Does anyone know why Sandlick does not have trips or outings anymore?? When my oldest daughter (several years back) was there they would at least go to the Breaks Park on occasion; however since mine youngest has been in school the only outing she has had was to the "Park" there on the school grounds - where they also have gym occassionaly.

My nephew was telling us that his class was going to the Barter Theatre today and he is only in the 2nd grade and then after questioning I find out that he has been on several trips and so has the other grades! Could someone please shed some light on this! If it is a money issue - wouldn't all the schools get the same amount of funding for trips?

I think that the main thing about the field trips may have to do with the teachers not wanting to take the students. Then some of the students don't know how to act while on a field trip. the trips need to be something educational as well I am thinking.

I have a child in the 2nd grade and one in the 5th at Sandlick and both are going on field trips in the next few days. I agree that it might be up to the teachers to take them.

I think it would be nice if every parent would volunteer to come to their child's school at least one day during the school year to see what goes on at school. So many people sit back and complain about what is going on but do they actually know what is going on at their child's school? How many jobs expect a person to work for 4 or 5 hours straight without even so much as a bathroom break? I really believe teachers are so under appreciated. I truly had no idea until I worked at a school. As a mother I so admire these teachers who look after my children and are so underpaid yet love my children like they are their own. I know their are some who are not dedicated but thank you to those who love my children and care for them every day and don't even have time to use the bathroom or take a minute for themselves. God Bless Our dedicated teachers.

If I am not mistaken, teachers have a planning period, a lunch, and sometimes they have extra activities in the day like tech lab, and maybe extra music or art. I am thankful for all the teachers do, but it really isn't that bad, if it is that bad then maybe they need to make a career change!! Been there done that!

Apparently, not at SES. Unless you work there you couldn't possibly know what you are talking about. Working conditions couldn't be worse.

maybe if staff treated it as a job instead of a high school drama set, conditions would be better!

I just find this strange, I know by law that you have to get your lunch, I think that is in your contract right. I could care less what goes on there, but if the working conditions are so bad then why stay and what happens to your planning period? Just curious!!! You make it sound as if you never get free time, this is imposssible, I know that you all have a large number of kids not sure how many but there is another elementary school in the county who has alot to!!

If teachers are getting lunch, who is watching your darling children during lunch?!? I know that I have to give up my lunch one week out of every month to supervise children.

It sounds like we are straying a little off the topic here, but while we are straying I'll chime in. Anybody that works any job and cares enough about it to do it right is going to have a hard job at least at times. Most teachers don't complain about the work, the after hours work, the weekend work, the stress, the worries. We just do it. What hurts is when people in the community think we actually do have an easy job and get the idea that we are complaining about it. Most of us are there because we care about children and strive everyday to be patient, understanding, and happy with the kids, while also trying to make sure that every child in the class learns. Yes, we are also there to be paid for a job well done. We can't do it for free. It is a very hard job, there are many problems with today's youth that most people do not understand. Someone has got to be there to teach them and guide them, and that is what most of us teachers are trying to do. Each teacher's schedule is a little different from grade to grade. Some teachers go all day and don't get to go to the restroom simply because they are so busy they just don't take the time, even during planning. It is not a break!!!!!!!!!!!!! Much work is done during planning times. I know it is our own fault if we don't take the time to go the the restroom, but I'm just too busy sometimes. Sandlick is as good a place to work as you want to make it.

As far as field trips go, sometimes we just can't do everything to please everybody. There are different reasons that field trips are planned or not planned. I don't think we should have to justify every single decision that is made to the general public. We are doing the best we can and each year try to improve. Maybe we can do enough things right, though, that we will impact the lives of the children in our community in a positive way.

I don't complain about my pay. I wasn't expecting to get rich by becoming a teacher. However, I do feel that a pay increase would be fair considering the number of hours I work. When SOL's are in full swing it is nothing for me to put in an extra 20 to 30 hours per week beyond the regular school day. I do it for my students, because I do not get extra pay for this. No need to go into big discussions on the overall hours worked and the pay overall, because I have already heard this argument many times. I know I earn my pay. To be perfectly honest, if I didn't get some breaks throughout the year, I don't know if I would have the stamina to be a teacher. I feel like I do a good job, but I have to have time away in order to be my best for these children. I know other jobs don't have the kind of breaks we have (many of us work on our breaks or take classes), but at least we get a breather from the day to day of being with children all day everyday. Even parents need a breather from their children to be good at what they do. I am a a better teacher because I do get a break from the kids that I love.

There have been times that I have considered leaving the profession because sometimes it is almost too much. Especially when community members come down on us. However, I do feel like it is my calling most of the time. So, I guess I will stay.

Thanks to you folks that do understand and appreciate us.

