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Sarah Swanson

June 10 at 8:12am
My son attends a local elementary school. Yesterday when I pick him
up I was greeted by one of his teachers as my child entered my car.
She began to talk to me about my child's behavior and issues there
have been in her class for awhile. She was beyond rude and
disrespectful to me and was doing all of this in front of my child who
began to cry in the back seat. I am absolutely appalled by her actions
and on top of it, it is the first time I'm hearing of any problems he has
had at school. She has never taken the time to email or call me but
yet yell at me in front of my child. Who would I talk to about this
problem? I am not a happy mama
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Traci Kaldestad, Erin Angus-Snapka, Geno Cuevas and 2 others
like this.

RemoveLisa Reed Principal, then Super's office if needed.June 10


at 8:18am Like 7

RemoveAmanda Gram I would talk to her first privately and then


go to the principleJune 10 at 8:26am Like 7

RemoveMichelle Gundersen I would ask for a conference and


express that you felt she was rude, and could have handled it differently.
None of us want our children to behave badly but they do sometimes and I
know I would rather be told to help correct it than let it go.June 10 at
8:29am Like 5

RemoveJennifer Collins Brittingham Principle. Which school?


June 10 at 8:30am Like

RemoveLisa Reed Curbside in front of the child was a no-no. Email


or call would have been more appropriate.June 10 at 8:30am Like 1

RemoveSandy Meyer I'd call a meeting with the principle and


superintendent along with the teacher!June 10 at 8:33am Like 4

RemoveErin Wahoo G The appropriate course would be to talk


with the teacher first. Then you go to the principal.June 10 at 8:42am
Like 8

RemoveSarah Swanson Thank you for your replies. I am going to


go talk with the principal. If she would of contacted me when the behavior
started the problem would of been fixed long ago. The fact she let it go on
and then waits until the last week of school to talk to me and treat me like
a dog makes me wonder how she treats our children!June 10 at 8:57am
Like 8

RemoveBetty Magana Armenta How awful! I'm sorry but why did
she wait till the very last to tell u that how unprofessional of her!!!!June 10
at 9:00am Like

RemoveEriks Skujins I'd confront the teacher directly. If they don't


apologize, then go up the ladder.June 10 at 9:07am Like 1

RemoveSummer Hopkins McConnell Definitely talk with the


principal and teacher about it. It is not cool when a teacher springs
something negative on you right at pick up time when there are children
around (yours and other peoples) and other parents around also.June 10
at 9:10am Like

RemoveCarol Reed Sarah i had same problems with Sigi ( your


son goes to to ? ) we even had one teacher that came to our home one
time ( no joke) and this all falls on the heels of the teachers going to a
board meeting saying they feel bullied so i guess they are just paying it
forward....Eriks these teachers dont care and Summer the principal wont
do anything, go straight to Ken Hoover's office.... my oldest got in trouble
yesterday to i had to go to the school because he was standing in the
back of the class acting like Santa Clause, i know this behavior has went
on and off all year but 5 days before school is out they decide to start
doling out punishment? thats MSDJune 10 at 9:31am Like 1

RemoveMegan Hofmann Gieger Yes, you should confront the


teacher and follow the chain from there principal, Dr. Hoover, etc.). But
let's not jump over "all" teachers. Yes, there may be a few bad apples, but
to lump them all together is unfair. We have had nothing but outstanding
teachers at CLE, truly amazing. The work that teachers do is so under
valued and so many times unappreciated. So many people these days
treat teachers like daycare workers. They are there to teach, not discipline
children. I wouldn't want a teacher to have to deal with constant discipline
issues during the day and take time away from what they are paid to do
and that is teach. Discipline is the parents responsibilities. I do agree that
she should have contacted you directly and privately and what happened
seems totally unprofessional. But again, let's not turn this into a rant fest
against our teachers.June 10 at 9:46am Like 14

RemoveTeresa Willard The teacher is supposed to be nurturing


amongst other things. I wouldn't make my kid go back. I would find
another option, actually that iis what I did. SVEC!June 10 at 9:49am Like

RemoveSarah Swanson I don't want to say his school because we


love it there. And I'm not saying teachers are bad etc. Discipline is
something I need to handle but can't if I don't know about a problem. Our
children deserve respect just like our teachers do. These children are
learning how to be adults someday and I do my part at home and would
hope they do their part while in a classroom.June 10 at 9:50am Like 6

RemoveBridget Morrison If you feel that you must go to the


principal first-then do... But if you can go to the teacher first, I think you
would be happiest with the outcome. I know, from experience, that the last
week of school can be physically and emotionally draining/challenging for
all teachers. My guess is that your child's teacher was regretting what
happened shortly thereafter- we are human and make mistakes just like
everyone else. If you have had an otherwise good experience with this
teacher- give them the opportunity to make it rightJune 10 at 10:08am
Like 14

RemoveAmanda Gram I'm sure most teachers are exhausted by


now. Kiddos can be a handful. I can cleanly remember when I was told my
daughter was "acting up" in class and thinking no way! As she's gotten
older and I've spent more time IN the class it's clear some kids push more
then others. Next year I would send in emails and keep those lines of
communication open. My kids all know momma is checking in on them
even if I don't go into the school. At the end of the days teachers are
human and have human responded. Kids are kids and that's totally AOK.
We cannot expect every teacher to be perfect and respond perfectly 24-7.
We all have slips, that's why I say talking to her first makes the most
sense. Or having a meetings with her and the principle. Good luck to you!!
:-)) and I hope it all goes well.June 10 at 10:15am Like 3

