Thursday, March 26, 2009

Parents, Lawyers, and 911, Oh My!

It was such a wild and crazy day. Not the Steve Martin *fun* wild and crazy day but the OMG what the heck has happened kind of day.

It started with the phone calls from the school board attorney and one of the assistant superintendents regarding a student who is medically fragile. Without going into many details, the student is returning to school after a long stay in the hospital for almost dying. As it turns out oxygen IS important. Suffice it to say, I was a bit nervous about making sure we were doing everything to ensure the child's safety.

I was meeting with the mother while the teacher got the child out of the car and into the classroom when my cell phone began to ring. It was one of the secretaries informing me that a parent was coming down the hallway searching for me. This parent had refused to sign in at the office. She was going to find me NOW.

DAMNIT I need a school resource officer. And not for the kids but to help deal with the crazy-assed parents.

The parent who was ready to take me out back and shoot me on her way set me straight has a really great daughter, Ms. Drama, who can get a bit physical with some of the students. The previous day, Ms. Drama had forcefully elbowed a student in the gut. It was enough for him to puke and have difficulty catching his breath. Not behavior anyone could ignore.

I went out in the hall and told the ridiculous crazy mother she needed to make an appointment because I couldn't meet with her at that moment. The mother kept walking and talking. Spittle sprayed from her mouth. Again, I told her I couldn't meet with her. I then nicely told her she needed to leave as she hadn't even signed in at the office. She kept arguing. And she got closer and closer.

Finally, I loudly said, "Turn around and leave or I WILL call 9-1-1."

She kept arguing. And she was really becoming intimidating. I wonder where her daughter learned how to be so physical and so dramatic. I began to worry about her elbowing me until I puked. Puking before breakfast is a surefire way to start the day off on the wrong foot.

I held out my phone (while trying to keep my hands from shaking due to the massive adrenalin rush) and dialed 9-1-1.

Once that happened, she turned around in disgust and said something about calling the school board.

Being my usual mature self, I asked the 9-1-1 operator to hold the phone while I shouted out the phone number to the board office. No need in her having to look up the number.

Once I was sure she was gone, we cancelled the National Guard call for police back up.

As I headed back into the classroom to continue my meeting with the first parent, I looked at my watch. It was 7:35 a.m.

22 comments:

Leslie Hanna said...

Okay, you win. Your day was WAY worse than mine was. In fact, I think you win for the rest of the year! Your job is safe - I don't want it. :-)

cheatymoon said...

I so know this feeling. I often have my entire day start before 7:30.

We had a day too. Really tough at school, and so I thought I'd go home and eat bon-bons. Wouldn't you know - who would step up his game after almost a full week of peace?

I would have yelled the school board's number down the hall too... Ativan works well for adrenal overload. And it also apparently makes one type wicked long blog comments.

Have a good night, Beth.

Kristina P. said...

Hey, we had to call 911 today too, because a teenage girl threatened to stab our teacher, and said that she would punch me in the face. She then proceeded to kick the walls, throw a chair across the room, and rip down a poster from a wall and tear it to pieces.

I have to say, that's the first time in my 10 years of social work that I actually felt physically threatened.

Beth said...

Leslie - I really do love my job! I could do without a few of the adults but the kids are awesome.

Only a movie - So you didn't get the bon bons? No fair. And I'm afraid to have a drink as it could be the beginning of the story that ends in "Hi. My name is Beth and I'm a..."

Kristina - Holy Schnike! That sounds scary. It really does wear you out when you are scared. I hope that girl gets the help she needs and I hope your Friday is superb.

anymommy said...

That is insane. The next time I think I'm having a rough day, I'm going to think about your job and your day all before 7:30. For all of our craziness, we are just getting up then!

Pseudo said...

You make me really happy I am on spring break.

Beth said...

anymommy - But being a stay at home mom with 3 (almost 4) little ones is hard! You never get to leave work.

Pseudo - I am ready for spring break! After today, we have one more week till the break.

Anonymous said...

Would Miss Drama be the same young woman who was upset because her teacher won't allow them to bring Twilight into the classroom any longer?

Her mother sounds like a real bitch, er, sweetheart.

I hope your day today is better!

Just B said...

I'm going to remember this post and read any time I think I had a tough day. Wow.

It makes me wonder what I miss more about teaching, the parents or the students ;)

Lori said...

Oh my. All before 7:30 in the morning...what a way to start your day. I hope today is much kinder to you!

Unknown said...

Oh, the rush of adrenalin in the face of adversity! So smart to dial 911 right in the stupid woman's face... and calling out the school board's number was the piece de resistance!

So sorry that you had such a difficult day... but way to go girl!

LCO's said...

Oh dear, Maam I'm sorry that your child is out of control and elbows children in the stomach, here let me show you how it feels. She never signed in at the office so as far as the cops are concerned, she was never there. Your golden. Crazy crazy job, hopped over from nikki's page thanks for letting me visit!

Kulio said...

Hands down the WORST morning possible!!!! Argh. Scary too!!!

JoeinVegas said...

Perhaps you should get a new phone, one with a big red EMERGENCY button, so that you don't have to dial the individual digits.

Michel said...

Wow! I'm thinking Sudan might be better!! How on earth do you not kill those parents?? If you ever do snap, I will totally hide you here. I don't think Sudan has an extradition treaty (but I am making that up, so maybe and you might actually end up in a Sudanese Jail while they decide what to do....that might be awkward for you.) Its best not to kill them yet (until I figure this out). I'll let you know....

Candice said...

Don't you wish all days started off great like that?

Oy!

HeatherPride said...

God, Beth. I have always thought I'd be a great teacher but parents like this were always the reasons why I never went through with it. I hate her for you.

Elizabeth said...

When I taught in a rough are of London in the 1970's a girl came looking for Claudette Plummer with a knife......this was an all gorls middle school!!!
We had to tip over a table and get the police.
On the whole it was pretty peaceful......
Hope your day improved.....

Smart Mouth Broad said...

Geez Louise! You're dealing with your crazies before I even leave the house. I don't think I could handle my crazies that early in the morning. I might become the CRAZY. Snaps for you for keeping it together.

Everyday Goddess said...

I will never again complain about the unreliable mom in my Brownie troop. She pales in comparison to what you have to deal with!

How do you find your strength??

Deb said...

i love the commenter that offered to hide you in Sudan.

i will say, how dare you reprimand all these perfect kids. no wonder the parents are upset.

i am assuming, since i know for a fact you are alive and not in jail (or do they have internet in jail?) that the day must have gotten better.

Tricia said...

Blah! How does any parent think it's OK to act like this? I'm amazed, but you're probably not, which means there are too many crazy parents.