<p>(This is a quote from another thread... I found it very provocative but did not want to hijack the other thread from the OP so I am starting this one. ) </p>
<p>Wow- that's quite a sentiment- I was hoping for some communication from E if needed when son attends in Sept. So far our experience has been great with PEA. We received an incredibly detailed response from the math dept head about placement issues/tests and course sequences. </p>
<p>I'd like to hear from other parents about their experience being a parent with a student at BS. How is the communication, respect, involvement for parents?</p>
<p>It sounds like the author sent his/her child to the wrong school. While I think the second half is universally true, the first is a very sad commentary. We have generally had very positive interactions with the faculty, staff and administration of our daughter’s school. Even the most significant exception was addressed quickly by the administration.</p>
<p>Different schools think differently about parents, money and communication. We always felt involved and appreciated, but thats not to say we didnt get touched with regular donation requests. Thacher is a small school of 250, so school-parent intimacy is part of the landscape. I have no idea what the situation would be at a School Exeter’s size.</p>
<p>That has not been my experience. Communications have been good, but generally through my son’s Advisor which is probably the normal route at most boarding schools. Other people I would go to are the monitor (watches academics), dorm master, and college advisor. </p>
<p>Parents’ Associations are usually found at boarding schools with high day populations, so often there is no PA involvement. Blair has an active group of parent volunteers and many opportunities to volunteer – both from a distance and on campus. </p>
<p>There is no doubt that they want parents to donate to the annual fund, but this is true at all independent schools. Even our local public school has stepped up solicitations.</p>
<p>You might ask the original poster if that was an exaggeration to emphasize a point, or a representation of his/her experience. Perhaps the poster has sat in on faculty meetings and heard lively discussions of problem parents or heard about them from friends.</p>
<p>I have also not had this experience. While there is the expectation of donating to the annual fund (is that way at our younger child’s PK-8 private school as well - in fact I feel more pressure to donate from that school than the BS), I have never felt that they wanted only our money. Our son’s school has always been responsive to us and made us feel that they are there for the students and their families. I do not get the feeling that they “loathe us but love our money”. I hope that that was said somewhat in jest…</p>
<p>Thanks all - yes I assume that the person who posted that meant it as a tongue in cheek comment but usually jokes have a grain of truth. I am just looking to hear your experiences. I know they don’t all translate to the experience we will have at son’s new school but the info does help a nervous mom. :)</p>
<p>I am certain there must be lots of high maintenance, type A bs parents (just look at the kids) who can drive admin nuts. However, our experience has been mostly positive. I think it was probably a tongue-in-cheek comment (my child attends the same school as toadstool’s), but I know what she means. They want you involved…to a point. And there are lots of calls for $$$, but not so many from teachers, advisors, etc. This year has been different for us than last year and when my older son was there. Less communication from the school.</p>
<p>I have three coworkers’s daughter in private day school. One need to sell $3500 gift card plus donation and market days etc. I never feel any pressure for donation to school. We are grateful for the school. We gave what we are comfortable to give. They are appreciative.</p>
<p>Keylime- I’ve noticed the same thing, and I wonder if it’s because teacher morale is low right now. Many of the New England schools have had to let faculty and staff go (including yours, we have friends who teach there), it has been a difficult year.</p>