tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post8162153899307301520..comments2024-03-15T23:39:29.134-08:00Comments on Scribbit | Motherhood in Alaska: Thirty-six Down, Thirty-six More to GoScribbithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03178711182424809035noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-19500163063928125222007-11-12T16:38:00.000-09:002007-11-12T16:38:00.000-09:00You know I have questioned the whole, character bo...You know I have questioned the whole, character books at the book fairs and my husband so eloquently reminded that some kids ... DO NOT READ! GASP! The Horror! But true ... so if the school/seller can entice a non-reader to read Kudos right?<BR/><BR/>Just another side to the argument ...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-22350137778359488592007-11-11T19:14:00.000-09:002007-11-11T19:14:00.000-09:00Ha! That is exactly what it's like - meeing wtih ...Ha! That is exactly what it's like - meeing wtih your parole officer. (Not that I've ever done THAT)<BR/>At out school we sell school spirit clothing on panhandle, I mean parent teacher interview, nights.Barbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08241935762929573583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-35098282591873730712007-11-10T18:51:00.000-09:002007-11-10T18:51:00.000-09:00Our book fair is during the same week as "eat lunc...Our book fair is during the same week as "eat lunch with parents" (I think they say its National Education Week?). I look with the kids, but if they want to buy, its with their money. Several years ago, my older son spent $70 of HIS money on books (almost all "real" books).<BR/><BR/>For me, I get a list of books they want and then go to the Scholastic Warehouse sale in early Dec. (DH is a teacher, but you can also go as a book fair volunteer or homeschooler). My kids usually get a big pile of books as a Christmas present, for about 1/3 list price.<BR/><BR/>Both my kids schools did walk-a-thons recently and I much prefer that. I can donate money (totally tax deductible) and not have to buy over-priced junk. And they get exercise to boot!owlfanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16864203297228110988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-65492384233248749032007-11-10T08:05:00.000-09:002007-11-10T08:05:00.000-09:00I am refusing to go to conferences. I am not cater...I am refusing to go to conferences. I am not catering to the school's whims. If my child is getting A's and B's and is not a trouble maker, I am NOT going to drag my lazy butt up there to hear that everything is going great, any questions? No, keep doing your job and leave me alone! I have 7 kids, you think I have time for this???? I have kids who actually need help in school, let me concentrate on that, thanks! <BR/><BR/>I have issues. I won't even start on the books. Or the PTA. Or the referendums to get a new pool across town because 4mil for a new pool across town is cheaper than fixing the old pool for 1mil. yes, they actually put it that way.Qtpies7https://www.blogger.com/profile/04612364762900912663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-45737690262204619302007-11-10T07:04:00.000-09:002007-11-10T07:04:00.000-09:00Book Fair prices are often rather high, too. I pre...Book Fair prices are often rather high, too. I prefer the book orders that I send home with the children monthly; and the teacher gets free books for the classroom from those, too.Daisyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11647906900944224234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-69742304931279207702007-11-10T04:10:00.000-09:002007-11-10T04:10:00.000-09:00M:so funny. i love how you threw in all the stupi...M:<BR/>so funny. i love how you threw in all the stupid book titles, too :) kathleenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-89089267797412587922007-11-09T19:20:00.000-09:002007-11-09T19:20:00.000-09:00Yep I get what your saying we had the book fair an...Yep I get what your saying we had the book fair and conferences this week also. I did get coned into some of the books though but I was picky! <BR/>Conferences for me? Well since Maddie and Izzak are homeschooling now that is 2 less! Yippee! So now I get Joshua and Kenzie. I work them out so that Joshua's is first so I can get frustrated but he has time for me to lose steam after kenzies conference where her teacher tells me how wonderful they think she is! It works for Joshua till I go over it with his dad later and then he gets in trouble. When the other 2 were in school I would work them so she was in the middle to break up the bad conferences.my4kidshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05877891733197763535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-4019274855631200152007-11-09T17:43:00.000-09:002007-11-09T17:43:00.000-09:00I hope you made those book titles up...I hope you made those book titles up...ohAmandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11007616022449312125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-20055798574777752582007-11-09T15:45:00.000-09:002007-11-09T15:45:00.000-09:00This had me laughing the whole way through. My da...This had me laughing the whole way through. My daughter's Catholic school has these kinds of book fairs, but I've never seen them pushed by the teachers. It's just a chance for the kids to shop for books.