Parent-Teacher night (maybe part I)

I’m sitting here in my classroom. Tonight is Parent-Teacher night. Always one of the bright spots of the year. We have about an hour left and I’ve only had 4 parents.

Some highlights of past Parent-Teacher nights: Having all of my top students’ parents come in for a visit, watching N.L. slowly move away from fear of being swatted by her mother while we were talking, being given permission to hit D.E.’s child if he got “out of line.” (I never would, but it was nice to know I could. I might get fired, but at least I wouldn’t get sued.)

Some low points: meeting parents at the end of their ropes with their children - which happens more than you think, meeting a mother whose son was on my roster but I never met because he never came and seeing another mother cry because her son was so out of control.

You see these kids in school, they act all tough... such a front. They all have families... they all are someone’s child. In some cases, sadly, the children are more mature and responsible than their parents.

One parent tonight, her son got pretty much a straight 65 average. He’s such a bright kid, but he can not keep his mouth shut to save his life.

Another one just walked in...

K.J.’s mother JUST NOW also threatened to smack the crap out of her daughter because I let it be known how rude she can be toward me at times.

It’s almost time to go home now. Back here in less than 12 hours to do it all over again.

Six parents tonight. Not a bad haul.