Proud Mom Moment~ Improving in School!

This week we had both the kids teacher conferences.  Ron and I were not looking forward to either one because the last conferences didn't go so well.  At the last conferences we were told our kids were far behind and felt like horrible parents.  This is the first year at this school and wow we were hit pretty hard when we found out how behind our kids were.

At first I was like WTF did I do to my kids putting them in a school (the old one) where they were not taught the requirements.  We loved our old school until it changed (long story-another day).  Then I had to look back at all the years we were there and know it was okay because my kids got something more out of the old school then they would have at their new school- life time experiences that other schools don't offer.  Yes, there were issues at the old school but my kids got to experience wonderful teachers that will be in their lives for a long time and the memories they have being at that school. We have artwork all over our house from the old school- nothing from the new school yet!

But with that said...my kids are blessed to be able to go to the school they are in now because they needed this strict structured education.  Yes, they are a little behind but both have made improvements and making strides.  Learning is hard so yes it's been a struggle but as a family we have all made the effort to move foreword and help each other out.

This time around I heard from both teachers that the kids are improving and such pleasures to have in class.  They are great kids and enjoy having them in their classes.  As a parent you do want to hear these comments from your kids teachers.   I'm so proud of my kids and impressed they didn't give up but kept trying.

We have many years of school but for now we are doing just fine!  Next year it's 6th and 4th grades- oh my!

Looking for Middle Schools for my Son

Okay this is a big responsibility and WHY are there so many choices and deadlines.  When I was growing up...you went to your neighborhood school. Nothing too hard about that.  Not here and not now.

This week I have one tour at a Charter School that my son really wants to go to so of course I'll go check it out. Sounds very interesting and some where my son would really fit in.

Realm Charter School is designed to be a project-based, technology-rich learning environment that promotes critical and socially responsive perspectives. This means that students will learn to think about the world as a set of interconnected systems that can be affected through rigorous studies and action. Students will navigate and create complex information networks, virtual worlds, and immersive learning environments by utilizing emerging technologies. Moreover, through culturally relevant instruction and curricula, students will recognize and own their ability to shape our world and to better humanity.

Next week I go to another Charter School- NOCCS.  This school both kids can go to and its only a couple miles from our house.  This school is more our speed than the school we go to now.  The school we go to now we feel lost and the kids have had a hard time adjusting. But it is an awesome school!

 North Oakland Community Charter School is a public school dedicated to helping children become thoughtful, informed, and inquisitive citizens. NOCCS is a vibrant, diverse learning community driven by respect for each child’s unique intelligence and history. The school’s dynamic and challenging educational approach deepens the intellectual and social capacities of each child.

Wish me luck and I hope we get into one of these schools!!!

Putting on My PTA Hat Tonight

It doesn't FIT!  Just kidding LOL!  I've been fighting being on the PTA (we call ours PTC-explain later) all year because I've been Secretary and Vice Chair for 2 years and this past summer I put myself in retirement. 

Which by the way didn't really work.  I thought I was home safe when in September we had ALL officers positions filled and everything was going great.  I got to sit back and be a PARENT not plan/work at/communicate what was happening at the school- I was LOVING it!  Then BOOM- Secretary left to go to another school and no one wanted to step in so I was asked very nicely by the Chair who is one of my closest friends- and for her I would do it.  Then BAM our Vice Chair had to move- GONE.  We were able to fill that position but that parent was put on the spot so not sure how she feels about it. 

I've been slacking and not really doing my job- kind of like a spoiled brat who doesn't want to do something.  So tonight I will let the parents know I'm sorry and I will do better!  I just need to suck it up and hope next year they can get some parents who can commit and stay at the school, lol! 

I get some great PTA/PTO ideas from: http://www.ptotoday.com/

Maybe I'll takes notes tonight and actually write up minutes for the first time this year!  I keep telling myself its for the KIDS!  My kids love me being so involved with their school and my son says he is proud of me. 

Kid's Homework Is HARD!