RemoveMelinda Wilson Ulle Normally I'm all for chain of


command but this was way over the line. It's never ok to publicly dress
someone down. Go to the principal and address it. Honestly kudos for not
throwing it back at her right then, I'm not sure I could have restrained
myselfJune 10 at 11:11am Like 2

RemoveDerek Witt I understand that there could be a different


approach to speaking to you on this, and I do not see anything wrong with
you speaking to her about this, BUT COME ON... She didn't slap you or
anything like that. She probably has about 10 million things going on to
finish school year (Testing, Grading, getting things ready for next year,
and oh yeah teaching 25 plus students daily) and she probably just found
a moment where she could let you know some of the things that you could
address with you face to face. Could she of handled it better, I am
guessing probably yes, but the thing that seems to be weird with these
responses is the fact that people are sooooo quick to crucify a teacher and
yet not many of the responses are about the actual content of what was
said. I am guessing that one reason students cry in back seat on this is
because they know they are in the wrong, and mom or dad getting told
about it means they might have to answer for it. NOT because they were
told in front of them. I have a son going into H.S. and a daughter going
into Kindergarten next year and if their teachers find that they need to let
me know a problem when they saw me I do not feel that is a problem. If
she screamed at you, or assaulted you then it is a different story, but
simply letting you know what was happening doesn't seem to be a cause
for going to superintendent. As a matter of fact some of our schools main
problems is because each time a parent doesn't like something they run to
principle or superintendent and they spend more time trying to be
politically correct and it takes away time they could be improving the
school. If kids and parents are assaulted physically or verbally then
something needs to be addressed, if it is simply your feelings got hurt
because you were told that little Johnny or Suzie were out of line and you
were told so, we should take information and correct it, not get mad at
messenger for telling us so.June 10 at 11:24am Like 15

RemoveGeno Cuevas Tell Debra kolrudJune 10 at 11:32am Like

RemoveLisa Reed No they don't work "for" us, but they SHOULD
work "with" us. Many of them give the impression (for whatever
reason/excuse) that they don't give a hoot. Part of their job that they are
paid for is to be part of the team. If they can't communicate effectively with
parents, perhaps they should find a new line of work.June 10 at 12:04pm
Like 2

RemoveDerek Witt Lisa it seems like in this case she was trying to
communicate but maybe some feel if they dont like how or what teacher is
saying then it is teachers fault. Maybe if we listen more and judge less we
will find out teachers try to communicate a lot but if parents dont like the
message they would rather jump on its teachers fault bandwagon. These
teachers are teachers not here to coddle you or your feelings. I hear
teachers dont work with me.. code for they wont cave into my demands or
do it my way.. if your asking for help you are at the teachers choice on
how that help comes. If you dont like how they give EXTRA timw and help
and commuication maybe you jave unrealistic expectationsJune 10 at
12:13pm Edited Like 5

RemoveSarah Swanson @ Derek she didn't slap me but she was


beyond rude and that is unacceptable. I have two kids and in 7 months
pregnant and I work. I'm not going to use that as any kind of excuse ever
and her being over worked and the end of a school year should give her
the right to act out of line. I simply posted my question to see if my
reaction and way to handle it was the same as other parents.June 10 at
12:14pm Like 2

RemoveLisa Reed Curbside, in front of the child in question is a


real poor decision on the part of the teacher. It takes away the child's
voice and can totally kill their self-esteem. If a teacher bum rushed me at
my car and made my child cry, I would have let her know right then and
there. They have discipline plans in place at all Monroe schools and this
teacher did not follow protocol.June 10 at 12:16pm Like 3

RemoveDerek Witt I would be interested in what is over the top


rude.. Giving you the information is not rude, letting you know in front of
your child maybe could have found different place possibly but still not in
calling in principle not any more out of line than airing gripes on public
forum. So unless there is more to it than that speaking your thouggts to
her is acceptable but going over her head just to get her in trouble seems
to me to be petty and very insecureJune 10 at 12:18pm Like 5

RemoveLisa Reed For whatever it's worth, when my child had a


behavior issue in class, the teacher had us come into school and
specifically requested we NOT bring our child. There is parent/teacher
talk, and there is parent/child/teacher talk.June 10 at 12:18pm Like

RemoveAmanda Gram I'm curious.... Has this teacher been nasty


to you all year long?June 10 at 12:19pm Like

RemoveLisa Reed You aren't getting it. No one is opposed to


communicating with teachers about actual problems and dealing with
them in an adult manner. The point is that there is a time and place. In the
parking lot (where you aren't supposed to loiter btw), in front of the child, is
not it. Email, phone call, letter, are all very good options.June 10 at
12:19pm Like

RemoveDerek Witt Lisa takes childs voice away REALLY? If child


is issue then saying to parwnt in front of child gives child right to hear
EXACTLY what is being said not 2nd. Hand from a parent who is mad at
how message being delivered and hearing about half of the accurate
information .. I think this allows child to say to parent what they feel
happened and teue root of problem addressed and the hurt feelings taken
away by slant a parent will take.June 10 at 12:21pm Like 2

RemoveKim Helm Why do so many of you think the teacher is


correct and THE mother of this child is wrong?June 10 at 12:24pm
Edited Like

RemoveLisa Reed I would suggest taking a child development


course, gain some basic knowledge of child psychology before you
criticize that. Do you remember being a young child? Elementary aged
kids are very sensitive and they don't understand things the way adults do.
That's just common sense. The teacher was stressed, hurried,
whatever...we all are. She could have handled it better, accomplished the
same level of communication without making herself look bad. I'll be eager
to hear of what the principal and teacher have to say.June 10 at 12:26pm
Like

