Every year, I pass out a really nice informational packet to all of the parents of my students. My packet has a very nice letter introducing myself. I also include my rules, expectations, consequences for not following the rules, materials needed for class and a basic overview of the subjects I teach. I am very proud of my packet that I put together, by the way. I worked very hard on it.
This year, I made a tiny typo on my letter. One of rules is, "Absolutley no throwing things." (I know you are supposed to have positive rules and not use negative words such as "no", but I really have to stress this rule as throwing items in the classroom is one of my big pet peeves!) Anyway, on my letter, I inadvertently left out the word "no". So when I went over the packet with my students, I had them correct the paper. We made a joke about it. We laughed about it. No big deal. Right??
Wrong!
I got my packet back from a parent. This mom wrote all over my packet. This is what she wrote exactly how she wrote it:
???Proofread???
How can you expect the kids to follow the rules when its not correct!!!!
How can I know your grades will be correct!!!
She pressed down all hard on the pen when she wrote it. I guess trying to prove her point.
Well, let me just tell you that I saw RED! I was shaking I was so mad. Let me remind you that it was the fourth day of school and my room had been hitting 90 degrees all week.
So I picked up the phone and called her butt! I worked my absolute hardest to stay calm and professional. It was so hard. But I was nice. I explained to her that I knew the mistake was there. I addressed the mistake with my class. We joked about it as I assured the class that everyone makes mistakes. Then I gave her an opportunity to berate me some more. Funny thing was, she had nothing to say. Guess she's not so bad without her thick black pen. I said "okay then" and hung up. Then I sent the packet back home with her child.
Two days later, I receive yet another note from this mom. This time she was apologizing to me. She said she was completely out of line and she was sorry.
How 'bout that??
7 comments:
That would have made me mad, too, Jess. Good for you for calling her. And good for the mom for apologizing in the end. Maybe she was having a bad week and vented her frustration on the wrong person. It's good that she realized she was wrong. At least you know a parent actually took the time to read it! :)
Get'em Jess, LOL
G'ma Marva
Thanks Grandma!
Kristen, I actually did think that it was nice someone read it! lol. I am sure most don't. It's kind of long. ha ha
I had someone point out a mistake in our agency newsletter this morning. Something must be going around this week. It was someone who works at First Commonwealth Bank who noticed in a sentence we used "then," instead of "than." She actually took the time to go on our company web site and fill out a form like she wanted a counseling session for the sole purpose of pointing out the mistake. :(
Good for you Jessie; those small mistakes are hard to pick out because when I proofread, I know what I want to say and in my mind, that word is there. Keep up the great work....it takes special people to be school teachers, AND I AM NOT ONE OF THEM, LOL.
She certainly didn't have to be so rude about the typo in the first place. Nonetheless, congratulations on getting a parent who reads what you send home and admits when she's wrong.
I want "Absolutely throwing things" to be over the door of the gym at our Awesome School.
Jamie! Yes! GREAT IDEA! are you keeping a notebook of all our ideas for our AWESOME school!
Kristen, that is crazy. She must have too much time on her hands.
Thanks Aunt Footie!
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