Went to my daughter's party at school today

zohdee · Oct 29, 2010

and I was concerned about a couple things.

The teachers dressed up a bit for the party. Mostly it was hats and festive shirts. One teacher, I could not believe the school would let her do this, stuffed a bunch of cloth under her shirt to simulate pregnancy. She is NOT pregnant and is an ELEMENTARY school teacher, first grade in fact. She walked past and the other mothers I was standing with here aghast that a teacher would do something as tasteless as that. I am thinking about calling the superintendent about it.

The second thing was it was announced there was not school on election day. My daughter piped up and asked if I was voting for Ted Strickland (the Ohio governor). How does a second grader know who to ask their parents to vote for?

capt_jordi · Oct 29, 2010

Originally Posted by zohdee

and I was concerned about a couple things.

The teachers dressed up a bit for the party. Mostly it was hats and festive shirts. One teacher, I could not believe the school would let her do this, stuffed a bunch of cloth under her shirt to simulate pregnancy. She is NOT pregnant and is an ELEMENTARY school teacher, first grade in fact. She walked past and the other mothers I was standing with here aghast that a teacher would do something as tasteless as that. I am thinking about calling the superintendent about it.

The second thing was it was announced there was not school on election day. My daughter piped up and asked if I was voting for Ted Strickland (the Ohio governor). How does a second grader know who to ask their parents to vote for?

I dont see the costume as being that offensive but maybe thats just my opinion.
As for the election, if its anything like around here: TV, Radio, Phones, Signs everywhere. She probably just noticed the name or has heard the name. Although if he is already the governor, than it may have been in history class or something like that. We had a class field trip to City Hall sometime early elem. school and we had to know all of the important names. As well as the governor came to our school a couple of times

sharky · Oct 29, 2010

Most likely they have had a class about the up coming elections... I remember mock elections in first grade with the real names....

As for the costume , yeah not really in good taste but not a major issue IMHO.. It was a costume and likely the kids are old enough to understand that

zohdee · Oct 29, 2010

The kids are 6 and 7...I don't feel that was appropriate.

nekomania · Oct 29, 2010

I would have to agree that a fake pregnancy is a bit tasteless. It should be a fun costume that young kids can understand and enjoy. A fake pregnant is more of an older-child to adult humor level. Not 6 year old elementary school students.

I dont think a huge deal should be made (ie: wanting her fired) but perhaps someone should let her know it wasn't really that apropriate for elementary school and to tone it down a bit next time.

rosiemac · Oct 29, 2010

Originally Posted by zohdee

One teacher, I could not believe the school would let her do this, stuffed a bunch of cloth under her shirt to simulate pregnancy.

What a stupid costume to wear?!. Of all the things she could have dressed up as and she goes as a Pregnant women??????

kimkats000 · Oct 29, 2010

You are kidding right???????? You are thinking about calling the super. because a teacher dressed up as a prg. person? That is a HUGE over reaction! Are you one of those that think that teachers live at the school? How do you feel about teachers that get preg. and still teach? Sorry but..........of all things to complain about I am sure you can think of better.

Have you seen the TV or listened to the radio? Ted S. must be doing a great job of getting his name out there. THAT is where your daughter getting her info. from!

Think about how good you have it that your child is allowed to enjoy this fun time at the school. There are many places that have done away with it due to one or two parents opening their mouths to complain and taking the fun away from all of the others.

Please hug the teacher and tell her thank you for allowing you to help in the classroom!

Kim

adriana · Oct 29, 2010

I agree that a pregnant woman isn't really a great costume idea, but atleast she wasn't dressed as a stripper or something. That's actually along the lines of what I was thinking when I opened this thread. IMO, it's not really something I'd go calling and complaining about. As for the election, she probably has seen advertisements, posters, etc. I'm sure it's everywhere, because of course everyone is trying to get their names out there. Actually, it's probably a positive thing that she's interested in things such as the government as such an age. Shows she's a good listener and is intrigued with what's going on in her world. Hell, I'm 23 and don't have a real interest in politics.

sneakymom · Oct 29, 2010

I'm just surprised that the teachers had costumes on.

Preschool- yeah- both of my girls' preschool teachers wore costumes for their Halloween party.

But once they started elementary- teachers didn't dress up. If it was Friday- they wore casual clothes- and I remember one teacher wearing a Halloween sweatshirt.

Maybe it's the fact that the only kids that had parties were K. From 1-5th grade they had a treat in the cafeteria.

And my kids in 2nd grade knew who was running for major office during election time.