Yes, it's been about 30 odd years since I've been in elementary school but dang the MATH homework is hard (for me).  I read the problem over and over and still can't get it.  Of course I have lil man looking at me like "WTF you don't know this MOM?"  I stare back and shrug my shoulders and than we both roll our eyes.  If I'm having this issue now just imagine what I'm going to go through in the years to come.  I need to go back to elementary school I guess.  My kids do math different too...I learned last year they don't CARRY anymore but TRANSFER. 

My son's class is doing their math homework online this year and the program is wonderful.  I had a get a couple problems wrong so I could have the site walk me through the process and my son got mad at me because I was ruining his quota...whatever dude!  I needed to know how to do it so I could help if needed.  Geez! 

My daughter is a whiz at math but younger than my son so when she tries to get in the middle of his homework I ask her to back up and do something else.  I can see my son getting upset that his little sister is telling him how to do his homework.  Someday he might want her help! 

What I do like about homework is we get to sit around the kitchen table and I cook all at the same time- wonderful family time!

What is like in your house with homework???  Or am I the only one who doesn't remember what I learned in 4th grade...LOL!

Back To School 2011

My little buggers are enjoying their first week of the school year.  Hearing them talk about what they are learning and going to learn is exciting for all us.  Dinner time is full of conversation now. 

I enjoyed the 1st day way too much I think because 3pm came very quick and I almost forgot to get them.  I was about 10 minutes late.  Last year school ended at 3:15 and this year it's 3pm so I blame it on the time change, not that I was enjoying the quiet so much.  The past 3 days have been very nice!  I get up early and do the housework while I'm juiced up on coffee then I have the day to do work online and other projects. 
My Lil Mama is in a split 1st/2nd grade class and at first I was WTF....no that's not going to work.  She is way too smart to do 1st grade over again.  She was top of her class in 1st grade and I just don't want her to be bored.  Lil Mama and boredom doesn't mix at all!   Her teacher and principal reassured me that it will be fine and she will be challenged.  Okay, I hope so! 

Lil Man well he feels all grown now...4th grade and all!  He asked the teacher if he could sit up in front because he wants to LEARN a lot this year.  Let's see how long that will last.  Lil Man is also in a split 4th/5 class but with 2 teachers.  I wasn't as worried because I want him to learn UP.  I know double standard. LOL! He is very excited to have 2 teachers and new school subjects.  He said today..it feels like I'm in Middle School- not sure I how he knows how that feels but I'll give it to him.

So Cheers to 2011-2012 School Year! 

Kids- Last Week of School!

Last week of school!  They have been doing the countdown .  My son will be going into the 4th grade and my daughter into the 2nd grade....wow when did they start growing up! 

Lil Man well this year has been a breeze for him because he had a teacher he loved! He did very well this year, that's what his teacher says at least.  My son loves to help his teacher out (kind of reminds me of myself- teachers pet some years LOL) and he has found the love of reading.  Woohoo!  Now if I can find that same love for him to take showers.  I have to fight him every day to take a shower.  Oh and the lip smacking and talking back has given me many teeth clutching episodes.  He doesn't get to play his video games that much these days. 

Lil Mama well she exceeds what I expected out of her this year.  I'm not going to brag too much...lol but she is doing her thing in school and I'm a proud mama.  She needs to work on getting along with others though!  She doesn't like people around her, she would be happy at a table all by herself.  Her social skills are needing some TLC.  She was at home with me until Kindergarten so she never got "lets play and have fun" experience.  She also is a big helper around the school.  She would rather help the teachers out than go outside and play.  Something I should be worried about or let her work through what she needs too.  We will see!  I want her to be social like her mama but I'm not sure if that will happen.  At least she won't get kicked out of sewing class in high school for talking too much- like I did! 

I'm proud of them and so excited for them to start a new school year! 

Focus Focus Focus!

But I can't!!  I feel like I'm stretched in many different directions and I need to learn how to manage this because I right now I'm feeling like I'm loosing the battle. 
I might be fighting off a bit of depression (just being real) because I did quit my job and now having no money coming in.  It's been a LONG TIME since I've had to rely on someone else and its killing me! 

I can't seem to want to do anything but watch TV and read.  Housework is falling behind and what I NEED to do is not getting done.  Also I've been drinking a lot of soda/pop and that was a habit I kicked awhile back.  So I do know depression is knocking on the door!

