Confused

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Home : 2004 : September : 25

Confused
By Fran

Do you inform all the parents in your room when a student sneezes or coughs without covering their mouths? Yes, spitting on someone can be a deliberate act of meanest or it can be an accident. I know some adults that occassionally
spit when they talk.
"Say it, don't spray it" is a common child response to that situation.
I was "tattled" on once last year. I personally owned a book/a program that my co-worker wanted to use. She had been asking around if anyone had a copy of the program that she could use. Several people did have copies but didn't wish to "share." She had the history/past history

of borrowing things and things didn't get returned or they were returned in such condition that one had to throw the things away from misuse.

I hadn't know that she had been asking around to use a copy of the program. Someone shared with her that I owned one. When she found out that I had a copy, she ran to the office screaming to the principal that I had a copy and I wouldn't share it. She didn't even bothered to ask me if she could use it . . .

I was called into the office and screamed at by the principal - "Why? Why in the world wouldn't you share it? How selfish are you anyway? For crying outloud, if she needs the program to help the kids in this district, you'd better let her have the materials she needs. We are on the same team here. Be a team player! I'm ashamed of you." First of all, I personally purchased this program - $150 of my own money.

I answered the principal calmly by saying firmly

"1. She hadn't asked me that she wanted to use it.
2. I didn't know she was looking for a copy or that she wanted to use the program
3. I don't appreciate how she came to you demanding action that encouraged you to reprimand me about having this program
4. This copy of the program belongs personally to me. The district does NOT own this copy of the program. I do have a copy of the receipt billing my credit card and I do have a copy of my credit card bill with the company's name charging me 150 dollars for purchasing this program - if you wish to see it.
5. I really don't wish to share this program with someone who doesn't respect others - they don't respect other's property nor obviously do they respect others by treating them the way they would like to be treated AND
6. If the district would like to purchase the program for $150 I am willing to sell it, and when I have the money in my hands, she can use the program any time, any way the district wishes her to use it.

The principal just stared at me. Then he swallowed and quietly said, "I'm sorry. I didn't realize she hadn't asked you and that the program you have is personally yours. You know the district financially can't afford to purchase the program from you . . . Can you just let her use your program?"

I answered "No . . . I personally can't afford to support this school district. Would you personally purchase this program from me then and let her use it?"

His answer surprised me . . . "No way. I don't have 150 dollars for that?"

I replied, "Is this all sir? I have a lot of preparing to do for my lessons. . . . this is my planning period."

He answered shamefully, "Yes, that's all."

This is an example of "tattling" I deal with frequently from my co-worker.