Parent Teacher Conferences

The idea of parent teacher conferences is a foreign one to me.  This mother is having a hard time with her baby growing up, and I'm still getting used to her being in school.

Somewhere along the line Ms. Madelynn lost her appointment card for her kindergarten teacher, Mrs. McCann.  Thankfully a mother let me sneak in front of her to ask Mrs. McCann if she had any openings.  Mrs.McCann was gracious enough to wait a few minutes at the end of the night to speak with her after we were finished with our appointment with Mrs. Royce.

Mrs. Royce is Madelynn's extended day kindergarten teacher.  She teaches Madelynn from noon until 3:30 PM.  Mrs. Royce reported Madelynn is consistently one of the highest scoring students in the class; she particularly excels with her numbers.  I was relieved when Mrs. Royce reported Madelynn does not get picked on by the other children (she gets teased at daycare for her 'baby' voice) and is friends with everyone in the class.  Mrs. Royce stated she's never noticed the other children mentioning Madelynn's voice or language.  At our request, Mrs. Royce had the speech therapist spend sometime in the class with Madelynn.  The pathologist felt, at this time, additional speech therapy isn't necessary.  At this point it is a matter of Madelynn being around peers, and learning the appropriate verbiage for a child her age.

Mrs. Royce (and Mrs. McCann) initially were worried we may have enroll Madelynn too early in kindergarten, but in the month she as been there they found that assumption to be wrong.  Madelynn's penmenship has improved dramatically, as has her comprehension skills.  Madelynn seems to excel in math (like her mother :) ).The other concern both teachers have with Madelynn is her inability to sit for long periods of times.  Madelynn will immediately respond to a request, and is able to sit for a maximum of two minutes before she starts to fidget or lay on the floor again.  I asked both teachers if it was that she was six, or perhaps her developmental delays.  Both stated it could be, but agreed we needed to speak to our pediatrician about a possible ADHD/ADD issue.  I am hesitant to place her on any medication, but the child is very difficult.  I am ashamed to admit this, but the husband and I have to alternate homework nights because she will not sit still.  I've been kicked in the face, and stabbed with a pencil all while trying to get her to write four letters three times.  

I really appreciate the kind of patience and background Mrs. Royce brings to her class.  She was a special education teacher prior to coming to Lehi Elementary.  I think that prepared her for dealing with children like Madelynn.  When asked who her favorite teacher is Madelynn will state Mrs. Royce.  She really is a dear, and will take them time to email me  every couple of weeks to inform me of Madelynn's progress.  She is such a delight.

Mrs. McCann met with us just before closing.  She didn't have much to add from our conversation with Mrs. Royce.  Mrs. McCann did tell us about how impress she was with Madelynn's progress in such a short amount of time.  She expressed concern about Madelynn's inability to hold still.  She thanked us for being involved parents who are advocates for our child as evidenced by how I organized a homework binder for Madelynn and purchased supplies I felt were most conducive to Madelynn's way of learning.  Jeremy and I may be working parents, but both of us believe in the importance of Madelynn receiving the best schooling Lehi Elementary can provide.

Mrs. McCann awarded Madelynn with the first student of the month award of the school year.  September's characteristic was kindness.  When asked why Madelynn received such an award Mrs. McCann stated it was because Madelynn is a very empathetic child always wanting to make sure others who seem sad or hurt are okay.  She will pat the on the back, or give them a hug when asked for one.  She has always been an empathetic kids for long as we can remember, and we wouldn't have it any other way.