[stomachmonkey]

Both my kids are very bright. My daughter will be 11 this year. She has been in advanced programs since day one. Has participated for the last three years in an international educational competition. Was one of 300 out of 3,0000 that went to the state finals this year. Plays violin, piano, is starting guitar, is in a triple threat, singing, acting, dancing program after school.

The boy is 8. I think he is smarter than his sister but a total goofball flake. To say he is a challenge is an understatement. He has soccer, plays piano, is a boy scout.

The other night my wife and I were discussing how we influence what teacher he gets next year. We think his teacher this year while excellent did not have the right experience to deal with him.

Got report cards 2 days later. They both got straight A's and the boys scores were better than the girls.

Oh yeah, they missed a week this semester because we flew to FL for my brothers wedding.

One week of missed school does not define them or condemn them for life.

If you think it's up to the school to provide a foundation for your kids then you get what you deserve.

To be fair, my wife holds three degrees, one of them a Masters in Early Childhood Education/Development.