Cheryl

butzie · Oct 29, 2010

Well, while I don't necessarily think the prego costume was in good taste, chances are that first graders are of the age to see their moms pregnant one day and not the next & their sense of time is iffy. I would just talk to the teacher.

There are so many political ads on TV that maybe that is where your daughter heard about the candidates. Maybe the school talked about the election. Either way, give you daughter credit to paying attention. Maybe she will be governor one day.

rad65 · Oct 29, 2010

The teachers at my elemtnary school did dress up, but they were always costumes such as witches, ghosts, dorothy from wizard of oz, normal pleutonic teacher stuff. That being said, I would bring it up to the teacher and mention you thought it was inappropriate. I don't think it warrants going higher up the chain of authority.

As to the election, I still remember the mock election I had in fourth grade for Clinton/Dole. And I used to know all about the local candidates too. Your daughter's teacher was probably discussing a lot of names, and that's just the one that stuck with her. Take it from someone who used to regurgitate all the info I learned back to my parents, kids latch on to things and repeat them, and a lot of the time it isn't even things the teacher is hammering in, just a random factoid.

cococat · Oct 29, 2010

I am confused why you think that "costume" was inappropriate.
What did your child say when you asked them why they suggest that candidate?

zohdee · Oct 30, 2010

Originally Posted by kimkats000

You are kidding right???????? You are thinking about calling the super. because a teacher dressed up as a prg. person? That is a HUGE over reaction! Are you one of those that think that teachers live at the school? How do you feel about teachers that get preg. and still teach? Sorry but..........of all things to complain about I am sure you can think of better.

Have you seen the TV or listened to the radio? Ted S. must be doing a great job of getting his name out there. THAT is where your daughter getting her info. from!

Think about how good you have it that your child is allowed to enjoy this fun time at the school. There are many places that have done away with it due to one or two parents opening their mouths to complain and taking the fun away from all of the others.

Please hug the teacher and tell her thank you for allowing you to help in the classroom!

Kim

Wow what a caustic post.

blueyedgirl5946 · Oct 30, 2010

What does being pregnant have to do with Halloween? I think it was in poor taste for the teacher to dress that way. I don't acknowledge Halloween in any way, but I understand that most people to. That being said, the teacher could have dressed like a scarecrow or something else. I don't think I would speak to the teacher because it could have repercussions as to how she treats the child. If anything, I would speak with the principal of the school and ask not to be named to the teacher. As for the child knowing a candidate's name, I too feel that there are other places the child could have heard the name. I would be more upset if the child heard it at church. I doubt they had a history class at that age though.

otto · Oct 30, 2010

I loathe Halloween, but I don't try to spoil it for people who don't.

However I think an elementary teacher dressing up as a pregnant woman for an elementary school party is beyond idiotic, though I probably wouldn't take it further. On the other hand if YOU feel it is worth complaining about, then by all means, complain. You might get laughed at, you might get taken seriously, and you might not be the only one.

How old is this teacher?

As for the election question, I would think you'd be pleased that your child's class is covering current events. Voting, and knowing WHO one is voting for is very important and I don't think 7 years old is too young to learn that.

yosemite · Oct 30, 2010

I don't think it was the best idea for a costume for that age of children but surely "pregnant" women aren't something we must hide from our children. Who knows, maybe the young teacher would like to be pregnant or cannot have children and this is fulfilling a dream she has.

As for the political thing, I also think the child may well have just heard the name and put 2 and 2 together. Children say things all the time based on things they have heard. When our daughter was in grade 3 she told her teacher that my husband was not her real father which he most certainly is but I can only assume that one of the other children had told her that their father wasn't their real father and she decided to say the same.

I think you may be over-reacting but then again, I tend to be rather liberal.

zohdee · Oct 30, 2010

The teacher is well into her 40's. She was at the elementary school when my son, who will be 18 this year, was enrolled.

otto · Oct 30, 2010

Originally Posted by zohdee

The teacher is well into her 40's. She was at the elementary school when my son, who will be 18 this year, was enrolled.

Then in my opinion, even more ridiculous and inappropriate, but....I guess that's the whole point of costumes, pretending to be something you're not.

I dunno.......I don't like to think of myself as someone who judges others for their choices but when children are involved, more thought should be given to those choices, I think, as she is setting an example.

Kids I guess, understand Halloween and that the costumes are make believe.....but how will it seem if the seven year old decides SHE wants to dress up as a pregnant lady. THAT would, IMO, be terribly inappropriate. That's what I mean about setting an example.

Went to my daughter's party at school today

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