Just pulled my kids from public schools yesterday.. (Dakota: homes, rent)

[toniaL]

I have been considering homeschooling for my two kids, 6th and 3rd graders. I wanted to wait until the beginning of the next school year, but my 6th grader is failing a couple of classes and has always struggled in a classroom setting. He requires constant redirection and organization help. He has been "diagnosed" as ADD. I found that one-on-one is what he needs along with hands-on learning. Yesterday my son came home from school and I learned that over the last weeks, he has been singled out and teased/bullied. That was it for me and decided last night he was done at the public school. We talked it thru last night, and my 3rd grader expressed a great desire to begin homeschooling now as well. Soooo I called the schools and school district and informed them that the kids would not be returning and would be homeschooled.

Now what?? Can I let them be done for the school year, and just do reading and light learning? I could be better prepared this fall to get started. Do I need to send forms to district NOW or wait until October to send in? I need direction and I'm scared to death that the police will show up at my door!! Am I breaking the law?

[golfgal]

You need to contact your district and find out what their policy and requirements for homeschooling are. Each district will differ.

[ozzie679]

Originally Posted by [LEFT

toniaL[/left];3637962]I have been considering homeschooling for my two kids, 6th and 3rd graders. I wanted to wait until the beginning of the next school year, but my 6th grader is failing a couple of classes and has always struggled in a classroom setting. He requires constant redirection and organization help. He has been "diagnosed" as ADD. I found that one-on-one is what he needs along with hands-on learning. Yesterday my son came home from school and I learned that over the last weeks, he has been singled out and teased/bullied. That was it for me and decided last night he was done at the public school. We talked it hru last night, and my 3rd grader expressed a great desire to begin homeschooling now as well. I called the schools and school district and informed them that the kids would not be returning and would be home schooled.

Now what?? Can I let them be done for the school year, and just do reading and light learning? I could be better prepared this fall to get started. Do I need to send forms to district NOW or wait until October to send in? I need direction and I'm scared to death that the police will show up at my door!! Am I breaking the law?

Why would you even consider pulling them out of school without a concrete plan. I'm sorry that your kid is being teased at school. I was to, but it was the complete opposite in Junior and Senior High. When I was in school I was "hyper active" and dyslexic. But I wasn't treated with drugs. I was treated with discipline! I despise diseases that are made up by the drug companies. ADD is just another excuse for failure and a reason to administer drugs. The whole thing is completely offensive.

I hope you know what you are doing. Remember that kids can be devious in finding ways to get out of the classroom. Does he think that homeschooling is PS3 and pizza? What if he loses interest and you turn into the enemy? What about your third grader? Is there a specific reason that he would be schooled in the home? I'm just saying that the idea of staying home from school may sound cool to a third grader. They may not think that it's work. GOOD LUCK!

[MNNative]

I agree with Golfgal, you need to check with your district and see exactly what is required of you. Homeschooling is a HUGE decision and frankly, teased or not, pulling your kids out with only 1 month left of school and with no plan whatsoever is probably not the best decision. I don't mean to make you feel horrible on top of your already panicked state...but I just can't wrap my mind around how you say you've been thinking about homeschooling for a while and yet you don't have any information. Maybe it's just me but if I'm thinking about something as big as this, I look into EVERYTHING. From my understanding, if your children don't get a pass this year, they will need to repeat the 3rd and 6th grades over again next year. Such a rash decision could have cost them an entire year!

I have to agree with Ozzie...the temptation of "not having to go to school" can be enticing for a 3rd grader (heck, any grader!).

Go ahead and find out everything that you can about what your district requires and get your kids squared away for this year, at least. Then do some massive preparing for next school year, sit your kids down and really establish some hard-core home-school rules so they can take Mom=Teacher. I'd recommend getting in touch with local home school groups and taking tips from parents who are homeschooling as well. I know there are resources available that can help you when it comes time for socializing with other homeschool kids, etc.

Good luck!

[laysayfair]

Originally Posted by ozzie679

Why would you even consider pulling them out of school without a concrete plan. I'm sorry that your kid is being teased at school. I was to, but it was the complete opposite in Junior and Senior High. When I was in school I was "hyper active" and dyslexic. But I wasn't treated with drugs. I was treated with discipline! I despise diseases that are made up by the drug companies. ADD is just another excuse for failure and a reason to administer drugs. The whole thing is completely offensive.

I hope you know what you are doing. Remember that kids can be devious in finding ways to get out of the classroom. Does he think that homeschooling is PS3 and pizza? What if he loses interest and you turn into the enemy? What about your third grader? Is there a specific reason that he would be schooled in the home? I'm just saying that the idea of staying home from school may sound cool to a third grader. They may not think that it's work. GOOD LUCK!

I did the same thing in California. I had just had enough with my kid struggling in 7th grade so I just went to the office and said "Were out!" Took him home and homeschooled thru 7th and 8th grade. My feeling is that you should get started right away with schooling so your kids don't get into any lazy habits. Sometimes I would make my son do so much work he'd start to long for regular school! I didn't have to tell anyone anything at that time. There were few to none homeschool rules. There are so many homeschool groups. You won't have any trouble getting advice and working up a curriculum for your kids. But get started right away!

