Delinquent ~ May You Lead An Interesting Life

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Delinquent

Email I received from Lu:

Subject: I'm in trouble

Hey mom, I got into big trouble today in school. I'll tell you when we get home but I thought I'd give you a heads up.

Well, ok then.

Apparently the middle school principle decided Lu should be the person who needs to "control" her friend's behavior at school. Lu responded that she can't "control" anyone. So the principal wanted her to be an influence on her friend, to help her with her homework and get better grades. Lu told her she already does this. And then she added:

"You've had my friend down here in your office all day. She's missed all her classes. I don't think that will help her grades get better if she isn't in class."

And that, my friends, is considered "disrespectful" and "talking back" to the principal.

15 comments:

Michelle Fluttering Butterflies said...: Wow. I'm impressed. It sounds like the truth, but I'd have never have had the guts to say that to a principal.

It sounds like a terrible situation to be in though - control? No way. Another child's academic success is too big of a responsibility to put on a child. What was the principal thinking?; January 29, 2009 7:05 AM
Casey said...: Ha! She did have a point, pulling kids out of class isn't going to help anything.; January 29, 2009 7:12 AM
Jacquie said...: She did have a point! But I've done that before, talked back i mean. it isn't her responsibility.; January 29, 2009 8:31 AM
Joe said...: Sounds like common sense to me. Apparently they're not teaching that in school any longer.; January 29, 2009 11:33 AM
Grant said...: Also, it's considered immature if you form opinions that don't coincide with the teachers'. Tell Lu so you can avoid that inevitable e-mail.; January 29, 2009 11:39 AM
Unknown said...: Of course she's right. But it's all about pride nowadays, my friends. If a child questions an authority figure and it turns out that they have a valid point, they aren't rewarded for that, they are punished for pointing out the flaws of the older and "wiser" person.; January 29, 2009 12:01 PM
Jenn said...: That sounds exactly like my Jr. High School Principal.
Good for Lu!!!; January 29, 2009 1:13 PM
♥ Boomer ♥ said...: Your daughter sounds so mature for her age. Her insightful ways always surprise me - these little looks into her life and thought - always sparkle.; January 29, 2009 5:25 PM
Reticula said...: Wise child. She did just what he asked--made a suggestion that would help her friend do better in school--and she was punished for it. No wonder so many kids refuse to talk to adults.; January 29, 2009 7:21 PM
AS Amber said...: As if dealing with her own academics isn't stressful enough? I agree with Carolyn. The principal's attitude was "don't confuse me with the facts. My mind's made up."

Good for Lu!!; January 29, 2009 10:50 PM
Anonymous said...: Carolyn has written my post for me...Lu was on a hiding to nothing. she was right, of course. Reminds me of me.; January 30, 2009 4:05 AM
PG said...: critical thinking, speaking your mind, taking a stand. what a naughty naughty child!

I do hope the principal sees that she's a sharp cookie who is not a trouble maker.; January 30, 2009 6:51 AM
Anonymous said...: sometimes just because someone gets to be principal doesn't mean they are smarter than the average bear! good for lu not being afraid to speak the truth. and hello where is the teacher who should be helping the friend?; January 30, 2009 7:45 AM
Jen - Queen of Poo said...: Oh holy crap. "Here child, I'm giving you way more responsibility than I have a right to, but make sure you remember that you ARE just a child and I am the adult."; January 30, 2009 12:01 PM
Kira said...: HAHA you guys make me laugh :P; December 13, 2009 5:23 PM