I heard several of the other schools have had or plan to have some sort of get together where the soon to be kindergardeners get to meet the teachers and visit the class rooms and cafeteria for lunch... does anyone know if Sandlick is doing this? Will there be any type of orientation? My child will be starting there this coming year and I've heard nothing about it, I never even knew the dates they started the registration and ended up having to call several times to figure out when I could register my child.

my child was in K this year and the teachers are fantastic! Unfortunately, the school is not very savy at communication and could use a pick me up in that department. This year the meet and greet was the day before school. If your child gets Mrs. Keen or Mrs. Sullivan they will have a great year they are both excellent teachers and I really can not praise them enough. I don't know too much about Mrs. Tackett but I imagine she is good too.

It is so funny how the school always gets blamed for everything. The time and date for Kindergarten registration was posted in the county paper.

You may be an excellent teacher, I read your blog. I can't say enough about the teachers at SES that give their hearts and souls to our kids. Unfortunately, there are teachers there that discuss their own bigotry during class, their personal religious beliefs (those do NOT belong in public schools that is my right as a parent to decide), and are AWFUL at letting me know as a parent what I can do to support them and my students to make sure they are getting the best education possible! I do criticize because without change and the school (and teachers!!) evolving SES is always going to be stuck in the dark ages. I have volunteered enormous amounts of time so I do realize that it is like walking in to a zoo 75% of the time. That is my point. If teachers, parents, and the administration spent more time supporting eachother our kids might have a brighter future!!!! By the way, I do blame the school for lack of communication because I have to initiate contact to be informed of the goings on at the school! If you are just posting things in the paper that is not working! How about the good old fashioned notes that should come home with our kids notifying of schedule changes!

I really do understand what you are saying. I do think notes are sent home from school concerning most things. I know I try to make sure my students' parents are informed. I find many notes in the floor and in the hall, so I'm sure many don't make it home. I do appreciate parents like you, it is obvious that you care. I don't blame you on wanting to instill your own families beliefs and school is definately no place for bigotry. I truly am sorry for any child or family that has experienced something like this from SES. I do try to teach my students good morals but I would never try to push my religious values on them. It looks like we agree on a few things. Thank you for your volunteer time. I know I don't say it enough when I see parents volunteering at school, but I really do appreciate it. I am glad that you get a chance to see what goes on. I hope most of it is good. Working together really is the only way to take care of a community of children.

You know, I make mistakes everyday trying to be a good teacher. Somedays I don't feel like I have done so well. I am not above saying I'm sorry to a parent or a student if I have done something wrong. There is just no way to be perfect in every situation with so many people everyday for 180 days. I do promise you, though, that MOST of us really are trying. Those of you that can just remember to say a little prayer for us when school is in that we can do a good job with the kids. For now, though, summer is here. Let's enjoy a break from school - EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mrs. Z
I do see positive things!!! I am amazed how most of the teachers at SES pour so much of themselves in to our children. I see the amount of parents that don't step up to the plate- I know that must make your job tougher!!! I also see a need for a better system to link parents, teachers, staff, and students. I am not trying to criticize but, I do see that need. I am also not trying to point that out and expect someone else to make that happen for me. I would love to have any input to make that communication system better! I attended the graduations for the 8th and K classes and I must say I was blown away! How special that made my child feel I can not even put in to words. To the teachers that worry about making mistakes I say that sometimes those mistakes are necessary not only because we learn so much from them but also, it shows our kids that making a mistake doesn't mean " to fail" but that we are human and hopefully always growing and learning!! I hope you enjoy your summer vacation and see you next year!

Some of us have husbands with jobs that require him to be out of the county and state sometimes, and since school will be starting soon, I decided for us to all go as a little vacation, so oviously I wasn't even in the state to read the paper! they need a better way to inform ALL parents!

The people at the school board office scheduled the registration. As best as I can remember, the notice was in the newspaper for 2 weeks and there were notices sent home by students. The notices were sent by the school board office. Why didn't you call there to get the information?

I know that the faculty and staff at SES work hard and are caring people, but when the people there get blamed for things that are SCHOOL BOARD POLICY, it does make it stressful on everyone.

I have been to the school board meetings, what a JOKE!!!! My impression was SES is not a priority on the list. I agree that most of the staff work hard I would just like to support the ones that see my child more in a day than I do!

As everyone knows you can not please everyone. So what is the point in even trying! I think that paddling should be put back in the school system. My reason is that taking playtime, in school detention and suspension is not working. The students still go back doing what they did before and the system goes back over again and again. I think the principal at sandlick elementary has done a good job. Couldn't ask for any better. But again no one is pleased. Why is everyone downing ses? Why not any of the other schools?

If anyone besides myself or my husband paddled my child I would press charges. Paddling kids is going way too far! I think we should have the three strike system. If you get in big trouble once you get a warning, second detention, third suspension, fourth you are outta here! When parents have to put up with their children and they have to drive hours to find them schooling they might step in and make their children behave for you all!!! Sneaky, I agree that MOST of the teachers and Mrs. Patton have done a magnificent job!!!! The reason we are discussing SES is because our kids go there. I have walked in and spent time there. There are the same kids always acting out and ruining things for the ones that do behave. I think if people talk about things maybe it might create a change and make things better! That's what I hope, anyway!