2 weeks ago a parent called for a meeting with my wife about her son, the Dean, Principle and the boys other teachers also attended. The mother came in guns blazing wanting to know why her son was going to fail again this year, the principle stood up and handed her a stack of write ups and notices, that was returned with her signature, of failing grades, in school suspensions, erratic behavior and also a long list of the failed attempts to reach her by phone. The principle said if you want to sit down and discuss this in a civil tone of voice we will see what can be done, but the mother said that the school year was almost over, that her son would not be returning for the rest of the year and he would be sixteen next month and would quit school and get a job. He was in the sixth grade with eleven and twelve year olds, do the math. Of course her screaming tirade from the time she walked in the door until she walked out was mostly bleeps and the kid walked out grinning ear to ear shooting them the bird with both hands. Unfortunately this type of thing is a regular occurrence across the country. Some parents get involved only when they think there is something in it for them, being on TV etc.