I'm doing a lot for the school lately (lately....lol)and so I need to be on top of that!  Teacher Appreciation Week- biggest hurdle was today and it was a success so I can breathe a bit now!  But today I need to sit down and get on the Book Fair stuff..timeline and get fliers out and all that good stuff!  Let's not forget Bay to Breakers- ordering the shirts and all that stuff that needs to get done by May 15th.  I do have a parent who offered to help with that so WOOHOO- because I have no idea how to do this event. 

As for finding a JOB....well that is in the thinking process.  I would like to work on the Social Media biz during the week and set up with hubby on the weekends with his airbrushing.  That's what I want but will that happen, not sure!  I need to do something but do I want go back to waitressing....no way!  But what else do I know how to do...besides be a mom (which doesn't pay) ugh why does life have to be so darn confusing!

Time management is what I need now and maybe an assistant :)

Thanks for listening to my rant. 

Love My Kids BUT.....

I am SO HAPPY they are going back to school today.  They are at the age they need to be doing something every minute or I get to hear those lovely words I'M BORED.  As a mom I think WTF.. with all the toys/books/bikes they have how in the heck can they bored.  Oh yeah...its because Mom isn't playing with them or we aren't on an adventure.

I enjoy my kids a lot (ask anyone) but I need my space and they don't really allow that when they are at home.  I have work, housework, laundry, cooking to do on top of being my kids personal play-date.  Sounds like I'm bitching but I'm not its my reality.  I can't play with my kids 24/7!  Money doesn't grow on our trees in the backyard like my kids thinks it does.  Mama needs to make the money too!

This week I'm needing to regroup and get back on schedule.  I'm going to be setting up my home office with a friend of mine.  We are going to brainstorm and go into business together- just need to narrow it down and move forward. 

Off to make breakfast and lunches for my beautiful children that are going back to school...can you see the smile????

T-shirts My Hubby Airbrushed for the Read-a-Thon

I might have mentioned once or twice my hubby is an airbrush artist so I asked him if he would be able to do t-shirts for the kids who read the most in each classroom , as their reward. 

I gave them out today and you should have seen the their smiles!  They gave me hugs and the excitement was wonderful.  I wish we could have done one for each kid. 

My hubby's website:  http://mrairbrushhands.com/ 
You can also LIKE him on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mrairbrushhands

PTA/PTO BURNOUT!

Man I am burnt!!  DONE...well done if you ask!  I've been working real hard for a couple years now and I think (KNOW) its time to hang up my SUPER PARENT cape.  The parent participation at the school is not the greatest but we get things accomplished.  We just had a read-a-thon and raised $2400.  For our school that is BIG.  The sad part is all the money we raise is going towards a Music Program that was taken away last year. 

The problem now is NO OTHER PARENT is wanting to be the Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer for next year.  Our terms are 1 yr.  Last year I was Secretary and this year I was Co-Chair.  I've been involved with every event this year and I'm wiped out and we still have several more events to plan.  We have a Spring Bazaar, Book Fair, Raffle/BBQ, Teacher Appreciation Week and the list goes on. 

This is just my whine for the day.  Now need to get ready for our Parent Teacher Corp Meeting.

Have you ever experienced PTA/PTO burnout?

Civicorps Elementary School - Bay to Breakers Fundraiser

Okay so this is yet ANOTHER event I got myself involved in for the school.  I've been trying real hard saying that word NO but its difficult when I know it will help my kids. 

Bay to Breakers is a BIG 12K RUN that is held in San Francisco and this year it is the 100th race.  A parent got a great idea to use this event as a fundraiser.  So we are asking each runner to get a sponsorship of $100 plus $45 to register for the event.  Our Music Program was axed last year because of lost funding.  The kids and parents really miss not having a music in their curriculum.   
Our Parent Teacher Corp (PTA) wants to support the school by helping with the funding for the music program.  We have held a holiday bazaar, read-a-thon, and now this event to help raise the money.  We got maybe 15 runners/walkers (hoping for more) but hey its fine because its better than NOTHING right! 

On a personal note...because of this event I learned how to set up a donation page, also a  FBML page on Facebook, and plus signed up to do the race myself.  Those are some cool skills to acquire. I will not be running because my body is made for walking the 12K!

