This week marked the beginning of school for students in my county. We held registration on Monday and began classes on Wednesday. Our registration lasts for three hours. During this time, children are given information sheets for their parents to complete.
It is completely disheartening to see how many custody issues there are among the families of the students. When looking over paperwork, I noticed that several children lived in a home with someone other than their parents.
In other cases, parents began informing us of situations in which one parent could not see or pick up the child from school. We had copies of restraining orders and lists of people who are not allowed to have contact with particular children.
Each year, it depresses me to think of the living conditions of some of my students. Some of the children have no idea which home they go to at night or who will be there to take care of them.
These issues can cause some serious problems for teachers and schools. Schools, now more than ever, have to be on guard when it comes to the children leaving to go home. The beginning of the year is usually the hardest. Teachers and staff are trying to become acquainted with the families and situations of each child. They have to be careful to check identities and paperwork before letting children leave the building.
In several incidents, parents and family members become angry because their name was left off of a pick up list and they cannot take the child home with them. My daughter’s preschool makes identification cards for each child. In order to pick the child up from preschool, one must show the ID card.
I am thankful that schools and caretakers are being cautious about protecting the children. However, I am also sad that today’s families and society has gotten to the point that some mothers and fathers are not responsible enough to be allowed to take their own children from school.