning all of us that it was time to go! At the end of the day, we stood outside the school building while the teachers would march the approximately 1500 K-5 students around the building. When we eyed our child, we would frantically wave to retrieve them for fear that we would miss them and they would be marched into the cafeteria.

For the one year we were at a Charter School, there was a much more open door policy. I could go at any time and eat breakfast or lunch with my child. I could look through the glass on the classroom door just to get a peak. What a comfort that was.

Now that we are in the burbs, it was to my great surprise that there is no actual policy for viewing a class. So, if you have a teacher that doesn't like to invite parents to events, you may never see your child in the classroom. If you ask to view the class, you can be refused. Even in NYC there is a policy to view your child in the class as long as you give written notice. But, here, nothing. Absolute shock! So, why do these parents in my suburban town put up with this! This is your child you are entrusting all day to a system that has no policy about visiting a classroom. 

One of the more pathetic excuses I hear is that it is to protect the privacy of the children. This is public school! Public! We are the Public! Perhaps, they should not allow our children to put on plays in which they invite us, the PUBLIC! Another excuse I hear is that it will disrupt the class. Now, as any parent knows, there isn't much time in the day. If you want to go observe the class, there is usually a reason, like you are being told your child is disrupting the class, wouldn't they want the parent's input?! And, most importantly, I remember the glow on my child's face when I was able to visit. It showed them, I was a part of their day and I cared.

I really have no way to explain this, except to say, that if teachers are feeling under attack these days, not building a relationship with the parent and having the power to not let a parent view a classroom is only going to build on the growing distrust. It is sad for all of us, as all of us want the same thing, a good and caring education for our child. Most teachers are parents too. But, with doors closed, communication is closed. All schools should emulate NYC (Yes, I said emulate NYC) and have a written, understood policy about visiting the classroom. I promise, if I am allowed in, I won't bring any peanuts or dogs.