Staff members here were immediately helpful in changing my son's address to his correct address…read moreafter a few month battle with the school stating they were unable to help us. I was disappointed that it took that long to get his address situated even after showing many documents. I am glad that the educational staff was able to assist me on the treatment that I should have received from the school he went to in the first place.
My son went to an EAK program at one of the schools that it was offered at; there were several problems. Students who were still in the 4 year old mentality were bundled up in a large classroom. There should have been an examinations done for each students because some knew how to write their letters and numbers and some did not. As this is such a young crowd to begin with all of the advanced students should have been in one class and all the students who would have tested at a lower level be in one class.
With the large class, young age, and multiple levels of knowledge in their children they need a good start. Then, once they start kindergarten they would all hopefully be on the same page and would progress from there. With a large class, students starting mid-year, and students at different levels and only 6 months to educate with pressed time. Some sort of better organization needs to be in place with this program and if the class size is going to continue I would suggest 2 teachers in the classroom. Parent's were only allowed to volunteer for so many hours during the day.
As this occurred, I witnessed many students get bored in class and began to act out. My son included. When I asked the principal about intervention programs, buddy support, and leadership programs he could get involved in she informed me that there were none available and it was "just EAK" When I inquired with her about changing teachers as maybe he just needed another teacher with a different personality, she said that they didn't like do to do. I then told her, I KNEW that my son was not a misbehaved student as he completed 2 years of pre-school and was eager to learn that something was not working for him. She stated, "It is just so much different here."
At one point, they were calling me continuously to pick him up early I felt because they did not want to deal with him. He had hands on incidents because he was so frustrated. There were no consequences at school. My son began coming home with a behavior card, listing all the negative things he did at school. When I inquired with the teacher about listing the positive things he does she stated she gives stickers. After continuously complaining about my son, I volunteered in the class to see what the issue was and that is when I saw how many students were not on the same level and still in the 4 year old mind set who are not meant to sit 8-2PM. This program should be shortened and/or more teachers need to be in the classroom. Something needs to change and I am speaking for more parents and students who have not yet said the same thing.
When I would pick up my son early, I would retrieve his work that needed to be done, and work one-on-one with him at home and have him turn in the work the next day.
When I started getting complaints that my son was not participating in PE, I was beside myself because he excelled in PE. I inquired with my son with what they do for PE and he said nothing. I started popping in unannounced and discovered that PE was standing at their desk, moving their arms in circles and touching their toes. These children needed to run around after being required to sit ALL day. When inquiring with the teacher with what else they do during PE, she stated that was it. When my son came home, I then had him participate in walks outside, running, riding backs and getting him more exercise and I accommodated him at home.
I have inquired with the Kindergarten classes, and older classes and they seem better in assisting the older students. After I sent my son to IEP testing, this summer, to evaluate any problems the results were that he did not have any. I then had a meeting with the staff and experienced these issues being resolved and they immediately and promptly took care of the concerns stating that they would be calling the school, speaking with them on the treatment my son and I received and promised better results. Cajon Valley school staff was extremely apologetic.
I also wish that all Cajon Valley school staff members were all trained in one program though. When parents request copies of their children's enrollment forms and staff says no, they should also inform parents that it is something that has to be done through district. I recently inquired with my son's new school and at first was told yes come back in two days, then was told no I had to go to district. Regardless of what staff member it is in the office, everyone needs to be on the same page.