RemoveJerry Martin I agree Sarah Swanson. I would talk to


Principal.June 10 at 12:27pm Like

RemoveDerek Witt Lisa we will have to agree to disagree.. you


have your right to opinion I as an ex educator with three generations of ex
educators have my opinions as well.. to be honest this specific example is
tough and as I said all the way through could of been handled better by
teacher BUT I get sooo tires of hearing run to principal and super and get
her in trouble at EVERY chance they can.. it is TERRIBLE teaching as
child thinks every time I get in trouble from teacher I can just blame
teacher. We are cheating kids by putting those thoughts in their heads. If
parents can teach better then home school and do it your way and then
nobody will ever say anything to hurt your childs or your feelingsJune 10
at 12:27pm Edited Like 6

RemoveKim Helm I'm sorry but at certain schools you need to skip
the principle and go above them, they are there for the teacher not the
student and parents, the people higher up, care about publicity and will get
things done so it stays in the school and out of this kind of media.June 10
at 12:29pm Like

RemoveLisa Reed We don't know this child, you are right. We


don't know their level of development, that is also true. I think we all can
agree that there was apparently some kind of misunderstanding here.
Hopefully it gets resolved peacefully for all involved. June 10 at 12:29pm
Like 2

RemoveSarah Swanson Never met this teacher before. First time.


This post wasn't meant for a battle. The way this teacher handled this was
wrong period!!! I'm not blaming the teacher for my child's behavior at all,
I'm simply saying she should handle it like a adult and a educator. Derek
you are quick to say I coddle my child and excuse his actions or what if
any his consequence would be. You are missing the big picture cause you
have a different view on what happened and think everyone else is
ignorant and that is incorrect. Thank you for any positive input received!
GeezJune 10 at 12:31pm Like 3

RemoveLisa Reed Please post an update Sarah Swanson. Ask


them what their policy is on communicating with parents. I'd be interested
to know if there actually is an official policy on the matter.June 10 at
12:35pm Like

RemoveKim Helm Sarah Swanson, you are just a caring mother,


we try to do what is best for our kids and only we know what is best for
them, teachers are there to teach and communicate with the parent and
child in a professional manner. If this teacher has been having problems
with your child they should have contacted you or the .principle, in a better
wayJune 10 at 12:35pm Like 1

RemoveDerek Witt @Sarah- I in fact mentioned several times that


I felt it could be handled better by the teacher in this case.. I also stated I
do not feel that you expressing this to teacher is not a bad idea BUT I
have also said that I do not agree with running to principal when upset and
I feel that there is better ways to show kids (not just your situation) I see to
many times where immediately a group of parents get worked to a tizzy
and trample a teacher and nobody sticks up for the teacher because they
wont get on FB and post their side. They also dont go on FB everytime a
parent is in the wrong amd theor reputation never gets cleaned up by
apology from parent who went on a rant for every single time they feel
their child was wronged. 90% of time it is proven teacher was right to
begin with. I apologize for this being time I spoke up on your post.. I just
felt aomeone needs to stand up at some point and say teachers are
people too and shouldnt ALWAYS be bashed by pack mentality becauase
they wont tell their side.. Do they make mistakes at times ...of course... but
the good they do outweighs the mistakes about 99 to 1... sorry for
hijacking your post.. hope all works outJune 10 at 12:49pm Like 9

RemoveCindi Staub Howard So publically bad mouthing the


teacher on a public domain is a far better approach???? NiceJune 10 at
1:20pm Like 8

RemoveDerek Witt Carol Reed you must of not read where I have
said I have NOT ONE, but TWO children in the district. One is just
finishing 8th grade and one will be in Kindergarten next year. I have also
said if my child is having issues with behavior or grades then I don't care if
it is in the parking lot, grocery store, etc... I have no problems with the
teacher coming up and letting me know. You just said that sending notes
home or emailing doesn't always work. She had a chance to let the parent
know face to face and simply let the parent know (communicate) what the
issue was. I also said I am sure that there could be better ways to
address, but just as parents have timing issues dealing with 1-4 kids and
their issues, IMAGINE how tough it is to deal with 25 plus kids and their
families schedules, issues, etc...Also being from a family full of educators
for over 30 plus years and being in education for over 17 myself (before
leaving because of parents- NOT KIDS- but parents) I have devoted my
entire life studying the best practices in helping kids of all types reach their
potential not only as students, but also as human beings) To use your
example if my child spills something it IS HIS RESPONSIBILITY to clean it
up. You can ask people around me, I am constantly on both of my kids for
all the manners they need. (Please/Thank You etc for the 8th grader and
the kindergartner) and I will always back the teacher in a situation like that
if my kids need to fix the situation. So you running to the superintendent
with your problems seem like a waste of time when to be honest I would
hope you would expect your child to act like a human being and not
entitled to think others are there to serve them. The fact you got what you
wanted doesn't mean you are right it, means that once again you chose to
blame the teacher/janitor because you didn't like how it was handled
instead of teaching your child that they are RESPONSIBLE for their own
actions. It is to bad because as these generations grow up feeling that
way they will continue to struggle once they are in the real world and you
can't protect them any longer. This is not about you getting what you want
because schools would rather cater to those making the noise instead of
doing what they are intended to do and that is make a greater
student/person.. They unfortunately can't do that any longer as they are to
busy kissing butt to parents who run to the board every time little Johnny
gets in trouble for doing something they shouldn't of been doing to begin
with. I am sorry if this is straight forward and seems like it is at you, BUT
YOU made this personal when you called me out without reading the
posts above and called me out.June 10 at 1:25pm Like 9

RemoveLisa Reed Cindi Staub Howard no one named names.


