A "what would you do" question (sorry, long)

[minniecarousel]

Not earth-shattering, but I'm trying to figure out how to word this. I work at a high school and make photocopies for teachers. My Mom lives with DH & I. She has heart problems and isn't doing well. I need to impress upon the teachers to get their Finals to me for copying ASAP. If my Mom gets through her current crisis, I will have the summer to figure out how to have someone to come in to help her in the mornings, while I'm at work. (I'm home by 11:30 AM every day.) I don't want to give TMI, but I need to let the teachers know that I really need them to be more "timely".

How does the following sound?

{ It’s that time: time to get your finals to the Copy Room as soon as possible! This year presents a new challenge for me. My mother is in poor health. Since she lives with me, I am her main caregiver. I promise that I will complete Finals that are given to me several days ahead of time. As in past years, I will not accept same-day requests and am asking that you give me several days to complete your copies. (If everyone gave me their finals the day before they need them, well, you can see the possible problem!) }

Too much info? Many of the teachers know about my Mom. Some don't.

June 12th can't come soon enough (that's the first day of summer vacation for us.)

 

[horseshowmom]

Not earth-shattering, but I'm trying to figure out how to word this. I work at a high school and make photocopies for teachers. My Mom lives with DH & I. She has heart problems and isn't doing well. I need to impress upon the teachers to get their Finals to me for copying ASAP. If my Mom gets through her current crisis, I will have the summer to figure out how to have someone to come in to help her in the mornings, while I'm at work. (I'm home by 11:30 AM every day.) I don't want to give TMI, but I need to let the teachers know that I really need them to be more "timely".

How does the following sound?

{ It’s that time: time to get your finals to the Copy Room as soon as possible! This year presents a new challenge for me. My mother is in poor health. Since she lives with me, I am her main caregiver. I promise that I will complete Finals that are given to me several days ahead of time. As in past years, I will not accept same-day requests and am asking that you give me several days to complete your copies. (If everyone gave me their finals the day before they need them, well, you can see the possible problem!) }

Too much info? Many of the teachers know about my Mom. Some don't.

June 12th can't come soon enough (that's the first day of summer vacation for us.)

Personally, I wouldn't mention your mother at all. I also would not say "several days" but would give a specific number of days. Then I would have the principal sign off on it in addition to my signature.

I've spent a lot of years in school situations, so I understand where you're coming from. Keep it short and sweet!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I guess I don't understand the need to include your personal info in the message. I would also leave that private.

Sorry about your mom.

 

[Allison]

Don't bring personal situations into work correspondence. If you are doing your job during the hours you are assigned to work, none of the personal stuff should be an issue. Tell them specific dates and leave it at that.

 

[floridafam]

TMI. Keep it short and firm.

 

[Tuffcookie]

Ditto what the others have said.

TC

 

[minkydog]

Ditto. leave your mother out of it. Impersonal and to the point always works best. Even better if it comes down from the principal himself. And don't back down! You aren't asking anything extraordinary. You're working with adults who need to get themselves organized and get their stuff in on time(I work with teachers, I know what you mean.) Stand firm in your statement. If you bend your rule for 1 or 2, then your word is not firm and they will walk all over you. It is not your job to be their buddy, it is your job to operate the Copy Room which you can only do if they have obeyed the rules.

People get sick all the time. The world will not stop revolving if you have to stay home to take care of your mother. Yeah, I know it's the end of school and all, but nobody is going to drop dead if they don't get there copies made. In fact, they may have to just get there own butts in there and do themselves--what a concept!

 

[minniecarousel]

Thanks you guys! I appreciate the assistance.

Short and sweet - I like it!