Bedford NH Schools/Elementary (Amherst: 2015, elementary schools, safe)

[NOVA2?]

I am interested in getting feedback regarding the Elementary Schools in Bedford, NH.

1. Is there a good connection between the teachers and parents? Do parents get weekly emails regarding homework, how their child is doing and so on.
2.Are they considered structured schools (in regards to the curriculum)? I have been reading the city data posts that apparently some schools in So. NH - Like Amherst have this self guided program with not much oversight by teachers. I do think that some kids thrive in that environment but I do know for my older daughter (who is in KG now) does MUCH better in highly structured environments (which not only I have seen but also told by her teacher).
3. what is the after school program like?
4. Are volunteer activities by parents encouraged?

thanks!

[seamusnh]

"Like Amherst have this self guided program with not much oversight by teachers." That's in the high school, not K-8 in Amherst....

[NHman123]

Good connections are made when parents show interest and are communicating with teachers. Unless your child is super untrustworthy, or in need of an IEP, I wouldn't worry too much about weekly emails. Kids in earlier grades tend to share everything about school because it's still new and exciting, and asking for constant communiques throuought the week will get you branded one of "those parents", and teachers won't want to go out of their way to help your family. After all, if they do, they might get a thank you, but if it goes wrong, they'll get complaints and reports to their superintendent.

My cousin's mother was in the school constantly fighting about what was "right for my boy", and no one wanted to deal with him after. When I went to school a couple years later, teachers saw my last name, got a pained look, and asked my parents' names. After they realized my parents were more concerned with how I was acting in school than how the teachers were acting, things were great, and I ended up getting a lot of their attention. After all, if I acted up, they felt safe telling my folks, so a lot of pressure was off them to look like nice teachers, and instead act like good teachers.

Same goes for volunteering; most places are happy for good volunteers to come forth, but you must be willing to be an "Indian" most of the time, rather than a "cheif", as much as we love our kids, schools have to juggle doing what is the best for all children they work with, against scant resources and time. Your child will learn from you more than teachers or students, so try to imagine what you want your child to be like as an adult, and act that way.

As far as structure, Seamus is as correct as the spelling of his name. Elementary schools in general are pretty well structured, unless they're private schools, even then, there is some structure. Worry about the self-determination-style schools later in you child's education.

Seems like a lot of your questions could be answered the good old-fashioned way by popping in for a visit. People mostly like to talk about their work, and I'm sure you could win valuable info and brownie points by going to the school office wit coffee and a box of munchkins, and just introducing yourself as mom of a future student.

Overall, don't worry too much, kids tend to get more from parents than schools, and if your daughter sees you are worried about school, she'll start to worry too. There will be good and bad days, the good will be brief and should be celebrated, the bad will seem endless, and should be forgotten as soon as possible.

[NOVA2?]

Thank you for your replies. Currently I am in Virginia and am hoping to relocate to SoNH either this summer or the next one (2015). I went to school in various countries (family relocated a lot) and am just now figuring out about US public schools.I would love to personally visit the schools but am unable to at this point.