Hi my name is Sarah, and I'm new to the site.

My daughter is 6. She has always been ahead. When she started first grade things changed. The city I live in redistricted, and Alyssa got switched into a new school.
She became distracted, behind, angry, and her confidence dropped. She hates school. She tells me that she wants to be sick, so she can stay home. She cries at school because she misses me. She has tummy aches a lot.

She loved Kindergarten. She liked writing, but now she's behind in writing. We work on it at home, but she doesn't want me to help her sound out words. She could spell many of these word in Kindergarten, but now has forgotten how to spell them in first grade. Alyssa is reading at a second grade level, but we constantly struggle and work on math.

I volunteer in the classroom on Mondays, but the parents actually have to sit in the hallway. When I peek in the room, Alyssa seems to be paying attention. However, her teacher sent home a note that said Alyssa was oblivious to what goes on around her. Which shocked and infuriated me.

I've had meeting with the school, teacher, but nothing changes. Her teacher had the nerve to tell me that Alyssa must have had one hell of a summer vacation. I have no idea what to do from here.

I've put Alyssa on the list to go back to her old school. We have school of choice. I just don't know what to do for the rest of this year.

ISneezeFunny

First, you have to find out what the problem is...is it her friends? Perhaps the teacher? Overall, it just sounds like something's bothering her at school that's affecting all these things.

Secondly, perhaps you can speak to her guidance counselor (do they have those in elementary schools?) and see if he/she can talk to your daughter. It does seem a bit ridiculous for the teacher to make assumptions about your daughter.

Does she do any after school activities? Some activities may increase her confidence level and self esteem and therefore let her perform better in other aspects of her life. Perhaps you can also ask her if she wants a tutor...quite possibly a high school/college student.

Sarah48375

Alyssa does dance and guitar lessons. In the summer she also take horse back riding lessons. The truth is she is very confident outside of school. I've tried talking to her, and she'll talk to be about everything. Except for one thing. She never wants to talk about her friend Michael. He has a temper and tells her who she can and cannot play with when they play together. She really likes playing with him and will tell her other friends they can't play with them because he says so. I have seen him do some strange things, but I can't stop her from playing with him at school. I did have the teacher move her seat away from him, but they still play on reccess. That is the other reason we are switching school. Her school loops. They have the same teacher for first and second grade. I can't have her play with him for two years like this.

I have talked to the school counselor and the teacher several times. I am trying to figure out this problem, but I'm hitting a brick wall.

ISneezeFunny

Have you tried contacting Michael's parents?

Sarah48375

I haven't really thought of that. I mentioned it to her teacher, and she said that she moved her seat and wont let them sit together during circle time. She said that he has "issues," and there is nothing more she can do. I'm a young single mom. I also live in a wealthy community. The other parents don't exactly embrace me or anything I have to say.

ISneezeFunny

I would suggest talking to Michael's parents to find out what his "issues" are and why he won't let your daughter play with other kids during recess.

Sarah48375

Thanks for the advice.

NowWhat

First and foremost, you have to be your child's voice. My mother told me that once my child starts school, always be prepared to fight for her. Don't leave things up to administration to get handled. Work together with the school. Let them know that you are apart of the process. Don't let money or status get in the way of what is best for your child. You make yourself be heard!

You said your daughter is 6. When does she turn 7?

My daughter is in 1st grade. Some of the things (social) that she has dealt with this year shocked me. Just because I thought this stuff started happening around 5th or 6th grade - not first.
I was surprised at how much she was affected by all of this. She decided she didn't like school anymore, wanted to go to a private school, disconnected with the class, etc.
Why? A little girl - a friend - with "issues". A long story - but it sounds like you have the male version of this girl in my kid's class.

Sarah48375

She turns seven in June. I've decided to take the summer off. I'm going to spend the summer working with her on the things she fell behind on this year. I'm not sure where things went wrong, but I intend to fix them. This little boy is a nightmare. I have tried working with the school. They are not much help. The teacher wont give out phone numbers of other students, so i'm back to square one. I just want things to get easier for her. She seems so unhappy. it's sad really.

ISneezeFunny

Perhaps you can write a note/letter to the parents of the boy, put it in an envelope, give it to the boy yourself or have the school send the actual letter to the boy's parents.