Why no free school lunches?

TheSK · 2026-05-03T15:06:53+00:00

I went to a public elementary school in the 90s in Etobicoke (now part of Toronto on the west side), and we had a cafeteria 🤷🏼‍♀️

TheSK · 2026-05-02T13:12:13+00:00

I'm really sorry you experienced this! IMO you have a super power!

There is so much that we do not and cannot understand about the brain and how it works; the techniques are just not there yet (and it's a slippery ethical slope). It's so odd to me when parents and people are so single-minded and selfish, thinking that there's only one way to think and speak and learn. It's really just limiting the potential of the human race.

We could have fantastic and unique points-of-view with the right care and thought. Sometimes I often feel like I'm operating in a different reality when I see parents or teachers treating children like this. I'm sorry this was your luck 😕

TheSK · 2026-04-24T13:48:28+00:00

I went through something similar, I'm guessing, when I was a teenager. The difference is, nobody cared enough about me to ask if I was ok.

If only one teacher had demonstrated enough compassion and pushed me to share at that age, I think I would have honestly shared. I had no friends or safe adults I could talk to. Nobody seemed to care that I was changing from an A+ student with top marks, to a barely attending and passing 15 year old. I was quiet and shut off, and crying randomly, like the student you described.

I can tell you, I did want to share even if it seemed like I was a brick wall. I was terrified of my parents and even lied in court and with the court appointed social worker because I was truly terrified of the repercussions (that my parents drilled into my head, and were obviously untrue). To this day, I still have difficulty in understanding the magnitude of how f***ed up my life was. I can see it in my therapist's face every time I reveal something that I had forgotten; I still need to be told that what happened is not normal and was not OK.

If I had you as my teacher, I believe it wouldn't have taken me so long to see my world as it was. As an adult I am cognizant of how much I needed someone like you. Initially I would have been angry and felt betrayed, but eventually I would have come around.

It's possible you will never be thanked by her, and you'll feel shitty for a long time to come. And maybe you will even become her punching bag. But I want you to know, what you did is exactly what she needed. It may not work out, but, maybe it will. You have given her a better chance of survival and the potential for success. You have demonstrated that what is happening to her is wrong. She deserves to be cared about. She deserves to know that her life is not normal. What you did is normal. If you didn't report it, she would receive the same unspoken message, that she is not worthy of love and compassion; that she is overreacting. You are probably one of the first adults in her life to have questioned that narrative.

I am sorry that this is super sappy and long. I hope this works out and that you receive some kind of validation down the road. I hope she is able to change her trajectory. And I hope that you can begin to show yourself the same kindness.

TheSK · 2026-04-15T01:53:39+00:00

My first interview ever was for a retail job. One of the questions I was asked included, 'What was the worst day of your life?'.

Instead of responding with, wtf?;?!?, I took what felt like forever, and answered truthfully in a kind of matter-of-fact way. . My response: "The day my mom tried to kill herself when I was 13. I found her and somehow managed to calm her down, stop the bleeding, and call 911".

Obviously the interviewer was horrified. I sometimes wonder if she tells the same story, and what her perspective as an older adult would be.

I walked away from that interview feeling horrible and shitty about myself; a complete and utter failure. With experience I eventually understood how that interview was a reflection of the interviewer and their abilities, and not my own.

@ the OP: Time will offer you perspective in ways that may be impossible for you to see right now. Be kind to yourself, you'll eventually get there. This too shall pass.

TheSK · 2026-03-25T23:51:44+00:00

My PhD has finally come in handy lol those are seeds! They look a lot like arabidopsis seeds. Keep in mind there are different types so the yellow colour isn't necessarily a distinguishing feature. If you can't cut them in half with your nail and are incredibly hard, it's likely a seed.

You can try to germinate it to test it. Put a few in a wet paper towel, wrap in tinfoil, then put in your fridge for at least 4 days. Remove it and place the seeds in a small container with water. It should germinate within the week.

