School Frustrations

Maybe I should just home school both of them?


I am not sure if it is just that, generally, people are idiots and, in my professional experience, teachers more so? Maybe all those years as a social worker and the many interactions I had with teachers has jaded me.


Here's what's up:


When I went to go school supply shopping a few weeks ago, the store had run out of supply lists for Brandon Elementary. No biggie. I whipped out my new fancy phone and googled "School Supply list for Brandon Valley Elementary in Brandon, SD" and was amazed that the school's site actually had a link to click on for school supply lists. I was more than tickled. Not only did I get to use my phone for actual research that was needed, but I was helping to save a tree or two by not using a paper list. The hippie in me was over joyed. I clicked on the link and then clicked on the word "Kindergarten" and was directed to a list I believed was for supplies required for students in kindergarten at Brandon Valley Elementary in Brandon, SD.


Wrong.


On the first day of school, I quickly discovered that the list I had gone buy to purchase the school supplies belonged to the first grade. Half of the items I had purchased weren't needed and he was in need of additional items, as well.


Ok, mistakes happen. But, I am certainly glad I am not one of those parents who rely on every single dollar from a paycheck to make ends meet. The additional money I had to spend, and the money I wasted on unneeded supplies would have been more than frustrating. Perhaps their IT guy should review his site further before making such changes applicable and public. Just sayin'.


As it is, my biggest irritation was the time and gas I wasted and would have to use more of to get more supplies. But, whatever, I went into town this weekend and got what he needed.


And then, this note was sent home today.


Please send a PLASTIC folder with pockets inside and PRONGS. We have found the paper folders do not fit into their mailbox and they end up ripping because of it. We would like to have prongs so we can add a zippered pocket inside for money to be sent in.


Really? REALLY? Are they kidding me? Yet another supply I wasted money on and have to get different because they don't fit in the mailboxes? How about coming up with a different solution? Like, oh, maybe using their lockers as mailboxes? Or setting the folders on a shelf somewhere, since they are primarily used for notes home and money exchanges. Honestly, sending a classroom of students' parents out to buy one folder that is plastic because the ones we were asked to buy don't work for you is ridiculous. Find a way to make what you have work for you instead of wasting valuable resources (on so many levels) getting something different.


I would like to send this reply back to the teacher, but I won't. Because, hard to believe, I do have a shred of class.


Dear Mrs. Idiot,


Rather than rushing out, wasting gas, money, and time, in getting a new folder, I have trimmed up the folder I originally provided. You are more than welcome to use it. Also, that stack of envelopes in the pocket of the folder with my son's name, your name, his grade and time he attends school? Those are for the money exchanges. You know, like the original way you requested money be exchanged? Now, quit wasting the earth's resources with your petty requests and get down to business and teach my child The Gettysburg Address, or whatever it is kindergartners are learning these days.


Thanks for your appreciation in understanding the other side of sanity,
Mrs. Not wasting precious fossil fuel to run out on your retarded errand.


*sigh* Now I have to go get a frigging plastic folder. Perhaps homeschooling WOULD be cheaper.