Mr. B

This week is conference week.  Not just at the school where I work, but also at the school where my daughter attends.  I was looking forward to Josey's conferences.  She is the alien in the house who writes lists, cleans her room without being told and doesn't like fast food because it isn't healthy.  The rest of us are disorganized slobs by comparison.  I'm sure there are things i could do to screw her up, but for the most part, she is really pretty low maintnance.  I felt I was being ripped off because I can't make conference night.  I want my accolades!!!  I emailed all the teachers so I could get a little feel good feedback.  Most of them emailed.  One called. 

Back when I was "just" a parent studying to be a school person, other school people told me that once I was a professional I would "get it."  Many of them meant that I would understand that I should lower my expectations of school personnel.  Just started my third year....hasn't changed my expectations.  It has made me appreciate when somebody goes over and above....like calling an hour after the schoolday is over to give me my conference time.  Love it!!!!!   So that is thank you número uno!  But many teachers call at any hour with bad news.  Trust me on that one.

What working in the field has made me realize is that there are many kinds of students.  Today I had one myself that is a bit of a stinker, but I love 'em anyway.  Having said that, it is nice to occasionally have that student who is polite, efficient, hardworking, respectful and kind.  It is even better when you hear from somebody that your child is THAT student.  As a professional, we sometimes only get time to put out fires and call the parents of problem kids.  I now know it takes extra effort to make time to call with good news.  That is thank you número dos.

Mr. Bemmes, thank you for calling me about Josey.  Phone calls from teachers are usually not good, so it was extra nice to hear such wonderful things about my daughter on an otherwise hectic day!