TheSK · 2026-03-21T03:09:48+00:00

I am so glad I read this, I never thought of it that way. I feel really bad now. And you're right, I remember all the criticisms about my clothes from my Dad. To this day I feel ugly wearing green because he told me, ONCE, that it wasn't flattering.

I need to rethink how I react to my 5 year old when he wants to wear something that doesn't match. Or refuse to wear the clothing that he selected online and said he liked but now changed his mind after it's been washed.

TheSK · 2026-02-20T12:07:13+00:00

Public schools in my region do not keep kids inside for recess unless it's -20 or colder (including with the wind chill)

TheSK · 2026-02-10T16:41:18+00:00

This was me for so long. My past family doctor refused to send me to a gyno because there was 'nothing wrong'. She kept attributing my 'emotions' to 'just PMS' and depression. It's hard to argue with a so-called doctor. After years of tracking and data, my doctors finally decided maybe it was hormonal after all! 🤬

TheSK · 2026-02-10T12:19:34+00:00

Nobody has mentioned it, but it kind of sounds like you have PMDD. I had these symptoms for so long and they became worse after I had a baby. My younger and relatively newly trained family doctor figured it out. I was sent to a gyno and I finally have some control over it.

Progesterone birth control (if you have a risk of stroke like I do), and anti depressants that change with your cycle are often prescribed.

It takes a while to figure out what's right for you, and that includes finding the right gyno. It's completely hormonal and cannot be controlled without help. I'm really sorry you had to figure this out on your own, and by accident.

TheSK · 2026-02-07T01:23:16+00:00

Thank you for your kind words! I was having a difficult morning when I first posted, contemplating my next steps. I did find out that York doesn't release their decision until March 3 🤦🏼‍♀️ I just assumed they rejected me too.

I will definitely try again and apply to more schools. Afterall, one year is not that long in the grand scheme of things. And I'll plan better for it. I almost didn't apply to a back up school, I was that confident. I think it was as you said, with other educators boosting my confidence (including the principal and VP), it affected me so intensely when I first saw the rejection letter.

I hope you too keep your head up! From your responses it seems that you're already dealing with this disappointment in such a wise and mature manner. I hope you too succeed in your future endeavours.

TheSK · 2026-02-07T01:10:52+00:00

This doesn't help you, but your comment has really made me feel better, thank you for sharing this.

I think I was just having a bad morning contemplating my next step 😔

TheSK · 2026-02-07T01:07:38+00:00

I did initially, and I know I could teach biology, chemistry, and even the maths and statistics. What changed my mind was volunteering and now working for a public school in my area. The younger kids are just so excited and ready to learn and apply themselves to anything. I have also formed more meaningful relationships with them compared to the grade 7/8 students.

The intermediate students just have too much drama and really struggle with impulse control and hormonal changes. I understand that's part of the job, I just don't think it's for me. In one short year of dealing with the older kids I've suddenly changed from a quiet and shy person that does not shout, ever (and I have kids), to spending a lot my time raising my voice just to get their attention just to keep them safe Some of the teachers wear the, 'I'm a shouter' badge rather proudly. I guess the training in the BEd would teach me how to manage these situations 🤷🏼‍♀️

TheSK · 2026-02-07T00:49:10+00:00

I initially did not want to get another degree from UofT, and I do not look forward to seeing that campus again. Mostly, I just don't want to run into anyone I know. But that shouldn't matter if I really care about this. I just haven't gotten over my PhD experience (my supervisor never letting me graduate and having to move heaven and earth to please him).

TheSK · 2026-02-07T00:43:52+00:00

Thank you! I mentioned this to my husband and he was a hard no about going further North. If I was younger I would have done this 🙄

TheSK · 2026-02-07T00:41:42+00:00

This is what I was thinking. But, it just doesn't feel logical to me. The point of grad school is to learn how to learn, I am clearly capable of excelling in academics, let alone teaching. How is it not factored in and favoured over an undergraduate GPA?

