I started missing English class a lot more than I should have and I
was getting into some deep water as far as my academic and
citizenship grade was concerned. I started to get into that late
semester desperation where I started considering my mistakes and was
trying some deathbed make up extra credit deal. I asked the Frau if I
could make a deal with her about the missed assignments and
attendance. She didn't tell me yes or no but at the end of class she
gave me a note that explained her feeling on the subject. I tried to
scan it but it was hard to read so I will re-type it here:
The school already has a 'deal' to work off attendance problems!
Check with the office! For each week of perfect attendance the office
(Mr. Wilson) eliminates one ineligibility. Let's see- while I've been
teaching (on + off) with pneumonia, you slept in because you were
tired! Did I tell you about my GIFTED son the seminary pres., golf
medalist, highest (37) ACT's and SAT's to graduate from P.H.S. Who
NEVER missed school? Sincerely Frau
P.S. I'm crabby because I care about you & responsibility. But
I'm too sick to buy “I slept in”
Mr. Wilson is a great diplomat, + I respect his judgment.
Following the note was a few whited out lines and a side note that
explained why the post script was above the body. It read: See! I'm
too ill to Know which side is up!
What I noticed right away was that she had exaggerated her sons
accomplishments because a 36 was the best score possible not the 37
she claimed. She also lost some of her credibility when I told her
that Mr. Wilson had offered a alternate deal if she would agree. Her
previous claims of respect seamed to have been forgotten and she said
she didn't care what he said that in her class she was in charge. I
worked out with my other teachers away to stay eligible for my only
reason for coming to school – debate. The Frau held out for a bit
and then gave me a deal which I screwed up.