Monroe SD has a lot of teachers.June 10 at 1:31pm Like 1

RemoveAmanda Gram Why don't you then!? No one is forced to


send their kids to public school. You can home school or send them to a
private school or you can even hire a teacher to teach in your home. If you
had your choice-come on!June 10 at 1:58pm Like 2

RemoveAmanda Gram Monroe is a great school dist and if you


don't like it-take your kid to another district. Pretty simple.June 10 at
1:59pm Like 2

RemoveLisa Reed Not everyone is able to home school due to


employment reasons. Many of us have no choice but to entrust the
teachers in public schools to do the best for our kids. Not all of them are
saints...there are some that should no longer be teaching at worst, and
need re-training at best. Perhaps it is due to the current climate that the
administration is creating for our teachers, I don't know.June 10 at 2:01pm
Like

RemoveLisa Reed I have a child in another school district in King


County and compared to that district, Monroe is just not good. People in
Monroe who've never experienced anything else probably don't have a
real perspective on how bad it really is.June 10 at 2:03pm Like 1

RemoveAmanda Gram No one is forced to send their kids to public


school.
I have two different kids in two different districts. Both have their
ups and downs but at the end of the day Monroe is a great place to
educate our kiddos.June 10 at 2:04pm Like 3

RemoveLisa Reed We will have to disagree on that one. People


are forced by law to have their children educated, and if they are not able
to home school, and don't have the money to do private, then yes, they
are basically forced to send to public school. Attending another district isn't
always easy or do-able either, as I'm sure you can understand.June 10 at
2:05pm Like 2

RemoveMegan Hofmann Gieger So many people like to blame


the teachers and the district. I am getting so tired of hearing people
complain about our district. Then find another one! I went to a "not so
good" elementary school growing up. But I went on to college, graduated
with a degree and have been very successful. It's not about the school! It's
about the parents. You cannot blame the teacher or the district for
children's behavior and success/failure. Parents have to take back the role
of primary provider/educator/disciplinary and quit leaving it for others.June
10 at 2:10pm Like 9

RemoveLisa Reed It takes a village.....June 10 at 2:13pm Like

RemoveJason Petty This post started out with a reasonable


question asking for recommendations on how to handle her situation. I
believe Sarah got many responses with suggestions on how others would
handle it. I don't see any reason this discussion needs to continue down
the path that it's found. Education and discipline are the responsibility of
both families and teachers. We are all passionate about both subjects,
obviously. Parents and teachers need to work together to build students
into successful and respectful adults. If there are disagreements between
the two, then it should be worked out between the two. Sometimes along
with the help of Administrative Leadership including Principals or above.
At the end of the day, we all must work together. It never works the other
way.June 10 at 2:31pm Like 13

RemoveAmanda Palmer Hauer www.k12/wavaJune 10 at 2:42pm


Like 1

RemoveMavanee Foulger Depending on the school!!!! I would go


to the principal. .if no action has happened I would file a complaint with
MONROE SCHOOL DISTRICT.GOOD LUCK,cuz Monroe school district
will first support the teacher,then they will pretend to show support to the
parents. Depending on circumstances.June 10 at 3:47pm Like

RemoveMavanee Foulger FYI?? Yes the parents need to take


responsibility for their child,BUT!!!!Your wrong bout that's it's not about the
SCHOOL. ...I've seen way to much having had kids of different ages go
through the school system,and schools are to blame also,by the way they
handle situations with kids,for many reasons!!! WAKE up peopleJune 10
at 3:54pm Like 1

RemoveTate Kyle 1/2 the storyJune 10 at 5:59pm Like 4

RemoveCeleste Thompson Straight to the top


The superintendent :
hooverk@monroe.wednet.edu or by calling his office @
360.804.2501June 10 at 6:12pm Like

RemoveTeresa St Arnauld Ok guys, remember this group is for


constructive criticism, not negative. She got the answer she was looking
for. There is no need to bash the school, the teachers, the parents or the
district. It doesn't solve anything. Please stop the bashing otherwise I will
be forced to remove the posts.
Thank you.June 10 at 6:31pm Like 10

RemoveMavanee Foulger Remember these are only opinions!!!!!!


do what is best for you, and your child.FREEDOM OF THE RIGHT TO
SPEAK.:))June 10 at 7:28pm Like

RemoveLisa Reed Many of us have had very real negative


experiences with teachers. What one may see as bashing may be reality
to someone else. There are teachers in this district that show obvious
signs of burn out...maybe through no fault of their own, but it does show.
Not bashing, just pointing out what some of us parents observe and
experience. Teachers make mistakes...parents are within their rights to be
upset and take it straight to the principal if they want. Or do nothing if they
don't. Differing opinions should not be a reason for censorship. I have not
seen anyone mention a specific teacher or school, so I think removing
posts would be a bit unfair.June 10 at 7:48pm Like 1

RemoveLisa Reed and in regards to my comments about the


Monroe school district, the numbers don't lie. Monroe schools are lagging
far behind other schools in the area. Anyone that wants to can look up the
numbers and verify for themselves. Again, not bashing. Stating a fact.June
10 at 7:51pm Like 1

