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?

Casey said...

Ha! She did have a point, pulling kids out of class isn't going to help anything.

Jacquie said...

She did have a point! But I've done that before, talked back i mean. it isn't her responsibility.

Joe said...

Sounds like common sense to me. Apparently they're not teaching that in school any longer.

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.

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.

Jenn said...

That sounds exactly like my Jr. High School Principal.
Good for Lu!!!

♥ 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.

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.

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!!

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.

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.

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?

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."

Kira said...

HAHA you guys make me laugh :P