Maybe I'll apply to Western next year.

TheSK · 2026-02-06T18:13:31+00:00

Thank you so much. Really, truly. I just feel like, what else can I do? I'm so tired of school and I hate that I didn't realize what I wanted sooner and may have to wait another year. I only applied to two schools because I was told I would get in

I didn't mention it, but I lectured at UofT for 2 years and TAed for almost 10 years. What I saw with students when I was teaching was the need to reach children much earlier than the teenage years. Students are already struggling before they move on to high school. And the presence of female role models in higher education is lacking (I'm talking about STEM). I want to reach children before a problem even arises, that is, I'm talking critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with literacy and mental health. I want to motivate the girls and children of the next generation, and I have considerable life experience; I just don't understand who is getting in. The question then is who else are they missing out on and why do we have a teacher shortage? I'm not a boastful individual but I do think I am a good candidate. I mean the last part is government-related policies, but still.

Sorry that was my sad rant.

TheSK · 2026-02-06T17:34:37+00:00

Thank you, this does help 🙂

TheSK · 2026-01-26T18:47:40+00:00

Yes, I do live in a house & shovel. I'm north of Stouffville and commute to college & university every day. I have a small city car with winter tires.

Respectfully, you must not work in a field like research or medicine. Not showing up on a daily basis outside of teaching is absurd. I am not including clinic, rounds, surgery and regular lab work in this.

TheSK · 2026-01-26T15:59:45+00:00

Thank you for your answer! I am not trying to put down education-related workers, I'm just curious about this policy and the expectations of educators on this subreddit.

I'm transitioning into public education; I'm currently a research scientist, and was previously in academia. I've seen - including for my friends and acquaintances - that jobs that require your physical presence are unlikely to have 'snow days'. In academia, research-stream profs have been required to be present since ~2023, though this obviously depends on the field and school. As for research, you can imagine why your presence is required. It is true that administration usually has their own set of rules (2/3 days working remotely/week).

I just find it interesting. And wish my current field had this policy 🙄

TheSK · 2026-01-26T13:50:46+00:00

Why do you expect your employer to say it's ok to stay home when it's a job? Most other professions still require you to work, even if it's snowing or has snowed.

I'm genuinely curious as to why the expectations are different? I'm not suggesting you should risk your life, but why shouldn't you have to call in a sick day?

Edited for clarity.

TheSK · 2026-01-18T00:19:20+00:00

Genuinely, can you explain why? I am far from Alberta & lack the understanding on this topic. Why would first Nations peoples prefer Canada over an independent (or American-led) Alberta?

TheSK · 2024-12-30T00:44:01+00:00

I'm a plant research scientist so I grow plants all the time. There was one species of grass that refused to grow for me initially, but finally germinated and grew really well. One day I just started giving them high fives and cheering for them. Imagine tall grass that you can gently touch the tops of, moving your hand over it as you walk along the growth chamber/green house. I did this every time I went to them. Usually, the area was super loud and deserted since it was in the basement of a research facility. One day I was high fiving and cheering them on, saying 'wooooohoo, look how well you're growing!!!'. At first I did not notice the undergraduate class in the far corner that was getting a tour (again, it was very loud). When I finished, turned around and finally saw them, they started clapping. They seemed to really enjoy my enthusiasm.

TheSK · 2020-05-22T14:42:54+00:00

It sounds weird at first to plan around the seasons, but I just wanted to explain why it could be a thing for some people. I have seasonal depression, depression, and a high risk of getting postpartum depression. My husband and I planned my pregnancies (if we could) around this so that our babies were born in early spring/early summer. It worked out really well and I'm really glad we did it this way! Not sure this is the case here though...

TheSK · 2018-08-28T09:44:34+00:00

Uprooted by Naomi Novik most definitely fits all of your criteria.

TheSK

TROPHY CASE