Ringing the School Bell..!
A little over a year ago a close friend of mine, with whom I’d been staying for a day or two asked me if I’d accompany his wife to the PTA meeting at his son’s school. “It’s your job, why should I go?” I asked.
“One because you’ll find something to write about, two because I’m busy and three you can use your charm on the teachers so they won’t be harsh on my lil’ boy!”
I went and as I stood and waited our turn, I heard bits of conversation from various tables behind which patient teacher listened and talked to not too patient parents. I found it quite intriguing that most of the questions asked and answers given were the same and thought that some system could be introduced to save time.
“Use a bell system!” I said grinning at my friend and his wife, later in the evening. “Make an announcement saying that in order to assist the parents, please listen to all options before making a selection and ringing the bell”
To give excuses why your child was absent most of the time – Ring the bell Once
To make excuses as to why your child did not do his homework – Ring Twice
To complain about how bad the teachers are - Ring Thrice.
To yell at any class teacher- Ring Four Times
To ask why you didn’t get needed information that was already written by the teacher in your child’s school book and several notes sent to you – Ring Five times.
If you want to complain about your child and even make an offer to us to raise your child – Ring Six times.
If you want to reach out and touch, slap or hit someone in the class who is bullying your child or who deprives your child of his first rank – Ring Seven times.
To request another teacher to teach your child and have the present one sacked or suspended – Ring Eight times.
To complain about bus transportation and that the bus driver presses his brakes only when your child is standing or getting down – Ring Nine times.
To complain about school lunches and changes in menu, even giving us a list of what your precious child loves to eat, ring Ten times.
But if you realize this is the real world and your child must be accountable and responsible for his or her own behavior, class work, homework, and that it’s NOT the teacher’s fault for your child’s lack of effort – then sit at the table at the far end and his or her class teacher will be with you in a moment!
“What happens to all the parents who’ve been ringing the bell?” asked my friend chuckling.
“Ah yes, make another announcement, saying “that after you’ve finished your turn at the bell, a peon will escort you to the school gate..!”
