Today when I pulled up at the school to pick Brooklyn up, I could tell right away something was wrong. Her eyes were red and glassy. Instantly my protective instincts arose. I asked her what was wrong and she could hardly get the words out through her sobs. "I didn't make it."
Huh?
So she hands me a legal-sized envelope with her name on the front and I open it and read the letter:
Dear Brooklyn,
Thank you for trying out for our school talent show but I am sorry, you didn't make it. Try again next year!
Ms. Hall, music teacher
Wow! I don't even know how to describe the wave of emotions that came over me at that moment. Sadness, fury, disappointment, compassion, disgust. She cried hard and solid for about the next HOUR. When she finally settled a bit, I asked her how it made her feel. She said "Like I'm not a good singer."
Poor girl. How ridiculous it is that they even do this.
I mean, I have put myself in the teacher's shoes. She probably only has a limited amount of time for the talent show and she can't very well let EVERY child in the school perform who wants to participate or they might be there all day. What other way to determine who will make the best show than to have try outs. right? Well, this is what I think: I think if they are going to tell 1st graders that they aren't good enough to be in the talent show..they could AT LEAST have the decency to let them try out in private. I know that a big part of what is making Brooklyn so upset is the fact that she had to try out in front of her whole class...and now they all know that she's "no good" because she didn't make it. Only 3 kids in her clas even tried out and 2 of them didn't make it. I'm really trying not to be the over-protective momma bear here and I'm trying to understand this from the school and teacher's point of view...but I just don't see the good in something like this. Her confidence is GONE. Yes, they may have a great show now...but who gives a rip? This isn't American Idol or Star Search for crying out loud. It's friggin elementary school.
Grrrr.....
Anyway, I'm sure it will all be okay eventually..but right now I'd like to pop Ms. Hall right in the nose!
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7 comments:
For me, I am learning that I can't fight all of my daughter's battles for her. It's not easy, but I have to allow her to go through some rough spots so that she can grow a little... I'm not sure I always succeed at it. My hubby says I need to "cut the chord" every now and then and as much as I don't want to admit it, there is a lot of truth in his sarcasm.
I applaud Brooklyn's bravery. Trying out for anything takes a lot of guts... Way to Go Girl!!!
Jen-I have to agree with you on this one. 1st grade is FAR TOO YOUNG,in my opinion, to be having any type of thing that a child could be "cut" from or rejected from. I think at that age...everyone should be accepted even if they only have a small part.
I can totally see why you are sad for her and rightfully so. Once you calm down, I would recomend talking to the teacher and giving her your input and maybe other parents will as well and maybe not so many kids can be hurt next year.
{{HUGS}} to Brooklyn
I agree with SMF, Brooklyn did have alot of courage to try out. I'm sorry it didn't work out the way she wanted.
I'm learning alot from you Jen, since my son is only 3.5. Something to look forward to eh?
First grade is way too early for any kind of 'cuts.' Ridiculous. If any child wants to perform and actually has the courage to get up there and do it - let 'em!! Hold two talent shows. Hold three. I know that disappointment is a part of life, but at such a young age? No way. I'm upset for you. Upset for her. Once you've lost your confidence its a hard thing to get back. But you're a good mama and you'll get her through it. Keep your head up, Brookyln - you should be very, very proud!
How about a show at home, that she and some friends could put on. Invite all friends and family.
I remember a sketch from The Cosby Show where all the kids did a show, some singing on the stairs and dancing. Sounds like great fun.
I like Scatty's idea. Let her do a show at home, for friends/family. :)
That is sad that they would "cut" a 1st grader. But at least she tried, that is a big step. Since this was her first year, at least now she will know what to expect as an audition next time, so she can be better prepared and more confident. Just keep encouraging her..and remind her of Psalms 95:1 "Let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a JOYFUL noise to the rock of our salvation". :)
Pop that Ms. Hall once in the nose for me, too! I think your daughter should win an award for having the courage to sing in front of her entire class. What guts she has. I would have been too scared to do it...at her age and even now at mine! YOU GO, BROOKLYN!!!
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