I shared this story tonight in the chat room, but it humors me so that I must share it here as well.
Some of you may remember my story of “Max,” the little punk in my 3rd grade class who stole from a student’s desk, had to write an apology letter, and showed up the next day with a letter–in his father’s handwriting–saying he was sorry it was stolen, but “I hope you don’t think I did it, because I would never steal from nobody (sic).”
There’s been many more adventures with Max this year, including grabbing himself and telling others to “suck it” (thank you wrestling), getting in fights, cussing out younger kids, and being banished to sit by himself in the room (all the others sit in groups of 4). He’s lost innumerable recess periods, had 2 detentions, lost a field trip privilege, and lost a party privilege. In every situation, his parents (particularly his father) came at us, saying we weren’t being fair. (I received one note from his father, saying not to call every time his son did something wrong, he didn’t want to know unless his son was sick, plus, it seemed that every time his son was in trouble it was his fault, and that’s not fair, blah blah blah…even if it’s true!)
Anyway…yesterday “Max” was absent because, according to his mother, he was sick with the stomach flu. Hey, made for a quieter classroom for me. Well, yesterday, our principal took a few deserving students out to pizza at Shakey’s (it’s one of those pizza, games, rides, and a show places) for a principal’s reward…and guess who was there with his parents, his sour stomach apparently in full recovery as he inhaled the food before him.
Ain’t that beautiful? What are the odds you play hooky, go out for pizza, and your principal walks in? Sah-weet! Sadly, she could do little more than chew the parents out (legally, it’s only one truancy–3 is the magic number before the law gets involved). Still, I just wish I’d been there!
I like this kid, that’s what’s saddest of all. He has the most personality of anyone in the room, and a great sense of humor. Unfortunately, his attitude is rotten–as he’s learned he gets what he wants–and he has few friends as a result.
I used to think the world was against me. Now I know better: Some of the smaller countries are neutral.