RemoveAmanda Palmer Hauer Online public school, through the


state. Enrolled my child for next year--the student works directly with a
teacher, but is guided by the parents and works at their pace. It's like
home school, but still ensuring the child meets state requirements if they
enter the brick and mortar public school system again for whatever
reason.
My daughter has spent two months in a Monroe school and I am
not impressed. Although I am fortunate enough to work from home and
have the flexibility to have her do her schooling at home, and I realize
many do not have this option. Bottom line is: if you don't like the way
things are done, look into other options.June 10 at 8:03pm Like 2

RemoveTanya Schneider Adamson I have never been unhappy


with my children's experiences but I have had the luxury of being very
hands on in the classrooms and volunteering up at the school so I have
always been dialed in and have always had a very open line of
communication. I know that it is a luxury that a lot do not have Really sorry
to hear when anyone is frustrated and has tried to make things better to
no avail. I hope better days for you all who are struggling with challenges.
June 10 at 8:43pm Like 8

RemoveEriks Skujins Why so snarkey people?June 10 at 9:22pm


Like 2

RemoveRyan Klemmer Amanda, it's not fair comparing apples and


bricks.June 10 at 9:38pm Edited Like

RemoveTwila Epler Sarah Swanson The school our children


attend is a great school, and I do understand how you are likely feeling
regarding how you were approached. But I would like you to think back to
a 'partially unrelated' comment I have made in the past about my old
employment position: If others were upset with me and went over me to
complain then that person would be the one who would set a problem into
a larger problem in motion and the person who would immediately be
given the complaint and the task of resolving it would be ME, the one they
were trying to avoid confronting. During any type of situation, if I was
found to be in the wrong - or the right - or if it was a grey difficult area I
have voiced many times that I would have had an easier time resolving
the concern in the same way without people involving the extra
paperwork, higher stress, and verbal banter. In the end it didn't change the
outcome, but when people just came to me they had a tendency to
(typically) feel better about it. I agree with Derek Witt, who I think you have
misread - please take a minute and make sure you are not reacting to
emotions in this case. Go and speak with the teacher - with or without your
son. At least try to start there, I know that I always felt better doing it that
way. Also if you do need to go to anyone above the teacher and they ask
you 'Did you try to resolve this with the teacher' you can proudly say Yes,
and not feel like you are being run in circles when they are possibly just
following the protocol. Also; now that it's been a little bit, maybe ask your
son how he is feeling about what happened. I asked my sons how they
would feel if this happened to them and they both told me that they would
be upset, but it would be the right thing for the teacher to do, because they
should behave or be able to know for sure if mom / dad / and teacher
agree it's wrong.June 10 at 10:16pm Like 9

RemoveJeff Brown It's the last week of school and you're meeting
your kid's teacher for the first time?June 10 at 10:42pm Edited Like 3

RemoveJeff Brown "Sarah Swanson Never met this teacher


before. First time."

Pretty clear. Mid year replacement or not primary teacher maybe?


June 10 at 10:48pm Like

RemoveLisa Reed Possibly. There have been a few changes at


the schools. I've only had a sit-down in person meeting with my child's
teacher twice this year, and it would be zero times if I hadn't raised hell
about it.June 10 at 10:51pm Like

RemoveJeff Brown Hmm, I've met with my kids' teachers dozens


of times. I would just approach the teacher first, we've had a few
misunderstandings that were easily solved by discussing.June 10 at
10:53pm Like 3

RemoveLisa Reed You are very lucky. Not all of us have had that
experience, and it certainly hasn't been from lack of trying. In the past
month I've sent two emails a week to my child's teacher. Not a single
response. Not one. Parents have been instructed to email first unless it is
urgent. I'm just checking in to see how my kid is doing and I get ignored.
Do I do nothing, or go to the principal? I really do envy the parents who
are able to be involved at the school and/or who've been blessed with a
teacher who is a great and willing communicator. Not all of them are. It is
quite sad. Who really wants to go to someone's boss to tattle on them? I
bet no one does. Sometimes it's the only option though.June 10 at
10:57pm Edited Like 1

RemoveLisa Reed I'd really love to pick people's brains here


(maybe in another post) on how they get teachers to actually respond.
June 10 at 10:59pm Like

RemovePaige Sprague Sarah Swanson Go with your gut.June 10


at 11:40pm Like 1

RemoveTanya Schneider Adamson I have had my kids in Park


Place, Monroe High, Chain Lake, Fryelands, and Frank Wagner. (I have
three and they are quite far apart in age) I have never had a teacher
problem, save one, and it was not a big deal. I guess I have been very
fortunate. Being able to volunteer and be a presence is absolutely a
benefit I have always been grateful for. I always attend any and every
conference and establish a communication early on. I also have never had
a teacher not respond to emails and phone calls. I can believe it happens.
I am just stymied and sad that my experience is so vastly different. My
kids have been in standard class, Excel, and honors and in all the cases I
really felt I had a partnership with the teachers. Wish it was like that for
everyone.June 10 at 11:55pm Like 5

RemoveSarah Swanson It is not his primary teacher. I've attended


every conference, school concert, back to school thing, we participate in
fundraisers. We have a very open line of communication with his teacher,
just never met this particular one.Yesterday at 7:21am Like 2

RemoveTwila Epler If this person isnt his normal or regular


teacher: Do you know the teacher's name? Does your son? Maybe the
best first step would be to go and calmly bring your concern to one of the
receptionists in the office and see what they think should be done. But the
fact that this teacher 'ran' to you at your car does make a little more sense
if she is jist like a recess aid or classroom helper for him. If she's been
upset all year and hasn't had the ability to contact you, maybe had an
extra hard day that day, i could see that someone might make the mistake
of letting the pressure go way too fast in a bad spot with the first sudden
chance. It was NOT handled well, but for all you know the teacher has
wanted to talk to you for a long time and wasn't able.Yesterday at 7:49am
Like 1

