You find humor in other people's stupidity...

The IEP

So... in an IEP meeting, the father said, "We didn't know he was being tardy so often." Then five minutes later, "You keep calling us about his attendance!"  

LMAO

Do parents even think before they speak?

The Parent-Teacher Conference

The previous day, Mr. English Teacher requested a parent-teacher conference in Ms. Counselor's office because The Boy was being disrespectful, disruptive, and not doing his work on a daily basis. 

The appointment was set for 10:15, Mr. English Teacher's conference period. Mt. English Teacher was there and Ms. Counselor was there, but no Ms. Parent. At 1:15, Ms. Parent unapologetically showed up with her grand-baby in a stroller. It was as if Ms. Parent didn't even know she was 3 hours late. Ms. Counselor explained that Ms. Parent had missed the appointment, that Mr. English Teacher was not available because he was teaching class, and that Ms. Counselor would not be available for 30 minutes because she had back-to-back appointments with students. Ms. Parent waited.

Just after Ms. Parent showed up, Ms. Computer Teacher called and sent a behavior referral for The Boy. He had not attended her class for 12 days, so Ms. Attendance Coordinator had walked him to that class yesterday. Finally in computer class, he removed and rearranged the keys on the keyboard. Ms. Counselor told Ms. Computer Teacher that Ms. Parent was there and Ms. Counselor would address the situation with Ms. Parent, so please send The Boy to the office. The boy was not in class, so Ms. Counselor radioed for Campus Supervisors to look for The Boy.

When Ms. Counselor was available, she called in Ms. Parent and soon, The Boy had been found and brought to the office. Ms. Attendance Coordinator came to the meeting and everyone discussed the problems. The Boy denied the problems, stating that everyone was lying and 'out to get him.' That 'victim' excuse doesn't work in Ms. Counselor's office. Ms. Counselor insisted that Ms. Parent attend a full day of school with The Boy.

Ms. Parent asked, "May I bring the baby?" Is she serious??? It seems so!

"Uh, NO! We cannot have a baby in classes. It would be disruptive. Your daughter will need to find another babysitter for Tuesday." Answered Ms. Counselor.

You want to slap the next person who says, "Must be nice to work 8 - 3 and have summers free!"

I didn't get home until 9 PM tonight!!! Met with parents who can't (won't) make time during regular school hours to meet with their child's counselor. I wonder if their Dr. or Dentist make time for them after hours because they "work and can't get time off?" As if I don't work. LOL

Sometimes I call parents in the evening only to hear, "What are you doing still at school?" I want to answer, "Taking an interest in your child's education!" 

Then there are the parents who say, "Why do you want me to come in?"  when their child has been suspended. What???? I don't want you to come in, it's the LAW that we meet to discuss your child's Ed Code violation and YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILD'S BEHAVIOR UNTIL HE/SHE TURNS 18! What are YOU, the parent, going to do to ensure that he/she doesn't violate any laws again? Unbelievable!!! 

You know why you went into education when...

... A former student who had a lot of potential, but didn't live up to it, comes to visit and thanks you for your patience and encouragement. Alex came in on Thursday - "Thank you, Ms. S, for always being there, encouraging me through countless hours of unmotivated rambling, and for sending me to counseling." He looked so relaxed and happy - proud of himself because he followed through with the help for his depression and just finished his first semester at university with a 4.0 GPA - HOORAY!!!  

... you get two presents in the same day - a bouquet of flowers from Martin and his mother - "Thank you for being so patient and always listening. I'm going back to SEMHS." - AND a thank you note from Jonathan, "Thank you for your help and time through all the stress of applications and for writing such great letters of recommendation for me." plus a copy of an early acceptance letter to USC for Jonathan!!! WOOHOO!!! 

more to come...

A Series of Thoughts

You find humor in other people's stupidity.

You shake your head when someone says, "You must be a saint."

You want to slap the next person who says, "Must be nice to work 8 - 3 and have summers free!"

You know the contract says your day is over at 3:00, but...

You believe chocolate is a food group.

You can tell it's  full moon.

You believe unspeakable evils will befall you if anyone says, "The kids sure are mellow today!"

You feel the urge to snap your fingers at a child you do not know and correct their behavior.

You have no life from September to June.

You can't wait to get back to work in September.

You think people should be required to get a government permit to reproduce.

You laugh uncontrollably when people refer to the staff room as a "lounge."

You didn't know what an impact you had on a student until...

You believe in the localized aerial spraying of Prozac.

You've had your profession slammed by someone who would never dream of doing your job.

You confiscate a cellphone from a student using it in class and realize you can't afford that cellphone.

You can't have children because there's no name you could give a child that wouldn't bring on high blood pressure the moment you hear it uttered.

You think caffeine should be available to staff in IV form.

You can't help correcting everyone's speech, notes, letters...

Your personal life comes to a screeching halt at report card time.

You love even the most annoying students.

Your question, "Why is this kid like that?" is instantly answered when you meet the parents.

You think you've heard every excuse, until...

You know why you went into education when...

I intend to expound on each of these in a separate post, but not in any particular order.