Being blunt

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Home : 2002 : February : 19

Being blunt
By Julianne

I think sometimes you just have to be blunt. It's a little late for it this year, but next fall you can explain to parents either in person or in your introductory materials that you do not take school related phone calls
at home. Tell them that since you don't have access to grades or assignment materials at home you aren't prepared to discuss students away from school. And remind them that you have your own family obligations to take care of.
You've received great advice about screening calls and that's a great way of handling the situation this year. You can also get these parents aside after class

if you happen to see them and say, "I noticed you called my house. I just can't take school-related calls at home. Let me give you the school phone number in case you need to get hold of me again." I've also found it helpful to give parents an e-mail address. Though I don't promise them I'll answer their e-mails immediately.