[kim825]

I am deeply offended by some of the previous posters.

First off!!! Original Poster, do not regret your decision to pull your kids out of public school. If anyone knows the first thing about what goes on in schools these days (i.e. no child left behind) they'd realize that one month of missed learning in the public schools could probably be "caught up" in about 3 days.....I'm not kidding. The system is so repetive and slow paced.
I have very bright kids (not bragging, just reality) they can't stand the way the schools assume everyone learns in the same way, same rate, etc. It's horrible really, but probably the best we can do with public funding.

Additionally, for many years I also believed that ADHD was "made up" I have a son who we tried for many years to do everything for to fix these behaviors. We've had more evaluations than you can imagine. Everyone came up with the same result. Gifted/adhd. NO IT IS NOT A DISIPLINE ISSUE. TRUST ME ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!! We've tried it all and are anything but lax with our kids. In fact, he "behaves" well in school and home. He just truly cannot focus and hold things in his working memory like other kids. We hated trying meds and I've cried about it countless times. BUT, the reality is he's a different kid with the meds, the handwriting is so improved, the focus is their, socially he is reaching out to kids, his self esteem is higher and he is excelling as he should be. IT IS NOT MADE UP. And for those of you who do not deal with this in your everyday lives, you can't understand how it hurts to have others think it's your parenting.

The problem is that in many cases ADHD is overdiagnosed, and then opinions like those of the previous posters creep up. There are many cases that are not truly ADHD but I have come to the realization that if the behaviors create an learning impairment it is real.

The Original poster did nothing wrong. In fact, it shows you how important her kids are to her and how well she knows their learning styles. This will probably make a great homeschooling situation.

Folks, please don't be fooled that the public school knows best. PARENTS know best because we KNOW OUR kids best!

By the way, to the orginal poster, checkout Minnesota Virtual Academy or Connections Academy for any easy "homeschooling" option. Don't worry about your kids this year. Let them decompress. The way the cirriculum spirals in school they'll pick up anything they missed during the review months next fall if you decide to send them back.

good luck

[kim825]

one other note, I do agree that keeping them on a reading routine and writing, even if it's just letters to relatives are good habits until you get something formal going. I don't mean to imply they should just hang out till next fall but I don't think you need to "worry" about doing everything right now in terms of formal homeschooling.

[laysayfair]

Originally Posted by kim825

I am deeply offended by some of the previous posters.

First off!!! Original Poster, do not regret your decision to pull your kids out of public school. If anyone knows the first thing about what goes on in schools these days (i.e. no child left behind) they'd realize that one month of missed learning in the public schools could probably be "caught up" in about 3 days.....I'm not kidding. The system is so repetive and slow paced.
I have very bright kids (not bragging, just reality) they can't stand the way the schools assume everyone learns in the same way, same rate, etc. It's horrible really, but probably the best we can do with public funding.

Additionally, for many years I also believed that ADHD was "made up" I have a son who we tried for many years to do everything for to fix these behaviors. We've had more evaluations than you can imagine. Everyone came up with the same result. Gifted/adhd. NO IT IS NOT A DISIPLINE ISSUE. TRUST ME ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!! We've tried it all and are anything but lax with our kids. In fact, he "behaves" well in school and home. He just truly cannot focus and hold things in his working memory like other kids. We hated trying meds and I've cried about it countless times. BUT, the reality is he's a different kid with the meds, the handwriting is so improved, the focus is their, socially he is reaching out to kids, his self esteem is higher and he is excelling as he should be. IT IS NOT MADE UP. And for those of you who do not deal with this in your everyday lives, you can't understand how it hurts to have others think it's your parenting.

The problem is that in many cases ADHD is overdiagnosed, and then opinions like those of the previous posters creep up. There are many cases that are not truly ADHD but I have come to the realization that if the behaviors create an learning impairment it is real.

The Original poster did nothing wrong. In fact, it shows you how important her kids are to her and how well she knows their learning styles. This will probably make a great homeschooling situation.

Folks, please don't be fooled that the public school knows best. PARENTS know best because we KNOW OUR kids best!

By the way, to the orginal poster, checkout Minnesota Virtual Academy or Connections Academy for any easy "homeschooling" option. Don't worry about your kids this year. Let them decompress. The way the cirriculum spirals in school they'll pick up anything they missed during the review months next fall if you decide to send them back.

good luck

Bravo! Well-said! Score another point for the "Public School Rebels!"

[MNNative]

Originally Posted by kim825

I am deeply offended by some of the previous posters.

First off!!! Original Poster, do not regret your decision to pull your kids out of public school. If anyone knows the first thing about what goes on in schools these days (i.e. no child left behind) they'd realize that one month of missed learning in the public schools could probably be "caught up" in about 3 days.....I'm not kidding. The system is so repetive and slow paced.
I have very bright kids (not bragging, just reality) they can't stand the way the schools assume everyone learns in the same way, same rate, etc. It's horrible really, but probably the best we can do with public funding.

