(1.) Parent requests change in conference from Monday (THE DAY HE REQUESTED) to Tuesday. I copied his original request along with the change.
Same parent sent in field trip permission slip with his signature and none of the emergency info filled in.
(2.) Parent calls in to say she can't make it to Friday's conference but she could come Wednesday, her day off, or any time next week. Parent NEVER returned the sheet that gave her time preferences. THERE ARE NO CONFERENCES NEXT WEEK. Will offer that parent two choices of phone conference time. Her child claims to live at grandma's, and shouldn't even be going to our school. Child is in serious academic trouble. Gee, I wonder why the child is so flaky?
(3.) First conference parents are 10 minutes late for a twenty minute conference. Mom stands outside the class talking on her cell phone for an additional 5 minutes. I start conference without her. Dad's cell phone goes off and he doesn't know what to do. He pulls it out (the phone, that is) and let it go to voice mail. He shrugged sheepishly. I sent them on the way when their time was up.
(4.) Next conference was on time. Student is getting good grades but is a drama queen. I inform mom that the drama needs to stop as it is apparently for show and attention only. The only victims are the classmates who have to watch her "shows". Child turns on the waterworks. Mom says, "She did this before only it was a lot worse." Oh, I'm glad it's better. And the Academy Award for the best performance by a sixth grader goes to ...
(5.) Next conference super supportive parents. Mom, according to fifth grade teacher used to cover son's rear-end for everything. Today mom turned to her son and said, "It's sink or swim time." Congrats, Mom, you have quit enabling your child.
(6.) Adorable girl who came from Mexico less than 3 years ago and is a top student. She wants to be a teacher. Hooray!
Tips to parents:
- Be on time, damn it!
- Turn off the damn cell phone!
- Sign stuff and turn it in in a timely manner.
- Don't act shocked when you see the grades. All your child's work is sent home weekly.
- Showing up for a conference shows your child you care and love them.
I teach in the public schools. We have no choice as to who is in our class.
4 comments:
Sounds fun! ;)
When you write your book , please include this in the chapter "parents" or "who are the worst enablers of badly behaved children" geesh....unfortunately, I am not surprised by the rudeness of
1. lateness
2. cell phone use
3. not showingup
the nuts don't fall too far from the trees or pot-- meet kettle.....
Mom, you are a WONDERFUL teacher, even if everyone doesn't appreciate your care and attention.
Liz, I hear similar stories from friends that are teachers. It must be aweful at times. My little girl is going through some anxiety issues and is having a lot of trouble at school right now. Her teacher has been incredible. We email almost everyday. As a pediatric nurse I have had to deal with similar parents. I even had a mom who didn't know the name of the childs school...uggghhh! Just know that there are parents that appreciate what you do. We have parent teacher conferences in a couple of weeks, I promise we will be on time and we will turn off our phones!!! :)
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