RemoveJim Scott First step in any issue is to talk with the


principle. If satisfaction is not achieved move up the chain of command
until it is. Though I have no way of knowing, I suspect there may be more
to this story than what we are seeing. It is the end of the year and I find it
hard to imagine a teacher waiting this long to have a conversation or other
contact with the parent of a child that may be disruptive in class or on the
playground. That would indicate having put up with the disruptions all year
long with no attempt to fix it. Waiting is not in a teacher's job description.
Self preservation and personal sanity dictate they take action in a timely
fashion. They are almost always proactive in dealing with any level of
classroom disruption in my experience.18 hours ago Like 6

RemoveDottie Durant Simoni This entire thread is extremely


disturbing. As a teacher in the MSD (32 years), I cannot help but feel that
many of these posts are direct attacks on teachers and the Monroe School
District. Please, let's keep our posts positive. I appreciate parents who
contact me with concerns before approaching the principal, but if that is
not possible, definitely call the principal. Ninety-nine percent of the time,
the situation can be resolved when the teacher, parent, and student meet.
Teachers are human and make mistakes ( many times I have wished I
handled a situation differently), and it is an extremely stressful time of
year. Please contact the teacher and express your concerns.12 hours ago
Like 14

RemoveLisa Reed Not everyone is going to agree, and obviously


not all of us are happy with the Monroe School District or all of the
teachers. There ARE great teachers, no doubt about that. There are also
some that don't do as great of a job and aren't easy to communicate with.
Some leave parents no choice but to go over their head. I also have to say
that even if my opinion is not popular, it is mine, and I am entitled to share
it. I disagree with the other opinions, but I'm not asking anyone to stop
posting it. I won't be posting specific names, obviously, but I will ask for
advice if needed...not everyone will be a cheerleader for the teachers all of
the time. P.S. can anyone explain why it is a problem to go to the principal
first? Do teachers get docked/penalized in some way?11 hrs Like 2

RemoveLisa Reed P.P.S. I had the Simoni's for teachers in school


and they were awesome. Teachers like them are not who I'm unhappy
with. I wish my children's teachers were as great.11 hrs Like

RemoveDottie Durant Simoni Thanks, Lisa Reed. I want to hear


other opinions, and I realize that there are teachers who need assistance.
There is no penalty for us when the principal is contacted first but,
eventually, we end up talking to the parent and I just appreciate being
given the opportunity to resolve the situation before a third party needs to
get involved. However, there are times when the principal need to be
contacted.11 hrs Edited Like

RemoveLisa Reed I hope my son has you as a teacher. He sure


could use it! Looking forward to PPMS next year.11 hrs Like 1

RemoveLisa Reed Is Mr. Mork still around?11 hrs Like

RemoveDottie Durant Simoni Lisa, you must have had a different


last name when you were in middle school...or I am just getting way too
old!!! Mr. Mork is a superintendent / principal for a small school in
Crescent, WA. I miss him! I still teach 8th grade, but I will look for your son
next year!11 hrs Like 1

RemoveTwila Epler Whether the teachers get docked or penalized


is only part of the concern. In case they do get docked in some way for
concerns they were not given a chance to resolve themselves we, as
parents, should not be causing the extra strikes againt them on their
record. In event they don't get docked we should still give them the
courtesy whenever possible to resolve our concerns with us. This is a big
part of what they teach and what they do each day with our children, why
cant we give them the faith that they can apply what they teach when it
comes to ourselves. On the side of the principal they have a very full day
each day. We should also respect the principal and not cause an over
abundance of work or distract them from other important tasks that are
geared toward our children by bringing them concerns that could be
resolved with the teacher. Of course, the principal is always happy to help,
but a third concern is children learn from what they live, and if they always
see us run and tattle they may not put effort into their own conflicts. This is
why i say try to fix this with the teacher.11 hrs Like 1

RemoveLisa Reed I wonder if he still has Garfield I moved from


Monroe right after 6th grade.11 hrs Like 1

RemoveSarah Swanson Tattle? This teacher was completely out


of line and talked and approached me in a inappropriate way. Not to
mention never, not once had the curiosity to contact me through out the
year or treat me with respect BUT you think she deserves the chance for
me to go to her, for her to do what exactly???? The principle needs to
know so maybe she can fix the way she handles things with parents. That
is all. I don't want to get her fired, punished etc.11 hrs Like 1

RemoveLindsey Ellen Schwartz My uncle( Mr Mork) works for


crescent school district near port Angeles:) Lisa He's on fb...You can ask
about Garfield!11 hrs Like

RemoveLisa Reed That is great! Made my day! Glad to hear he is


doing well.11 hrs Like

RemoveLindsey Ellen Schwartz Yes he's good, saw him two


weeks ago!11 hrs Like

RemoveTwila Epler Sorry sarah, 'tattle' was a word i chose


because i was trying to explain what they might view it as. I didn't chose
the word tattle thinking it might cause more upset here. You seem pretty
determined that you know what you want to do. Go and do what you want
to do... I hope it goes well for you.11 hrs Like

RemoveErin Wahoo G I imagine the teacher has seen this, as well


as other teachers at your school. After the nastiness posted through this
thread I wouldn't anticipate any of your child's future teachers rushing to
communicate with you about your child either.11 hrs Like 5

