A chronically truant student who has made it to school only two days thus far is giving me fits. He just doesn’t care. That burns me up that he is this apathetic at 14 years of age. Apparently, he just hangs out in the neighborhood and is told by a female police officer to get to school. I have also involved the truancy interventionist at my school so that she can make contact with the boy and his father. She’s visited twice and brought him physically into my office.
As of today, he has been absent 37 of the 39 days of school.
Yesterday, his father unexpectedly showed up because he’d gotten another call about his son’s absence. Before he’d arrived, I had written myself a note to call him, too, because I was getting the paperwork started for his son to do an alternative education program. He was kind and seemed to be open to scheduling a meeting with the school early next week to move forward with something for his son. While I was writing down the meeting in my day planner he explained that he had come in on Monday of this week to see me but that I had been out of the office.
That’s ok, though. We talked to one of the other deans. That senior one. Mr. Scott.
Oh, good. I’m glad you got to do that. Did your son get to see him, too?
Yeah! That’s just it! He really listened to him. Mr. Scott laid into him about being out of school and maybe he got through to him.
Well, not yet. I thought. He still missed the last 4 days of school. But I was glad this father thought it was helpful.
You know why I think that is? For some reason my son seems to respond well to Black people. He respects them. That cop he likes? She’s a Black woman.
Oh. Really? Then why doesn’t your son LISTEN TO ME?
Huh? Well. Why would he?
I fear that as October has crept up on me I have lost all visible signs that my skin ever saw the light of day. Perhaps I was really pale today. Was I sick? Am I green? Well, in that case, yes, I have lost some melanin.
Well, because I’m Black. You can’t see that?
You are? YOU ARE? Aww, man, I’m so embarrassed. No, I didn’t know that.
I smiled at him. This poor man had tried to open up to me about his son and that probably wasn’t easy being as it came out of his mouth kind of like a confession, but he was still looking sheepishly at me. Still, he made me laugh.
That’s ok. So, ummm, would you tell your kid to listen to me. You know. Because I’m Black and all. That would be great.
Lost: my tan.
Found: a little humor in my work day.
October 19, 2007 @ 5:01 am | Filed under Everyday Mundane | Permalink |
dawn Said,
October 19, 2007 @ 6:40 am
A little humor shared with the masses. I so needed a little humor this morning.
On a more serious note–I am happy that the dad cared enough to come to school twice in one week. What I would have given for that when I as a high school teacher. I am happy he loves his son so much, but I am also sad that he is not REALLY seeing the problem. That is hard to get a parent to see when they for what ever reason do not see or want to face the harsh reality.
You do good work Kelly. Rock on. Really the kid should listen to you because you care and because well your the boss. Too bad “Because I said so” doesn’t work once kids start to think for themselves.
Busy Mom Said,
October 19, 2007 @ 8:01 am
I sure hope the kid turns things around, and, that he listens to you because you care.
You don’t look green to me, but, it’s still early.
angie Said,
October 19, 2007 @ 9:25 am
That is so funny! My husband is always calling me a white girl, so I can totally relate. Just go spend a weekend in Florida a couple times this year, and you’ll be a’ight.
RWA Said,
October 19, 2007 @ 2:35 pm
Well, he may have “listened” to the other person - but like you said, it obviously didn’t help THAT much.
But, at least the father seems to be willing to discuss the alternative program.
Tricia Said,
October 19, 2007 @ 4:10 pm
And what ethnicity is the boy? And for what reason did dad think that, I wonder. And if it’s true, why??? Too many questions for a Friday afternoon, huh? Aren’t I supposed to be at Happy Hour somewhere????
Fabulous, if it works, I guess. For one boy I worked with, Turkey Jerky was the answer. Dried locally, of course.
Daisy Said,
October 19, 2007 @ 6:52 pm
We had an IEP meeting earlier this week where the mom turned to a black teacher and said, “I’m not prejudiced, but…” It just got worse from there.
Big Mike In Oz Said,
October 20, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
It kinda reminds me of that scene in Lethal Weapon 2 when Danny Glover is pretending to want to go to South Africa.
Consulate Employee: I think there must be some mistake.
Danny Glover: Say what?
Consulate Employee: Listen to your friend here, he knows what he’s talking about. I don’t think you want to go to South Africa.
Danny Glover: Why not?
Consulate Employee: Because you’re black!
Leo Getz: [to Glover] You are.
Leo Getz: [to Employee] He is.
Lisa Said,
October 21, 2007 @ 1:55 pm
Oh for pete’s sake. LOL
lani Said,
October 21, 2007 @ 7:34 pm
lmfao. i had to look at your picture again. you ARE black. =P
Heather B. Said,
October 22, 2007 @ 7:44 am
Wait, you’re black?
On a serious note, black women tend to put the fear of God into others. Just saying. I didn’t get that gene, which sucks, but I’m sure you’ve got it in you.
KC Said,
October 22, 2007 @ 9:21 am
I come here to tell you about a movie scene that your conversation reminded me off… and here, it’s been already shared!!!! Thanks Big Mike!!!
I hope this kid realises he has a lot of people caring about him and his future. Its nice to see the father taking an active approach to his son’s future. Let’s just hope that he ends up respecting you for YOU and not just the color of your skin… but it’s a start. We all have to start somewhere.
Ciao bella,
KC
Isn’t it wonderful to find lost things??? LOL… ;o)
Betsy Said,
October 23, 2007 @ 8:42 am
Our school is doing something called truancy court. It is where the judge actually comes into the school to meet with truant kids. Their parents are required to attend as well. If the parents don’t show, they are picked up by the friendly local police.
The success rate has been phenomenal. We have reduced the truancy rate in both the junior high and high school by something like 70%. The fact that it is in school, the judge is seated with the students in regular clothes…well, it makes a difference.
Look into it, if you haven’t already. It is a very successful program.
And get thee to a tanning bed!
Lee Said,
October 30, 2007 @ 1:25 pm
I gotta say, your blog is excellently written. Wit, humor, drama…dang!
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