If you would like to support me (the kids really) please go here to donate (orange button)- anything helps!
http://civicorps-elementary.givezooks.com/events/team-ptc-of-civicorps-elementary

Thanks for listening to yet another one of my projects!

Need Help with Read-a-thon

Well yet again I failed to say NO and I'm in charge of the school's READ-A-THON on Feb 14th.  How do I get myself into things like this...oh its because NO does not come out my mouth- well only to my kids and husband. 

I have never done a read-a-thon before and its a FUNDRAISER too- oh my!  It's a school wide event.  All day Feb 14th we will be reading and playing games then the kids have a week to read more and after Feb 21 they have to collect the money from sponsors. 

We are just winging it because of the short notice but I'm sure it will be just fine!  We are thinking about doing a pizza party for the TOP CLASS and some airbrush shirts for the individual winners of each class. 

Now my problem is getting families (we don't have the best parent participation) to actually get sponsors.  Does anyone have any ideas how I can make this happen?  I'm going to set up a table this Friday and I want to make this EASY PEASY for the families.  If you have any suggestions on anything about a read-a-thon please let me know by emailing me or commenting right here on ths post.  I would appreciate ALL HELP! 

We are doing this read-a-thon for our MUSIC PROGRAM...trying to get it back into the school. 

School Crap- Calgon take me away

I'm Vice Chair of our school PTA...we call ours PTC though.  Anyways, some days its just hard to hear all the negativity that is a black cloud hovering over our school.  Yes, our school has some issues but they are getting worked on and who goes to a PERFECT school anyways!!  People come up to me and want my help or just want to gripe about the school,  I want to listen because I'm genuinely concerned and my heart goes out to all the parents but I just want to shake them and tell them its not about you its about your kids!Drop all this bitching and if your not happy than GET INVOLVED or there is the door.  Somethings of course we can't fix and some issues they have I'm like REALLY your hating on the school for this- that's when I have to take deep breaths and bite my tongue.  This morning my tongue hurt!

I just had to vent that out! 

Sometimes don't you feel like......

SCREAMING NOOOOO! 

Don't get me wrong I will help out just about anyone but sometimes I need to say NO.  I'm not sure why it is but I can only say NO to my hubby and kids.  Just a darn shame, tell ya~!

Tonight on top of trying to get ready for Back to School Night, figure out what I'm going to say when I have to get up in front of the school (not nervous about that at all-lol), and dealing with my 2 bored kids who want to be at home riding their new bikes instead of being at the school past 6pm- I was approached to help a single mom out in need.  I was told it was a very rare occasion that this parent would need me but just in case...OMG don't believe the hype!  After talking to the parent in need- she needs a whole heck of a lot then the occasional pick up from school.  This mom needs to drop off child at 6:30am 2-3 a week, days that school is closed she needs a sitter, also every other weekend.  Really.... then after requesting what she needs then she let me know she can't pay me anything.  First of all- money was never mentioned but for all that she needs to offer something.  Weekends- that's a big no no and I did say I can't do that because I work-which I do on Sunday.  I possibly can handle the drop off but damn that's early for a kid that's not yours.  Mine don't even get up until 7am.  I will help this parent out because my heart says its the right thing to do but a part of me wants to slap myself upside my head!

First Day of School

Wow...it final came!  The summer was nice but this last week I was "PLEASE PLEASE HURRY 1st day of school" or else someone is going to be in a lot of trouble. 

My patience with the fighting, tattling, hitting/touching each other was beyond DONE.  Being referee is such a tiring position and I would have loved to keep them in their own rooms every day just to keep from hearing MOM- she hit me, he hit me, she touched me, he touched me, she called me a butt head (knowing we don't use those words), he pulled my hair, he won't let me, she won't let me...should I go on or do you get the picture. 

My patience with my hubby was DONE too.  Another post :)

When school started yesterday it was such a big relief off my shoulders that I felt at least 30 lbs lighter LOL!

I did a Boohoo breakfast at the school for NEW KINDERGARTEN PARENTS and that was a hit.  Went to breakfast with a friend.  Came home worked and cleaned house.  Watched the baby for 2 hrs and then walked to get the kids.  I felt very productive yesterday, something I haven't felt all of August! 

