> How do you politely tell a
> parent she's a moron? I called a
> parent the other day to let her
> know her daughter accidentally
> got paint on her shirt and
> it might not come out.
[snipped the part about the angry letter
from the parent]
> The principal wants me to address
> the letter - very nicely of course.
> I need to tell her that she's an idiot
> for thinking that I can call her
> and every parent when
> we use something that might stain.
> (Okay, so not the idiot part.)
Jennifer,
I'm heading into a clay project and I
told my students (paraphrased, but
I'd say 90-percent "word-for-word"),
"We'll be working with clay
so if you're planning on
spending thirty bucks or even ten
bucks on getting your nails done you
may want to wait until we're done
with this project. Also, if you
have jewelry such as watches or rings
you may want to leave them in your
lockers or, better yet, at home.
We have paint shirts and
I'd recommend you use them or bring
an old sweatshirt along
so your clothing doesn't
get ruined. This is basically mud.
You wouldn't wear your best clothing
to play football on a dirt field,
so be aware that either you are
going to have an accident or a classmate
is going to spill something on you."
Even with the paint shirts - as you are
so well aware - "stuff" is going to get
on their clothing. "Stuff" that is
supposed to be water-based, but will
*not* come out in the wash.
If you send a letter home with all the students
(a letter that requires a moro... er, *parent's*
signature) which relates the "dangers" of
the art room to everyone's wardrobes, perhaps
you'll be in a better position to say,
"You IDIOT, I TOLD YOU SO!"
or something more diplomatic.
