A First - Validated & Vindicated

[Azusateach]

Judi, That is a standing joke between Ol' No Mercy (a name given to Laura in an old chatroom) and me. I know that teaching is much more than nine months a year 8 hours a day because I spent 23 years in the teaching profession myself. I'm sure that if Laura reads this she will verify that she knew I was just teasing her!

Judi, Pat and I have the kind of relationship that loves to poke fun at each other. We go back a loooong way, and have shared teaching horrors on several occasions.

I appreciate the support -- more than you know. After stewing on this all night, I've put a phone call in to his previous school, checked his permanent records (he was at risk for retention -- as a FIFTH grader!), and will be talking to his old Principal at lunch today.

It's looking like his dad is trying to deflect what he knows is a long-standing problem with his kid. He was evaluated for special ed. in second grade and didn't qualify. That usually means that he's working at his ability level and can't do any better. But as he's gotten older he's fallen further & further behind and dad's not happy.

This dad has offered absolutely no constructive suggestions about how we might help his little darling. I should have said that to him yesterday, but I don't think fast on my feet sometimes (especially when I'm worked up inside). I will say that to my Principal today, and then work like crazy to put this behind me. I can only hope.

Thanks again for your support and prayers. I really, really appreciate them. I'll keep you posted.

[Acadianmom]

I knew Pat was kidding and I'm sure Laura did too.

The last superintendent in Lafayette Parish had the policy that no kid could be kicked out of school no matter what they did. That's where our local news comes from so I get tired of hearing all the fighting going on every night. They had kids attacking teachers in the class rooms and not being kicked out. Teachers started quitting and it wasn't long before they were complaining about the shortage of teachers. The superintendent couldn't get along with the school board and they were suing each other. They finally got rid of the superintendent. Things have been quite since then so hopefully no news is good news.

Martha

[SoCalGalcas]

Laura, So sorry you had to endure this tyraid. I have a daughter and a DIL that are both teachers. I understand what you are saying as they both have has similar incidents.
There is no respect for school teachers anymore. A more important job hardly exists. Only one more year, then you will be free, and the school system will lose another good teacher.
Lyn

[monik7]

This is one reason why my kids went to private school in addition to wanting them to have a Christian-based education. There students were required to follow the rules regarding dress, conduct, applying themselves to their school work, etc. If they didn't, they were out. Parents were not allowed to be abusive to teachers. I know private school is not a possibility for everyone, but it's the reason I worked so they could have a top-notch education. All this paid off when both of my children were accepted to top-rated universities.

It really bothers me that you had to endure this type of treatment. How are we ever going to have enough teachers in public schools when they have to be subject to abusive parents who blame the teachers rather than admitting their children need to work harder. I admire your self control for sitting through his tirade. That guy is an idiot. I wish you strength to continue to make it through one more year and then get out. (((HUGS)))
Sandi

[judi]

Oh dpf I'm so sorry - I had no idea that was in jest! I always defend teachers! I've seen just how difficult their jobs are.

[Azusateach]

Well!

I called L's previous school & had a talk with the Principal. L's dad has pulled this kind of behavior since L started school. The Principal had even threatened to call the police on him. Teachers weren't allowed to meet with the jerk without an administrator present.

I've passed on the information I received to my Principal, and she will be talking to his old administrator. I'm done with the dad. I will do what I can for L., but will never meet with his father again.

I feel validated AND vindicated.

Thanks again for your support.

[Liz]

Well done!

[Bethers]

Yep, very well done.

[snowball]

My daughter and I were texting this evening after 8:00 when she said she needed to get busy was behind and had stuff to do
the way she 'said' it knew that it was school related..teachers do many more hours than parents even consider...
it simply isn't a quit at 5:00 and go home and forget it till 8:00 next morning
sheila

[dpf]

Oh dpf I'm so sorry - I had no idea that was in jest! I always defend teachers! I've seen just how difficult their jobs are.

Don't worry about it! I know what teachers go through throughout the school day and everything they do off hours. My neighbor was just over last night with a story very similar to Laura's. Some parents just need to have an attitude adjustment.....with a 2X4! Melissa's cartoon pretty much sums it up.

[gingerK]

While it's not good the way that parent spoke to Laura, my mind keeps coming back to "oh that poor child". Good that you will not have to deal with this man again, Laura.

[cnq50b]

So sorry you had to endure this, but it sounds like you've got it well in hand now. Just think one more year.
My dad's last words were 'love the children' - that's what good teachers do. Too bad the parents make your job so difficult.
Take care & dream about the adventures you'll have soon, very soon...