media. And I’m just going to say it—what with your cute cardigans in fun colors—we don’t encourage fraternization between teachers and parents of their current-year students. Although, again, I can’t enforce anything. There. Said my piece.”
Well, shit. Now I remember why I kept staying with and going back to Brent. It’s so much easier to be a new young teacher when people know you’re in a stable relationship.
“Mrs. Woodard, please know that I am one thousand percent dedicated to my students and this school, first and foremost.”
She holds her hand up to pacify me. “My dear, I’m not worried about you. It’s something I bring up with all of my teachers. I knew as soon as we met that you’re not one to cause any trouble.”
I try to look extra responsible, with my hand on my heart. “I appreciate that, because the last thing I’d ever want to do is create any kind of drama or conflict at work. Or anywhere else in my life for that matter. Not that I have much of a life outside of work.”
“Word. Oh! Also, I wanted to tell you about the Winter Festival.” She pauses to swallow her last bite of protein bar. “Each year we do a Holiday Show as part of it, on the stage in the gymnasium, and each year one lucky class is selected to perform it. Guess whose lucky class gets to do it this year.”
“Mine?”
“Yours. I know it’s four months away, but you should start thinking about it. No pressure. We take the quality of our shows very seriously here—but no pressure. Maybe find the YouTube video of Miss Farrell’s show last year, just to get an idea of what I’m talking about. It was top notch. But no pressure.” She claps her hands together, startling me. “Okay! We’re done. You’re dismissed. I’m sure you have a million things to do.”
I start to rattle off all of the things I have to do before returning home to my dog and my housemate who forgets to eat dinner just as frequently as I do when we’re working. But I very quickly realize she’s not listening to me at all. Meeting over. Emilia, out.
Off I go, to do my job and not have any kind of life outside of it.
Fuck you, Brent.
Chapter Seven
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the new school year!
I am so happy to have your child as a student in my second-grade class, and I look forward to spending the next ten months learning with them. But you know your child best! As a parent, your perception of your child is a valuable resource. The more I know and understand about my students, the more effective I can be as a teacher.
I would love it if you would participate in this “parent homework assignment!” Sometime this week, please write me a letter, introducing me to your child. You might want to include a biography, strengths, weaknesses, special abilities, past school experiences. You might also like to tell me about your expectations for this school year. Include any information that you’d like me to keep in mind while teaching your child.
Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this matter! I’m excited to read your letters and will respond to any concerns and issues at Back to School Night next week. All letters will be treasured and kept confidential.
Due date: This Friday!
Respectfully,
Miss Stiles
P.S. This “assignment” can be sent back with your child as a letter or emailed to me at [email protected]
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Ryder Tully-Vega
Dear Miss Stiles,
Ryder is hilarious and brilliant and creative and perfect.
He’s the light of my life and a healthy influence on his mother.
He has been since the day he was born.
It is my hope that school won’t ruin everything that is special about him.
Thanks for your attention to this matter,
Alex Vega
TO: Alex Vega
FROM: Emilia Stiles
SUBJECT: Ryder Tully-Vega
Dear Mr. Vega,
Thanks so much for your prompt response to my letter. I agree that Ryder is a very special boy, and it warms my heart to see that you are so supportive of him. I’ll certainly try my best not to ruin anything that is special about him or any of my students.
I would really appreciate it if you could elaborate a bit, though.
Please feel free to share any concerns about him with me, as regards his education.
Sometimes parents like to share anecdotes about their children. Whatever might come to mind. Hobbies, favorite after school activities. Any significant life changes that you would like me