Phone Calls: Short and Sweet

I'm going to make this short and sweet on this beautiful, crisp, fall day in America.

I've been up since 5:15 due to little ones tossing and turning in their cribs, but also because I've been thinking of student "C". Student C comes with a past history of academic and behavioral struggles. In terms of behavior and participation, he's actually off to a great start, and I truly enjoy him.

Academically with responsible follow-through is another story. Well, last week, or was it two weeks ago, word broke (from him) that a parent is dying of cancer and has 2 years to live. Now, as that parent, wouldn't it behoove you to actually PHONE the school yourself and mention something like this: "Hi, this is Mr./Mrs. C, I just want you to know that I've been told I have a short while to live, and you might see a change academically and/or behaviorally in student C." ????

I thought that might have been a good idea, as I am still wondering how truthful C is being to our support staff. But I digress... three examples of lack-of-follow through occured yesterday. I need to make a quick phone call to let Mr./Mrs. C know about it today, a sunny, mild, crisp autumn day.

After sleeping on it, waking up to it, I'm ready for what might be an eye-opening phone call. In a public school, it takes all kinds.