Kindergarten Issues - Gloucester,MA

I would be livid had this happened to one of my DD's. Talk to the teacher and maybe they can assign him a buddy till his cast comes off. They need to be much more proactive even a child his age shouldn't be left alone in the bathroom, and why didnt they know he was missing?

I'm a public HIGH school teacher and I'm horrified by your story. You are absolutely right to be upset. Suggest that he be given a buddy at a minimum. Doesn't his classroom have an aide? I can't see any reason why this should have happened! (That said, it is always good to give the teacher the respect of hearing her side of the story, but he definitely should be getting help)

DO NOT !DO NOT! DO NOT! LET THIS GO!!!
This is really unexcusable behavior on both the teachers and the principal's part. How do you leave a kindergarten kid on his own, never mind one with a broken arm?? There are some serious issues here and they need to be addressed ASAP!. Sorry if I am going off on this, but I can only imagine this little boy being so scared on the 2nd day of school. Call the principal again, or better still, go into the office and speak to him/her. And if he/she brushes you off again, then call the superintendants' office and make them aware of the situation. It's not like your son's arm is going to be in a cast forever, so they need to take the time, right now, to deal with this.

That's horrible. You should talk to the teacher again...suggest a buddy in the classroom and outside to help him. Perhaps the teacher had no experience with children with more limited mobility and in the hectic first days of school did not think of problems your son might have. Good luck.

His teacher left him???? That is a hell no to a not broken kid, let alone a kid that can't fend for himself!!! I would be reporting that immediately! That should not have happened AT ALL.

Wow... I'm really sorry that happened......

Another possible solution to the restroom problem would be for him to go to the nurse's office and use the restroom there.. (I hope your school has toilet facilities in the nurse's office?)... that way, the nurse can assist him if needed, and he would be in a safer place, without the risk of getting locked in.

I agree that this should not have happened. It's the teacher you need to talk with. She is the one who needs to pay attention. Going directly to the principal is not appropriate in my opinion.

This is not a good excuse but it's quite possible that the principal did take you seriously but came across differently because of how busy (s)he is with the first days of school. She may have felt frustrated because you did not go directly to the teacher.

Please consider that this was an oversight that the teacher will correct. A calm demeanor on your part will set a co-operative tone for the restof the year. You don't want to start the year off putting people on the defensive.

I especially think that you need to soft peddle this with your son. He did find a way out. Praise him for that. You want to build up his confidence. Telling him this was awful, inexcusable is apt to make him fearful.

I would be pissed royal.

Document things.
Write a letter of concern to them.
This is a safety issue.
What if there were a fire?
The school is responsible.

No, this is not typical of public schools nowadays.
This would have NEVER happened, at my kids school.
My daughter one year, had had a major surgery.
She had to have limited mobility/activity for a couple of weeks.
The Teacher talked to the whole class, in a respectful way, explaining to the kids about 'surgery' and how my daughter would need extra ears and eyes... to 'help' her. And to buddy with her etc.
And to help her lift or carry heavy things.
The Teachers, take this seriously.

Yes, you have a right to be pissed.
PUT IT in writing, since they blow you off, when you tried to talk to them, verbally.
Write it in a calm diplomatic way. Not 'complaining' nor accusatory... but firmly and smartly saying, that their behavior of it is inappropriate.

Again, what if there was a fire or your son fell down or he was stuck somewhere and no one, knew?

You also teach you son, to YELL for help.

This is pathetic, on the 2nd day of Kindergarten, that the school acts this way.
It is, pathetic.

I was hit by a car at 6 and after a lengthy stay in the hospital, I was allowed to go back to school with a cast on my arm.
I needed help even though I wore dresses because it was much easier.
Still, getting my panties up and down, etc, wasn't easy with one arm.

I think you should talk to the teacher and school secretary about letting him use a bathroom in the office. That way, if he needs a little help, he can get it while still having his privacy. I don't see why they wouldn't make accommodations for him.
That's just my opinion.
If they can't accommodate helping him, would they prefer he have a medical excuse to miss school because going to the bathroom on his own is too difficult?
I went to school with broken arms and ankles and someone was always kind enough to help me.
I would talk to the school secretary or nurse if they have one and ask if there is a way to at least help him in the restroom. He may only need someone to help him fasten his pants. Maybe they need to know that would be okay with you.
I would try talking with them further.

Best wishes and I hope he heals up quickly.

I am sorry.. Public or private.. This should not of happened. I would be upset too.. When u have calmed down talk to the teacher..

insist that someone goes with him to the bathroom until he gets the cast off. it's not a long term thing, they should be helpful. if not, go in yourself for lunch.

yeah. you should be upset.

i've been volunteering at school for 2-3 years with my kids, and the best time to go is lunch and recess. you really get to know the kids, and they think you are awesome for playing and eating with them. it's fun to be in the classroom too...

Ohh my gosh- this breaks my heart for you! I only have pre-school children in a small church based school- so I have no idea how all that with a normal sized school works yet, but I can honestly tell you I would be just as upset- Even though I'm sure he will bounce back and have a great school year, as a mom I'm sure you have additional concerns now. If I were you I would set up a meeting with his teacher or principal and let them know your concerns for your son. In my opinion the kindergarten year is soooo important!! This is where setting a good solid, and safe foundation for your child's learning begins- I pray it will all work out for you!

Uh - no this should not have happened. Since you have tried talking to the teacher and to the principal, I would go to the next person up the line. They should be making sure he is doing ok and making it back to class and where he needs to. Keep on going until you get someone to listen.

If you ever feel that a principal has brushed you off got right to the top with the the line with the school superintendent. You are your childs advocate and if you dont speak up no one will know! That is totally unacceptable!!!!