<BR/><BR/>By the way, I made sure to mention your blog repeatedly this week at BlogWorld Expo as what a great momblog looks like.<BR/><BR/>:-)K T Cathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10259428595745509790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-12336699771295996472007-11-09T15:14:00.000-09:002007-11-09T15:14:00.000-09:00I know I left a comment here this morning ... not ...I know I left a comment here this morning ... not sure where it went?!?<BR/><BR/>I went to Keri's Scholastic Book Fair yesterday and I didn't enjoy being bombarded by all the marketing. However, I was at least grateful that they did stock some good books as well.An Ordinary Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05497066145696617241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-54934670517309718002007-11-09T13:45:00.000-09:002007-11-09T13:45:00.000-09:00I think this is one of the reasons there is so muc...I think this is one of the reasons there is so much credit card debt problems.luckyzmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04176703683321469118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-6685024577527141292007-11-09T11:38:00.000-09:002007-11-09T11:38:00.000-09:00I could not agree with you more! I can't stand th...I could not agree with you more! I can't stand those "junk food" books! It's like thinking that if you give your kids enough candy, at least they're eating, and eventually they'll want vegetables! This is only part of why I homeschool.Jennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16015165553390298826noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-63169901140797298522007-11-09T10:46:00.000-09:002007-11-09T10:46:00.000-09:00I have a few issues with the book fairs here in to...I have a few issues with the book fairs here in town. <BR/>1. They are not accommodating to working/single parents. The hours of operation are only during P/T conferences. Great! It's hard enough in my case just to get the time off from work to attend the conference.<BR/>2. Both of my kids birthdays are in December. My kids know to stop asking for "random things" a few months before their birthdays.<BR/>These "wish lists" just add fuel to the fire. The book fair in my opinion is just too close to their birthdays-holidays. <BR/>3. How many fundraisers must we have? We have wrapping paper, cookies, book fairs, silent auctions & entertaiment books.<BR/>I believe there are other ways to be involved in my childs school without emptying my pocket book 3 or 4 times a year. I like to think I am an active parent and can't stand feeling pressured to buy from every single fundraiser out there. <BR/>Great topic!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-21342523238991756022007-11-09T10:22:00.000-09:002007-11-09T10:22:00.000-09:00When I was PTA President, my bookfairs were during...When I was PTA President, my bookfairs were during conferences at the overwhelming request of parents (One trip is appealing).<BR/><BR/>My book fairs had BOOKS. Not crap. BOOKS. They earned a huge amount of money and it went straight back into our library.<BR/><BR/>I wish the future president kept it going. Now? Crap. Not books, crap.<BR/><BR/>It makes me sad and frustrated.Loralee Choatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16055102094371755499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-54981239633213703152007-11-09T09:53:00.000-09:002007-11-09T09:53:00.000-09:00Having been on the other end of those meetings, I ...Having been on the other end of those meetings, I can't tell you how frustrating it is that parents who you really need to talk to because you are concerned for the child don't ever show. Good parents with kids who are doing well always show. Their kids are doing great, and you get to have a nice chat though. ;)<BR/><BR/>As for the books I think we are so desperate for kids to enjoy reading anything we are willing to compromise on the quality. Luckily my oldest enjoys both kinds of reading!Stephanie Appletonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07411714132368771649noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-5927383354620117242007-11-09T09:39:00.000-09:002007-11-09T09:39:00.000-09:00I was shocked that the PTA actually sent out a mem...I was shocked that the PTA actually sent out a memo to parents directly asking for money for the new playground. No silly contests. No hat day. No Tshirt day. Just a simple request for money. Amazing.<BR/><BR/>We just had the book fair as well, although the parent teacher conferences aren't until next week. But we did get that Scholastic book catalog home yesterday. As if there were no book fair last week. They just get you coming and going...Karen Olsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05867709664100997228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-51124644295574384562007-11-09T09:38:00.000-09:002007-11-09T09:38:00.000-09:00I'm with you! I HATE the Book Fair. The wish lis...I'm with you! I HATE the Book Fair. The wish list annoys me more than about anything. The kids constantly forget to bring me the newsletters from their teachers, but they never forget to give me the wish list. Then follows the begging - please its only $5.95! My answer is always the same "Do YOU have $5.95?" "NO? Well, I don't either." The bake sales are the same thing. "Can I PLEASE get a muffin/brownies/cupcake...." One week I added