As a teacher, parents often asked if they could take their kids out of school for something special, something family-oriented or planned ahead of time. Usually, this was not a problem and I would provide the child with whatever work they might miss and/or give them make-up tests. Now, there were--and are--some parents who do NOT make arrangements for these things and OFTEN take their kids out early for such things as hunting, skiing trips, fishing expeditions, and so forth--to me, this is wrong. My point in mentioning this is that there should be some flexibility involved in rules where life or death is not involved.
Today, I was informed of a situation where such arrangements were attempted because of a long-planned family trip, something that I would consider important--the family was denied a request to take the child out of school a little early and was told that any testing they missed would result in a ZERO for that test. I know the family; I know the school; I think this is absolutely insane.
So often, rules/laws are enacted "just because" some guidance is needed--and that's fine--but allow room for case-by-case reviews before arbitrarily deciding something that is not of great consequence. When I was told about this decision, it blew my mind! Giving a child a ZERO on a test because the FAMILY had a trip planned, a trip that the family thought was of great importance to them AS A FAMILY--and they now have to decide how to handle the situation.
As a teacher, I was never in favor of kids leaving school just for hunting trips, fishing excursions, or whatever, but I would never deny a family's request for an early departure if it was explained WHY this trip was planned. I feel that PARENTS should be allowed some part in the decision-making process here, even though I place an extremely high value on education. Sometimes, NOT being at school is more important that being there! Anyway, rules for the sake of rules just doesn't make sense to me; rules that bring some good to a situation, provided there is flexibility, are good. When will those "in charge" realize that all rules do not fit all situations!
Speaking of education, my hubby has begun his regular "school behavior"--walks through the door in the afternoon, puts away his stuff (well, sets his stuff down somewhere in the house), sits in his chair, and off he goes. Where does he go, you might ask???? Within minutes, he has reached his destination--DREAMLAND! That is one thing I did not miss while he was NOT teaching. Another thing I didn't miss--the last-minute preparations for class. My wonderful hubby is a procrastinator, taking that trait directly from his Mom's DNA. Oh, well--guess I won't change that in him at his age, so I'll just have to start planning my life around these times.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY greetings go out to my baby brother--and I can say that for two reasons: First of all, he IS the baby of the family; secondly, there is enough difference in our ages that he could easily be my own child. Hope your day was really special, Rick, and that your year ahead brings you much joy and improved health.
Other than my rantings about rules/laws, nothing much happened today that warrants even this much of an entry, so I'll stop here. Hope you have a great evening and a terrific day tomorrow. Bythe way, I have a dental appointment on Wednesday--you know how I feel about that, so please say a prayer that I do OK, without too much nervousness.
HEARTFELT BLESSING: "We fail to see that we can control our own destiny; make ourselves do whatever is possible; make ourselves become whatever we long to be."
--Orison Swett Marden
NOTE: You want to know how powerful you are? Make up your mind to be successful, and Heaven and earth will move to accommodate your decision. May the path you choose always be abundantly clear.
