Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Give My Kid Some Books!


Last night was pretty special. I had the opportunity to meet Scooter's Pre-K teacher. I'm trying my best at putting a positive spin on letting go of my youngest next week. I've done my best at preparing myself for an empty house (if only for a couple of hours).

I know, I should be jumping up and down screaming: "Me Time...Finally!" But I'm just not up to it. And the more I try to squeeze in quality time before I cut the cord, the more I wish the cord was made of steel.

As I sat in the meeting last night, one issue caught my ear. If you are from PA, you already know what I'm going to say. But for all you out-of-staters, let me fill you in.

Currently, the state of PA is without a budget. So what does that mean to parents? Well, it's like this: That large book order that your principals put into the book companies last Spring have been filled, but until they receive payment from the state, the books will sit piled on a shelf. They will not be delivered to our schools. Our children will have no books.

Dare I complain? You betcha!

But I must say, I am in shock. We have received letters with contact information for our representatives. But seriously, how can you call yourself a representative if you have watched sat back and watched this happen.

I have been a teacher. And yes, it is possible to teach without books. It takes a little creativity, and alot of preparation; but it is possible.

According to our principal, it looks like the books may not be shipped until October.

As I write this post, there are wildfires burning in California the size of Philadelphia. While there have been budget issues in California, those of us from PA have to scratch our heads as we watch millions of dollars being managed wisely by someone who once ruled the box office.

Maybe during the next election I should just dismiss experience and instead check the box that says: "Terminator."

7 comments:

Jennifer said...

Woah. No books? But what will the kiddies load their backpacks with to give them the backpack scoliosis? ;-) All kidding aside, that is a pretty bleak picture. I really hope the kids get their books soon!

ethelmaepotter! said...

I had no idea this was happening. Those poor children; I hope all the teachers in PA are as inventive as you and can come up with instructional alternatives.

Kathy B! said...

What a terrible shame!

Don't give Arnold too much credit, though. I won't go into details but the CA schools are getting whammied too!

I hope that your teachers are ready to step up to the challenge.

Cheryl Pitt said...

Wasn't CA having to hand out IOUs instead of tax returns?

I live in PA, I had no idea because we homeschool. THIS is why I never complain about paying school taxes even though we don't use the school. NO child should have to go without books. Teachers have so much to worry about without this nonsense, that's infuriating! Should I be contacting my local representatives? Or my local school board to see if this is happening in my area??

Laura Marchant said...

Oh that is just wrong. Wrong!

Dorkys Ramos said...

Politics at its finest. Too bad the kids are the ones who get the short end of the stick here.

Unknown said...

Stopping by from SITS!! Have a great day.