My son and 3 other middle school students, were goofing off, the teacher said, I want to kill you.?

Question

When I called the school, the Asst. Middle school Dean, said it was inappropriate. She stated that she didn't believe she meant it. 3-4 weeks later a 2nd episode from teacher of being too strict, my sons grades dropped, it knocked him out of basketball. When he turned all late homework in, plus extra credit work, she gave him 1 extra credit. I emailed the principle because he doesn't have pe at school. No reponse from the principle or head of Middle school. Safety at school is important, and even if she didn't mean it, and appology should be made or some sort of communication from the Head of School. He needs to keep his grades up. She drops the score for everyday late, during Thanksgiving Holiday also. He wasn't allowed to turn it into her on the Holiday but 5 days drops the score even more. Is it fair to stop him from playing school basketball, he will continue to be in the chorus and orchestra at night next week. Isn't there an obesity problem America.

Answer 1

Ummmm....
Expecting the school to provide everything correctly is going to be a disappointing proposition.
it's very hard for the school to adapt to your situation.
better that your family adapts. yes, what the teacher said is wrong, but common in our society.
yes, it's reasonable to drop grade for being late even during holidays.
he is going to need to comply with her if he wants to do what he wants (basketball)
consider asking to switch him to a different teacher.
also consider that you might be meddling a bit too much
and he might get the idea you will protect him at school and
have input to his grades.
you might be too involved/interfering. just an idea.

Answer 2

Um, if the question concern obesity alone, then yes, there is an obesity problem in America.

If you want to talk to the principal, call the school and keep hounding them until they give you the principal (not an answering machine either). Often, they'll say the principal is in a "meeting;" ask when it will end and say you will call again then (b/c some principals often are actually in their office not wanting to take calls; I know b/c I worked in a middle school office before).

The teacher's comment was inappropriate but I wouldn't expect the school to do anything beyond slapping her on the wrist. Teachers are also generally allowed a great deal of leeway with how they grade assignments. Furthermore, your son should be turning in things on-time. I had a teacher that would just fail you on the paper if you turned it in late. The purpose of school is to learn and primarily increase intellectual knowlege (i.e. basketball is not the main goal of school and schools have these limits in place to encourage students to make sure they keep up with their classes).

Answer 3

You need to insist on a parent-teacher conference with the administration present. This is unacceptable!!! If you can email the teacher, principal, vice-principal and the superintendent requesting a conference, I think your concern will be heard. If you don't get a conference with the admin there, you need to contact a school board memeber asking what your next step should be. Don't wait until after the winter break - take care of this now. You sound intelligent and like you've given this serious thought. You're ready to meet and make some changes for your son and the future/present students at his school. Best of luck!

Answer 4

I think you need to talk to this teacher directly. Try to schedule an appointment with the teacher and the Dean. I have found that if they know a parent is involved, they're a lot less likely to pick out your child to pester. If it's really bad, you can request that they transfer out of that teachers class. It sounds like your child knows your there for them, so that's a great first step. Middle school is one of the hardest and not all teachers are "great" teachers.

Answer 5

No matter what the kids may or may not have done, a teacher should never,NEVER make a statement like I want to kill you.
That is outrageous! You need to go to the school board if this is not resolved by the Dean/or principle.Sounds like the teacher is having some issues that are affecting her work.