Irritated with the school...again!

I need to vent a little frustration. My daughter's school offers free flu-mist to all students who have a signed consent form. My oldest has recieved it every year since Kindergarten. When my five year old brought home the form, I happily signed it. I am greatful for this servive because it keeps me out of the doctor's office. (With three kids, I am there enough as it is.) This past week, the mist was given out. The oldest recieved hers with no problem...she is just happy it's not the shot. My youngest, however, came home without her flu-mist and a note from the nurse. "Your child DID NOT recieve her flu-mist vaccination because she refused it." What!?! She refused it? She is five. I didn't know that she held that much control with her health. I thought I did. I guess she has become the authority and I am the child now. I am outraged by this. Needless to say, the school will be getting a wonderful note from me.

Before I get in trouble here...I know that it a nice thing for the school to give this for free and I should feel lucky that it is even offered. I am. The reason I appreciate this so much is because my hubby it still out of work and with his job, went our insurance. I don't just appreciate it, I need it for my kids. Now, I have to wait until the 'make-up' vaccination are given out in November. I guess I'll just hope that my child doesn't get sick until then.

The schools are ridiculous!

My middle daughter started Kindergarten this year...that gives me two in school now. I took advantage of the sales at the end of the year last year to save money on two new backpacks and lunchboxes , and the supplies on the 'generic' lists that were sent home. I though I was doing ok until school started this year. On the first day of school, I was presented two more lists that included a few different items that my children needed. Ugh...back to the store! I was also given the school fess...$25 a child! My running total is now $125...just for my children to attend public school! When you tack on things like coupon book sales, the Mayfest at the end of the year, and other numerous fundraisers, parents spend a lot of money on something that is supposed to be free.

I thought the nightmare was over until my oldest child brought home a letter asking for more money to help cover the costs of school parties, another workbook, and the teacher's Christmas present. I don't understand why it costs so much. Isn't that what the school fees are for? The thing that really sent me over the edge was the last sentence of the note, "Thank you for being an active part of your child's life." What the hell? I thought being an active part of her life was teaching her and helping with her homework and actually getting her to school. I feed her, clothe her, and keep a roof over her head. I was offended by this statement. Whoever wrote this letter was an idiot. To even hint that I wasn't an active part in my child's life if I didn't pay for a cupcake party is ridiculous and insulting.

That is as far as I will go with my rant today guys. I'd love to know how you feel about this. Do you have the same issues?

Picture courtesy of Allposter's.com