Angry parent update

Finally, after weeks of back and forth with this parent, her son shows up with a stick bag for class.

I was thrilled!

To make up the grades that he was missing, I told him that he could complete extra credit assignments. These were to be research papers (one page in length, double spaced) on accomplished percussionists, their inspirations and their accomplishments. I figured...one page? No sweat! Most people can type up one double spaced page in a half hour.

The young man turned in 4 sentences that were cut and pasted from wikipedia. I know this because the HYPERLINKS WERE STILL IN IT. To make matters worse, the mother signed her name at the bottom of the sheet. I guess this is to tell me that she's keeping up on her son. Lady, did you read this 'paper'? I would've been embarrassed for my child if they turned in plagiarism. The assignment was not supposed to be difficult but it was supposed to be out of the ordinary, seeing that it was 'extra credit'. I did not grade the extra credit, but instead scheduled a parent teacher conference to meet the mother in person, for next week.

Today I get an email from the student. He lost his stick bag in my classroom, he says. He goes on to say that because I made them spend all that money, I should find it. (Another note: his stick bag was $40. This is peanuts compared to other instrumentalists who pay hundreds.) He suggests that I start by looking in my classroom. I would find this offensive, however the grammar and spelling are so poor that I feel as though I am communicating with a 5 year old. (I will mention that this student has no learning disabilities).

I look in my room. No stick bag.


Should be an interesting conference.