up all the requests for time and donations that came from the teachers and principal at the school and it was AMAZING how many it was. I have no problem donating some time on occasion and I have no problem donating money or things once in awhile, but I have a problem with being expected to do the teachers' job or help fund a bowling trip or new basketballs. Schools has become as bad as kids thinking that they "need" all this new stuff. And, they blackmail you in order to help fund it by trying to convince you that its all in the name of your child's "education". Since when does a child need bowling and basketballs in order to do well in math? All this only helps to enforce to kids that you're not happy unless you have new, better and more. And, you're left to look like a horrible parent if you don't participate. I'd change schools, but its my observation that all schools are this way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-77186208117886680972007-11-09T09:21:00.000-09:002007-11-09T09:21:00.000-09:00Our book fair coincides with Grandparents Day. No...Our book fair coincides with Grandparents Day. Not a coincidence, obviously.<BR/>And as for conferences, I don't have any horror stories yet, but my whirling dervish has two years before kindergarten. So, it's not far off!jubileehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07924715623122612454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-22737743615656821492007-11-09T09:08:00.000-09:002007-11-09T09:08:00.000-09:00I just set up the bookfair at school today. I am ...I just set up the bookfair at school today. I am totally DREADING the "wish list". I love books and I don't mind buying books, however, it really is too much sometimes. <BR/><BR/>The worst part is the Scholastic Warehouse is right aroudn the corner. their 1/2 price sale is in a month. Same books 50% (or more) off. <BR/><BR/>Today's experience was a HUGE turnoff for me, everyone is getting these kids so hyped up and most of them will want to buy the "educational (ha) toys" rather than the books.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-69078787544143134542007-11-09T08:22:00.000-09:002007-11-09T08:22:00.000-09:00My kids always come home with their book fair list...My kids always come home with their book fair list full of junk too: Dumb software, plastic toys, posters.<BR/><BR/>I wish Scholastic stuck to books - real books. We always have to search to find them.Lisa Wheeler Miltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07386193798727387546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-68387371402887938112007-11-09T08:02:00.000-09:002007-11-09T08:02:00.000-09:00This post made me laugh. We homeschool so I don't ...This post made me laugh. We homeschool so I don't have personal experience being a parent at a parent teacher conference. (Well, okay, I talk to myself all the time but I don't think that counts). But I have very vivid memories of us children trying to get my mom to buy all the 'trashy' books when she'd come in for parent/teacher conferences. Times haven't changed all that much!Montserrathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13056974831892116493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-7038110599537207562007-11-09T07:38:00.000-09:002007-11-09T07:38:00.000-09:00HAHAHAHA!We have conferences next week. With a dau...HAHAHAHA!<BR/><BR/>We have conferences next week. With a daughter not doing well in math and a son in dire need of OT for his fine-motor skills, it should be interesting.<BR/><BR/>Can't wait.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-33710230825413219482007-11-09T07:00:00.000-09:002007-11-09T07:00:00.000-09:00This whole PTA thing is new to me since we had bee...This whole PTA thing is new to me since we had been homeschooling. I'm getting used to it, but you gave me a good laugh this morning and a reminder to not take it so seriously.El Shaddai Ranchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15875183231117805781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-22033506977963787752007-11-09T06:59:00.000-09:002007-11-09T06:59:00.000-09:00Oh my, and we're only at the beginning of the whol...Oh my, and we're only at the beginning of the whole 'school' experience here... I see many, many more conferences, fund raisers and book fairs in our future. Sigh...<BR/><BR/>My kids have had some of their biggest meltdowns at the book fair when I couldn't buy them the exact book that they wanted this very second! I guess I'm glad that they're so passionate about books, but I do think the schools go too far with pushing things on parents. And don't even get me started on the fundraisers...Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03806252705199445407noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14194867.post-28962714440157820452007-11-09T06:49:00.000-09:002007-11-09T06:49:00.000-09:00After my three years of teaching, I would have to ...After my three years of teaching, I would have to agree with you. Total waste of time. The students whose parents you wanted to see were the parents that never showed up. And the parents you didn't want to see spend the whole time telling you about dance, soccer, their family issues...(the list goes on and on). I'm jealous you only have 36 more. I haven't even started yet! :)Aprilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09041264651352872150noreply@blogger.com