Well - this is how the meeting went! First of all I had to get someone to cover my first block class because the only time the parent could meet was before 9am this morning, so my day started off a little hectic! Well, when we got in the office (principal, curriculum coordinator. the parent, and myself) I suggested that the mom start and let the others know what her concerns were. She explained that she was concerned that I was encouraging the kids to drink and then explained why!

I wish you could have seen the look on the faces of the principal and cc. This vein kept throbbing in Mr. Z's head and he had this look on his face like he was concentrating very hard. (It kind of reminded of me of when my best friends little boy goes off in the by himself to "dirty" his diaper (and I don't want to start a debate - he is still the right age to be in diapers)

). It was obvious that he was really trying hard to keep a straight face - so was the cc, but she just looked more stunned. The mom finally did say that she now realized that it was a historical term but was afraid that it was sending subliminal messages to the students!

I really wonder what she thinks about the Life Skills class - that's essentially sex ed. She said that she knew that I had been in a sorority in college and everyone knew what went on in sororities! I think she kept trying to make it into a socioeconomic thing. It got really wierd. I think she kept trying to tie together the fact that I think I'm better than her because I had been to college and I wanted the kids to know that I could afford expensive stuff - like Absolute vodka, I guess. I really got confused about what it was she was really upset about. I don't think that I've ever really given the kids a clue as to what I could or couldn't afford - I mean some of them know the car I drive - which isn't anything special and some of them know where I live. DH and I are just normal, middle class people. It was really so wierd! So to make an already long story shorter, essentially the principal, cc and I reassured her that we were in no way sending subliminal messages to the kids and that I would never encourage teenagers to drink. I don't think she was satisfied when she left but she never would say what is was she wanted or how she wanted to resolve the situation. After she left the three of us laughed until we were tired. Mr. Z said that that was one of the most interesting parent conferences he had ever sat through! He also said if she wants to talk to me about the same situation any more to just refer her to him.
So anyway, I hope she doesn't bug me all school year. At least she's involved with her daughter. I have called parents who let me know that when their kids are at school they're "my problem because I'm paid to deal with them!"
I would never want any other job on earth! Everyday something happens that just completely cracks me up!