Subtle Glow

We’ve managed to make it through the first two days at the new school. Kiddo’s neck is starting to go down, and it’s much less noticeable than it was a few days ago.

I just finished going through the mountains of paperwork they sent home - some of which is the same information on the same forms that they just *had* to have before they would even enroll him.

I don’t know why, but I am just fucking annoyed with them right now.

For instance. The Dress Code.

This school has uniforms. They are optional, but they encourage you to have your child wear them so that “the message will be sent to all students that the focus here is on schoolwork.” Also, “Shirts MUST be tucked in.”

I don’t know why, exactly, but I find both ideas annoying. I’m pretty sure we will be opting OUT of the uniform, and I really could give a fuck if his shirt is tucked in or not. Kiddo is not a clotheshorse and really doesn’t give much thought to what clothes he has on, although he prefers them to be clean (and I require that much so it’s not an issue). Likewise for what other kids are wearing.

Still, I’m annoyed by their insistence.

Here’s why: This is obviously not our first day at school, much less our first YEAR at school. We’ve been to two other schools in that time, and kiddo has managed to excel at each one. Imagine that - he wore regular clothes to school, and not once was his shirt tucked in! And he still did exceptionally well - so much so he’s eligible to participate in the GATE program.

If the “focus is on schoolwork” then how is it I just spent my time going through THREE PAGES of fucking dress code information? I sure didn’t get three pages of curriculum information. Oh, but the “focus” is on schoolwork.

Really?

I see the benefit of uniforms, and then again I also see them as pointless - for reasons already stated.

Maybe I’m just in a bad mood tonight, and tomorrow this will all seem like the ranting of a stubborn grown-up child.

Anyway, I told him if he is asked to tuck in his shirt to do as he’s told. (I didn’t tell him this part, but other than respecting the authority there, I don’t care, because I think that is a stupid and ridiculous thing to worry about. What - do they think he’s packing or something - they need to see his waistline? Oh, what the fuck ever.)

I can just see it now - I’m called in for a parent conference for Kiddo’s repeated violations of dress code for not tucking in his shirt. But really - how’s his schoolwork?!