RemovePaige Sprague Mr. Mork was one of my favorite teachers


too! 11 hrs Like 1

RemoveLisa Reed Erin Wahoo G because that's the professional


thing for them to do? Ignore a parent who made a general statement
about teachers in this district? Proves my point right there if that's what
you really mean.11 hrs Like 2

RemoveErin Wahoo G I mean what I said, feel free to interpret as


you wish.11 hrs Edited Like 1

RemoveLisa Reed That is unfortunate. Just because someone


does not have an opinion that is equal to yours, does not make how they
feel (based on actual experiences) "nastiness". It is just a different opinion.
I'm not calling anyone else's differing opinion "nastiness". I think it's fair to
say there are many differing opinions here. We've all experienced different
things apparently. Some of us have apparently not been so lucky in the
teacher/communication department. I'm not going to sit back and say
Monroe is great, all the teachers are great and give them a pass for their
bad behaviors either.11 hrs Like

RemoveCindi Staub Howard Seriously, after 24 hrs of


harking.........take a page from Disney and "Let it Go"!11 hrs Like 2

RemoveJason Petty All, this post has served its purpose and has
taken yet another turn downhill. I'll post again what I said yesterday. Let's
be done with this

This post started out with a reasonable question asking for


recommendations on how to handle her situation. I believe Sarah got
many responses with suggestions on how others would handle it. I don't
see any reason this discussion needs to continue down the path that it's
found. Education and discipline are the responsibility of both families and
teachers. We are all passionate about both subjects, obviously. Parents
and teachers need to work together to build students into successful and
respectful adults. If there are disagreements between the two, then it
should be worked out between the two. Sometimes along with the help of
Administrative Leadership including Principals or above. At the end of the
day, we all must work together. It never works the other way.10 hrs Like
6

RemoveJeannie Button This is all very ridiculous, a parent has the


choice of how they would like to handle a situation. The problem here is
very simple, the parent that brought this up was not malice, derogatory,
slandering, or anything else that anyone wants to spin this as. This parent
has said that her child will be disciplined at home and was wrong for miss
behaving. Now the next issue is the teacher decided not to notify the
parent ALL year until the last weeks of school and then take it upon
themselves to discuss a situation in front of their child in a very
disrespectful manner. It is not the teachers decision on whether or not the
child should be present for such a conversation, that is the parents. It also
is NOT acceptable for a teacher to not communicate an issue that's going
on. As far as I am concerned that is failing the child and all classmates
because they are no longer getting as much out of the class because of
the distractions that the parent is not able to correct because they don't
know about it. The teachers are not paid to babysit but they are paid to
teach and when issues like this are happening and are not getting
corrected at home then they are no longer giving the service they are paid
for. Simple, a quick email could be sent or a phone call or even a note
sent home in a sealed envelope. If it was my child I would be extremely
angry that my child was acting this way and they would be punished at
home, next I would be angry that my child was allowed and enabled to act
this way for so long at school without giving the parent the opportunity to
get it fixed. Next I would be even more angry for having a teacher speak to
me in that manner and in front of my child. These are teachers they are
teaching our children how to act and acting this way towards the child's
parent in front of them is not teaching them to be respectful. If a teacher
wants to be respected they need to model the behavior the children
should take on. I appreciate teachers and what they go through, they do
an awful lot but they also should have rules as anyone else with a job they
get paid for.10 hrs Like

RemoveJeannie Button And for the tattling, that comment is


extremely juvenile. It's called caring about her child's education. At least
she cares enough to take care of it at home and try to fix it at school, a lot
of parents these days are to lazy or don't care enough to follow up with
issues at school. She is being thrown under the bus for being very careful
not to throw the person under the bus but to ask for parent advice and
many of you have chose to turn this around. Isn't this site supposed to be
for parents support? She is a concerned parent trying yo fix an issue.10
hrs Like

RemoveTeresa St Arnauld Ok guys, this post and the many


comments are now getting to the name calling and negative sentiments
that we do not allow. Sarah has received many different ideas on how to
resolve this. This post is now doing more harm than good and I will be
taking it down.

You can have all the opinions you want, but you must take the time
to make those opinions constructive. You don't like something? That's
fine, but what would you want to see in place of that?

This is not a forum to just complain, insult, bash or rant about the
schools.
We are here for the children. We are here to give ideas to each
other, to share stories and to answer questions. I created this group
because I was tired of seeing only hate for the school district. I want
people to feel like they can ask anything, big or small, smart or silly a
question with no fear that they will get bashed on, same goes for the
district. There is another group for that if you don't want to try and solve
the many problems that are plaguing the schools, parents, children and
district.9 hrs Like 4

RemoveDebra Kolrud My suggestion and experience is to always


talk with the teacher first. An open dialog between guardian and teacher is
essential for student success. Set up and an appointment and meet face
to face if possible. Discuss the student behavior and discuss the concern
with the teachers chosen communication approach. It's always best to talk
and try to work together to find those solutions. If that meeting is
unsuccessful, meaning no mutual agreement was achieved, then use the
proper chain of command and talk with the building Principal, as they are
the ones that evaluate our teachers. Maybe other parents have also
shared similar experience and communication methods need improved.
Usually a plain old fashion respectful discussion can bring parent and
teacher together to address any concern and work on issues together.
Unable to post comment. Try AgainRemove

Debra Kolrud via Debra Kolrud Monroe School Director 2007-


2011
June 10 at 8:39am
The Tribune reports on Monroe School District teachers fear of being
bullied. Former staff have also come forward to speak up on the
alleged district bullying of teachers. "Former Monroe teacher Shane
Fortune said he was deeply affected by anxiety from bullying during
his time at the district. He said he knew of another Monroe teacher
who had a similar experience."
Recently, (Bruton) told the school directors that many of the teachers
in the Monroe School District are living in fear and feel that they are
being bullied, but that they are afraid to speak up for fear of
retaliation, Fortune said. I urge the school directors to look into
these allegations. I was a victim of bullying when I taught here in the
school district. Mental torture leaves emotional scars on its victims
long after the bullying stops.
Monroe teachers claim district bullied them | The
Snohomish County Tribune
Monroe teachers claim district bullied themDisagreement over math curriculum
leads to redoing selection processMelanie Russell photo Teachers united at last...
SNOHO.COM
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Geno Cuevas likes this.

