Coulda Knocked Me Over With a Feather.

Got to sneak in an entry here while I still can – before FOD implodes!!

You remember me mentioning Meet the Teachers Night? Yes? No? Whatever – it was last night. So I set off with more than a little trepidation. While Chickie is not a “bad” kid at school – neither is she a “good” kid. The past couple of years I’ve mostly heard that she’s a lovely girl, with a bit too much attitude & is too outspoken who rarely does ANY homework and has several friends that might be deemed ‘questionable’. (That’s the nutshell version).

I arrive at school and decide to start with the teacher in the portable classroom. Not for the first time this year my mind begins to wonder WHY the PTA spent many thousands of $$ on a decorative iron and brick fence/gate for one side of the school instead of putting that money into more classroom space & eliminating the portables. The reason given was that the fence/gate “Makes the students feel good about themselves”. OK. Well that takes care of it then, doesn’t it? As long as they feel GOOD – doesn’t really matter what the classroom experience is like or if they learn anything. Why not just spend the $$ on some really good drugs…put them in the water…and then the kids will always feel GOOD!!!!!!!!

Oops – got off the track on a side-rant. I wait in line behind 3 other parents to see the Algebra teacher. Chickie hates Algebra. Chickie hates the portables. I am not looking forward to what Mr. Obsessive/Compulsive has to say.

“Mrs. Wolf? Wonderful! Chickie is a lovely girl. She sits right over there and is always alert. She asks pertinent questions & is not afraid to go to the board to work problems. At first she had a little attitude, but now I think she likes me and we get along fine. She’s doing a good job. Thank you for coming.”

Stunned and with my mouth hanging open I headed for the science room, muttering to myself. “He musta got the wrong Chickie…” Then I was looking the science teacher square in the face.

“Mrs. Wolf! How delightful! Chickie is an excellent student. She got a A on test 1, a B on test 2 and an A on her notebook. She has a report due … and she will be fine. She is a very pleasant and helpful girl and a very good student. Thank you for coming in.”

I think he actually had to physically PUSH me out the door – I was stunned & in shock. Couldn’t even mumble to myself as I headed for the Art Nazi.

Chickie hates the Art Nazi and hates having to take Art class (even though I think she has TONS of talent in that area).

“Mrs. Wolf?” Oh yes. Chickie got an A on her first project, an A on her second sculpture and is right on track with her current project. She is SO marvelously talented and such a sweet girl. What a beautiful southern accent she has – I love to listen to her! Thanks for dropping by.”

OK – call me slow – but by now I am beginning to hope that they really ARE all talking about MY Chickie! Digital Desktop publishing? She says Chickie is doing fine – great on her classwork, great on her projects – just needs to study a wee bit more for tests.

Next comes the English Teacher.

“Mrs. Wolf!” Chickie is the best student I have. She is so helpful. Here – she has 100s on all these assignments…only missed a couple on these assignments. I wish I had an entire class full of girls just like Chickie!”

(Do you think he noticed that I did a little knee-jerk/arm pull dance and said “YES!” exuberantly to myself as I left??)

I ignored the PE department – cause really (and don’t bother lecturing me on this) I don’t give a damn.

So…last came World History. Would the shoe fall???

“Mrs. Wolf! Yes – Chickie sits right there. Her average in this class? 103. Yep. Excellent student. Very personable. Glad to have her.”

It was all I could do to contain myself as I walked to the car. I wanted to shout and scream and holler –

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU………MY DAUGHTER IS GROWING UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Instead, I called Chickie and took her out to dinner at the restaurant of her choice…….and told her how much I love her and how proud I am of her……..

And then we hid the extra rolls in my purse and went home!