Money, money, money.

Even though I rock at Skee Ball, going to Chuck E. Cheese's for a fundraiser night right after school did not set me running. The kids who were able to attend had fun, but I kept thinking about those kids who couldn't afford it?? I had a real problem with the whole CEC idea (CFA would have been a better choice... and that's not just a biased opinion! It's more affordable for those families with multiple kids or stretchy pockets). You want parents to go spend at least $30 in food and tokens, yet we can't even ask them to give our classroom a box of tissues or hand sanitizer?? Where's the justice in that?

Last night, I saw 4 of my students at CEC (and 3 more went after I left)... out of 18. That's not a big representation. You should have seen the forlorn looks on some of the children who didn't go, and it broke my heart... and knowing a bit of their home lives, I know why.

Then we flip to the other side of the coin... parents who buy their children ridiculous name brand clothing and jewelry and give them snack money EVERY DAY (roughly 85 cents), but won't send in $1.25 for a special Powhatan Indian in-school field trip (with replica artifacts!!) from the Jamestown settlement that is ALL about our upcoming Benchmark exams. Where are the priorities??

Now, I do have one student (the newest one) for whom I will have no problem paying... R would be the only one though because she's in a foster home right now. (She had some behavior problems today which drove me NUTS!!) There are a few others that I might... but then there are those who... no.

Ms. T was saying that some of her parents already told her that they weren't sending in money because "why should they? It's in school." UGH! Hello, Jamestown settlement people are coming to show your kids some amazing things! They need to keep the program open... and it's ONLY one dollar and twenty-five cents-- that barely covers their gas and it's CHEAPER than an actual field trip! If it were $5, then I wouldn't have organized this-- that would be a bit much for a presentation! I'm trying very hard not to be judgmental, but when I hear comments like that, I get so peeved because they don't see how this will leave a lasting impression from something so simple. The kids get to touch Powhatan weapons, clothing, etc... they get to SEE it!

I think this summer I'm going to look into writing grants to fund some of the stuff I want my class to have... but then again, I need to use the grant I already earned... eek, it's almost spring, too. I have NO idea where to begin for gardening supplies.

Dangit!! I need to get that list together asap for the principal.

But first... need to go finish the Reading Remediation paperwork... oh, the fun! ... but I really want to go to sleep now... my eyes hurt. Hmm... I may have to give into the snooze temptation...
- Miss Chelsea :)