RemoveKim Helm Why do they all look so confused?June 10 at


12:30pm Like 1

RemoveDottie Durant Simoni They are reading a presentation.


June 10 at 7:29pm Like

RemoveJeff Brown "Im very happy with the boards decision


tonight, Woolley said. I think they really did a good job of listening to the
teachers input. "June 10 at 10:46pm Like 1

RemoveDebra Kolrud I'm also please with President Woods, and


Directors Jason Hutchinson and Darcy Liming Cheesman voting against
the math curriculum, however I remain deeply disappointed the board has
yet to have an open discussion on the "contentious relationship" described
by the teacher union President. When I served on the school board (2007-
2011), I shared concern of this on-going torn relationship in my 2010/11
evaluation of the Superintendent which included the following: "I still have
grave concerns with the Superintendent lack of interaction with our staff, in
particular is building a relationship with our teaching staff....there
continues to be torn down bridges that need to be built to establish a
working relationship with this valuable employee group."19 hours ago
Like

RemoveJeff Brown Yeah, well what else is new?19 hours ago


Like

RemoveDebra Kolrud It's important that our teachers concern are


addressed. The MEA President has described their relationship with the
district as a "contentious relationship", one that hasnt been good for a
couple of years, and that this is the worse its ever been. Th...See More
Monroe School District teacher's union President, says
teachers feel bullied, and threatened Part One - Monroe School District
teacher union President Shaerie Bruton, tells ... See More17 hours ago
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RemoveJeff Brown I love how you've defined it as 'failed


relationship with our teachers'. Truth is, it could be a total failure, a few
unhappy teachers, or a union tactic. Hopefully we'll find out more from the
teachers.13 hours ago Like

RemoveLindsey Ellen Schwartz Annette Gaeth-Woolley love your


face here!11 hrs Like

RemoveDebra Kolrud I used the descriptors "torn relationship" and


also "failed relationship" where as the exactly description of the district
and teacher relationship that was stated by the union President in her
address to the board was "contentious relationship". It would be wrong to
suggest this is just "a union tactic", or just "a few unhappy teachers". Such
suggestions would be comparable to saying if the ASB president, or a
sports team captain, or a club president said their members felt bullied,
intimidated or harassed, and suggesting it's a few students, or suggest it's
a tactic, or better yet, have it described as "little bit of posturing going on
there" as described by Superintendent Hoover. Doesn't matter if it's one in
three students with the concern, or one in three of our teachers, the board
has a responsibility to ensure our schools are free of bullying, harassment
and intimidation. Dismissing even one concern from one teacher would be
sending the wrong message.10 hrs Like

RemoveJeff Brown It's one in three teachers? I also didn't see


anyone dismissing concerns.10 hrs Like

RemoveDebra Kolrud Suggesting it could be "a few unhappy


teachers, or a union tactic" can appear to be a reason to dismiss the
concern. The same suggestion could be offered when a student makes a
claim of harassment. Again, that would be wrong to dismiss the concern
because of such suggestions.10 hrs Like

RemoveJeff Brown Or it could not be. I am concerned, having


three kids in the schools myself, but prefer as always not to rush to
judgment based on could be's and sound bites.3 hrs Like

RemoveDebra Kolrud The teacher union President stands up for


teachers at a public meeting, reporting to the school board that teachers
feel bullied, intimidated and threaten, afraid to speak up for fear of
intimidation, fearful they will be retaliated on, and Mr. Brown refers to as
"sound bites", "union tactic", "a few unhappy teachers"! All I can say is
how very sad, and what double standard. Could you imagine if a teacher
used such analogy when bulling concerns are shared with them?2 hrs
Like

RemoveJeff Brown No, I referred to your selective quotes as


sound bites and your passive aggressive weasel words like 'might be'
'could be' as speculation, then I said I would reseeve judgement since I
don't know all the facts. And I can imagine quite a lot, but again I prefer
not to speculate.1 hr Like

RemoveJeff Brown As someone who is friends with a lot of the


teachers in Monroe and has three school age children, I think it would be
fair to say that between us, I'm the one with a dog in this hunt, so to
speak.

Also, as someone who grew up a victim of bullying, I am very


aware of it, and resent your insinuation that I somehow condone it.

It's a shame that some teachers feel bullied. We need to figure out
why that is, the extent of the problem, and address it. That will get done in
meetings, not on Facebook or in the local papers.1 hr Like

RemoveDebra Kolrud Actually it was your words Mr Jeff Brown not


my words that suggested it could be "a union tactic", but we do agree we
need this addressed. Do you happen to know when this discussion will get
underway, as there has already been two board meetings since the May
12th school board meeting when the Union President reported the
"contentious relationship" and that teachers feel bullied?32 mins Like

RemoveJeff Brown I'm done with you22 mins Like

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