Additionally, for many years I also believed that ADHD was "made up" I have a son who we tried for many years to do everything for to fix these behaviors. We've had more evaluations than you can imagine. Everyone came up with the same result. Gifted/adhd. NO IT IS NOT A DISIPLINE ISSUE. TRUST ME ON THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!! We've tried it all and are anything but lax with our kids. In fact, he "behaves" well in school and home. He just truly cannot focus and hold things in his working memory like other kids. We hated trying meds and I've cried about it countless times. BUT, the reality is he's a different kid with the meds, the handwriting is so improved, the focus is their, socially he is reaching out to kids, his self esteem is higher and he is excelling as he should be. IT IS NOT MADE UP. And for those of you who do not deal with this in your everyday lives, you can't understand how it hurts to have others think it's your parenting.

The problem is that in many cases ADHD is overdiagnosed, and then opinions like those of the previous posters creep up. There are many cases that are not truly ADHD but I have come to the realization that if the behaviors create an learning impairment it is real.

The Original poster did nothing wrong. In fact, it shows you how important her kids are to her and how well she knows their learning styles. This will probably make a great homeschooling situation.

Folks, please don't be fooled that the public school knows best. PARENTS know best because we KNOW OUR kids best!

By the way, to the orginal poster, checkout Minnesota Virtual Academy or Connections Academy for any easy "homeschooling" option. Don't worry about your kids this year. Let them decompress. The way the cirriculum spirals in school they'll pick up anything they missed during the review months next fall if you decide to send them back.

good luck

I assume that this is directed in part towards me...and I feel like I need to reiterate that I didn't mention she did the wrong thing...just that with only a month left and no plan...it wasn't the move I'd make. Switch them to another school or even to another district that is more capable of addressing the child's needs (<-- ADD) for one month versus pulling out and then being so worried. That's all.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with homeschooling and though I don't paint public school to be the most perfect educational system known to man and equally beneficial for all, we public school our child and I don't feel like it is necessary for me to have to justify or defend that decision any more than I feel it necessary for anyone who home schools. My only concern is how hasty the decision was. More power to you and yes, it certainly shows your devotion to your children and their well-being.

[toniaL]

Originally Posted by ozzie679

Why would you even consider pulling them out of school without a concrete plan. I'm sorry that your kid is being teased at school. I was to, but it was the complete opposite in Junior and Senior High. When I was in school I was "hyper active" and dyslexic. But I wasn't treated with drugs. I was treated with discipline! I despise diseases that are made up by the drug companies. ADD is just another excuse for failure and a reason to administer drugs. The whole thing is completely offensive.

I hope you know what you are doing. Remember that kids can be devious in finding ways to get out of the classroom. Does he think that homeschooling is PS3 and pizza? What if he loses interest and you turn into the enemy? What about your third grader? Is there a specific reason that he would be schooled in the home? I'm just saying that the idea of staying home from school may sound cool to a third grader. They may not think that it's work. GOOD LUCK!

First of all, my son is not on any medication. His struggles are real and deserve attention. He does not do well in a classroom setting - as he can not filter out the distractions around him, therefore, not focusing. He is extremely intelligent, but can't grasp information taught to him in a traditional format. This is a reality. I have been dealing with this since kindergarden - the difference is that thru elementary school, teachers are more tolerable and prepared to redirect. In fact, teaching styles are more hands on and interactive in these early years. 6th grade is in middle school, and the format is quite different - more lecture style and moves at a much quicker pace. Kids are expected to step it up and take responsibility of their education. My son isn't there. I also want to add, that my son does not have "discipline" issues. He is a very gentle, sweet kid and is well behaved.

I have researched homeschooling, and read all about it online and in talking with other families. I have considered it for a LONG time, specifically for my son. My concern and questions were more related to the fact that I pulled the kids when I did. I don't feel that in any circumstance a child should deal with such harrassment. Kids are cruel and it is nothing we as people need to learn to cope or deal with... in real adult life - I don't have to tolerate other people harrassing me. I have rights and I know how to protect them... School is a world of its own. I applaud the efforts of "No tolerance" in schools, but bullying and harrassment will always exist on some level - and it serves no learning or life experience purpose.

Finally, my kids have gone thru a lot, and are still going thru alot with a divorced situation. Their father is emotionally unstable and puts a lot on them that is inappropriate and traumatic for them. I went thru the courts to address, but without direct abuse and proof, there is little that can be done. This is a long story and a lot of detail that isn't necessary.. the point is that my daughter (3rd grade) also struggles from separation anxiety many mornings when dropping her off, and misses a lot of school due to stress. We have worked with the counselor and teacher, and they have been wonderful. She will be homeschooled as long as she is benefiting from it, and BOTH kids may return to public schools when they would like. As a side note, we moved from South Dakota and there they started school in August and get out May 18. We moved here 2/1.. they get out in June. So they have received the legal number of days in a year of education, I believe??

I take homeschooling VERY serious and feel the heavy responsibility to make this work and actually get them ahead of the game rather than behind. Also, I want them to love learning instead of hate it. I know how to do that - and the two of them are very different in making that happen.

Thanks to everyone who offered helpful information. I had already contacted the district, they had the schools contact me, and never actually called me back. I will call again and see what step to take.