Should I do it anyway?

Posted: Sun, Apr 22 2012, 9:26 pm Post subject: should I do it anyway?

Ds hasn't had the greatest year in school this year. He's gone from being a really enthusiastic 3rd grader to a pareve 4rth grader. Since pesach he perked up a bit cuz his Rebbe moved him to the front of the classroom and he really liked it there. I was happy about that, cuz he's a really spacy kid who's also the shortest in the class.

He came home pretty upset last week, that he was moved again, this time all the way in the back.

DH knows the Rebbe personally, and he spoke to him about it. The rebbe said that he doesn't want to move him back, and he was just as spacey in the front so I doesn't make a difference.

In my experience in this school, asking the principal for help usually works. DH says its best not to make an issue out of this. I don't think a polite phone call to the principal is an issue, it just makes us involved and caring parents. WWYD?

Executive Member Joined: Dec 19 2011 Posts: 277

If your husband is friends with the Rebbi, I wouldn't make an issue of it because the year is almost over, but you could tell your son to speak to Rebbi himself and tell him exactly how he feels and how he can concentrate better. I am a teacher and when kids asked to sit in the front so they could see/pay attention etc. I would always say yes when the kid would ask. EVERY parent wants their kid in front so imagine 30 parents (public school) asking that their child be put up front... But when the kid asks it means that he really cares.
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Posted: Sun, Apr 22 2012, 11:09 pm Post subject:

I tried to get my son to say something, but he was too intimidated. I feel like its such a shame, cuz he was finally perking up in his attitude towards school. Also, I'd spoken to the principal a couple of months ago about my concerns over the change in my son this year.

I'm a teacher as well, and I know that there aren't 30 front seats, but I still feel that the shortest kid in the class who tends to space out, shouldn't be all the way in the back, especially if it bothers him.

Platinum Member Joined: Oct 14 2009 Posts: 6022

Not every parent cares if their kid is in front; it's not so important to most kids. For some it really makes a difference.

I would make one more attempt to resolve with the rebbi, being more assertive in the request. Ask firmly and say that you DO believe it makes a big difference to your child. Then, if he still doesn't move, you can go to the principal. No guarantees it'll help but if it's important to you/your kid, you have to push a little for it.

Posted: Mon, Apr 23 2012, 8:20 am Post subject:

Thanks seeker for answering. I'm hesitant to go to the Rebbe myself, because then I'll feel strange going to the principal. If I go straight to the principal I won't feel like I'm antagonizing the Rebbe as much. Especially, since I've been in touch with the principal about my concerns this year, this can be just one more call on that topic