School System Sending Mixed Messages, a Parent Says
I have to wonder whether our school system understands the mixed messages it keeps sending out. I find it ironic that we parents are told that our children need their sleep, then they have to get up at 6 to catch the bus; or that our children are overweight and need to be outside playing and getting exercise, but they are given homework and projects every night.</br></br>We are told that knowing whom our children are hanging out with is important, but because of some idiotic home project, we have to send them to a house we know nothing about. We are told that having a home-cooked meal at the table as a family is important, but we are forced to run to Staples to buy more poster board and spend all night working with the children on a project that is way over their heads.</br></br>We are told their backpacks are too heavy, and then the teachers load them down with books. A little help from the school system would be nice, such as moving back the start of school, agreeing that home projects are a complete waste of time, that a child getting play time really is important. Don't they understand I am trying to raise a person, not Standards of Learning scores?</br></br>You have laced several issues together in a compelling way. I would love to hear what other parents, as well as students and educators, think of this.</br></br>Do you have any idea whether there is state law or Fairfax County public schools policy regarding how long students are allowed to be on the bus during their commutes to and from school?