Can anybody tell me if this is there experience as well?

At my kids' elementary school, there seems to be a tradition of parents being there for their kids' first day of school.

In kindergarten, that's probably to be expected as doting parents wait with their new schoolers before their kindergarten classes begin, and then escort their children into their classrooms.

The parents will enter the classrooms and watch as the teacher begins the class and sets forth some instructions.

That's kindergarten. But about the grades there after? First and second grade, okay. But third grade? Fourth, fifth, and six?

Shouldn't a parent "let go" of their kids after a certain grade level?

I used to fly a great deal in the 80's to Europe and the Middle East. I would always be the last to board and I would always walk slow and scrutinize all passengers. Why you ask??? Because I trust my feelings and am always on guard.

Environments should be scrutinized by those responsible sooner than later. As your child grows at some time you must be less obvious but continue over site. My children are in their 20's and I still maintain a vigil from afar.

TuT

Oh, I agree with that. Over site, but not hovering.

You're right, CZ..don't hover!

At my school, the parents did more hovering during the pre-K, K, and First Grade years. After that, it dwindled. By the time they got to the third grade, the grade I taught for most of my career, the majority of parents were letting their children come to school on the first day all by themselves. Most of the kids couldn't wait to see their friends, their room, their teachers, and to see what was on the cafeteria menu!

Now, also, at least in my area during the summer, there are MEET THE TEACHER-EXPLORE THE SCHOOL events which are scheduled long before that first day of school. If parents and students attend these types of gatherings, the first day shouldn't be so stressful.

My school district just filled all the vacancies just in time for the opening of the new year. I was really astonished to read in yesterday's local paper about all the last-minute retirements and resignations.

My local elementary school has the practice of posting the classroom assignments the DAY BEFORE school begins. Don't know of any other school that does that. Maybe that saves on postage or something.

If the kids and parents knew in advance, then the meet the teacher/explore the school thing would be cool.

The sixth grade teacher actually invited into his class the parents that stuck around.

That's awful for a school to wait that long before announcing class assignments. Maybe you need to get down to that school and ask for a parental conference about some good ideas to improve the school!

Maybe you should run for the school board!

This school board has got too many wannabes waiting in the wings.

Been trying to voice my opinions/support for a middle school revamp. But that's another issue.