All the way home the kids talked about their teachers and other students.  It felt good that we are back to school and now we won't get on each other nerves so bad.  Love them but it was time. :)

School Update

How in the heck did I become Vice-Chair of our school Parent Teacher Corp (PTC but in other schools PTA), oh yeah because I work everyday on some kind of school issue.  I do love it but some days I just want to scream and go hide in a hole. 

Our school has many financial issues just like every other school out there.  We are a newly re-organized parent/teacher group that is basically starting over and need help in all areas.  I'm working on a PTC Handbook for all parents. We need all the parent support we can get and hoping this year we can get it!

Our school has had a BAD past year and now looking forward to moving on and making strides.  Wish me luck and if you know any programs/fundraising ideas/tips/tricks please pass them on to me, would love to know what other schools are doing.  Plus wish me luck and hope we can make a big change this school year. 

Oh yeah a website that has really helped me out is http://www.ptotoday.com/

School Fundraising- Resource

If your looking into different fundraising for your kids, school, church, sport teams here is a great resource. Now that I'm on my kids school PTA I'm always looking into programs like this. The site is very helpful and you can request a free info kit. Every school needs money in this day of age so pass this on and lets help our schools!!

Raise Money for Your Group or Organization!

Fun Fundraising Products

Helping at the school

I do my part!!! I'm room parent for both kids class. When the teacher needs emails or anything else done-I'm on it! I'm lead parent on the library committee and I do FREE BOOK FRIDAY-every Friday! I enjoy these tasks!

But when my child calls and says there are NO PARENTS to go to the elder center today so mom can you come please. Of course I am but GEEZ I do have more to do in the days....like my JOB. I feel like I'm spending way too much time at the school and not able to do what I need to do at home.

OKAY RANT OVER!

Are you a Room Parent? You need Qlubb.com

This year I'm signed up for both my kids class as Room Parent. Don't ask what I was thinking but being involved in my kids school is very important to us as a family.


I'm a WAHM during the week so I have time to but did I want to send out or call every parent when there was something happening in the school...no! When I saw qlubb.com (thanks twittermoms!) I was very intrigued and corresponded w/a representative from Qlubb. In a week I was sent the most awesome lunch box with accessories, everything you would need for a NO Garbage lunch (if the kids ate all the food that it). I knew they were the right fit for our school because we are trying to go GREEN in our school plus we use the 4R's on a regular basis.

Now on to the site...qlubb.com! Wow what a cool tool for Room Parents and any group who needs to be organized. Its quite simple to use too.

What Qlubb.com offers:

*Private, secure Website– a central place where members can easily share photos, messages, links, blurbs and more.
*Dedicated easy-to-remember web address(yourqlubb.qlubb.com) and email address (yourqlubb@qlubb.com)
*Intuitive UI- so easy-to–use that anyone in the group, including members with limited technical skills can immediately participate.
*Universal access- Anyone member can easily edit pages which removes the bottleneck of burdening one person from having to do all of the work.
*Security- only members with the right password can participate so your messages, photos, content are all safe and secure.
*Automatic reminders– task and event reminders are sent to members via email (if desired).
*Customized reminders– when reminders are sent can be customized, such as the day or week before an event.
*Subset reminders- Reminders can also be sent to a subset of members such as people who have RSVP’d or who have task assignments.

So far the parents that have signed up really think this is a great site that we will be able to utilize to keep in touch with other parents.

http://www.qlubb.com/qlubbs/new

School Rocks!

Lil Man and Lil Mama are loving school. Lil Mama does school work every day and she enjoys it. Lil Man is discovering READING as something fun not just to cross it off as done on the homework. Grandma got him a cool book from the Wimpy Kid series and he is reading it everyday.

Lil Man says his teacher smiles a lot. Lil Mama's teacher is a substitute until Ms. Muniz comes back from maternity and that is going very well. The school spirit is awesome and I'm very proud to have my kids in Civicorp Elementary.

Lil Mama doesn't want to take naps at school and she let me know! "Mama, I haven't taken naps for years" really years? She is a trip! So I will pick her up at 2:30 and we will do things around the school until Lil Mam get out at 3:15.