Sympathy

During fourth period today the seventh grade administrator showed up at my door and removed three of my girls. They had done something disrespectful (who knows what) and were on their way to be suspended. When they returned to pick up their things I found out on of the biggest hell raisers of the 8th grade had been suspended for nine days. Inside I let out tears of joy. Although this girl has not been a major problem, she was the first and only student this year to call me a name (under her breath, but still) and constantly disrupting every class and hallway she encounters. On the way out of the building this afternoon I ran into her mother. Seeing as though she had just called me a name I took the opportunity to inform her mother. This woman, tired and clearly disraught, could not have been more respectful to me and furious with her daughter. But you could tell that she has had it with this girl. She has no idea what to do with her. She was just released from her anger management program - the options are running low. It was notable for me though because it was the first time I felt truely sorry for a parent. This woman looked as though she might cry. You can tell her daughter is putting her through hell and she doesn't know what to do anymore. You've got to feel for this woman. I also need to not assume all parents are contributing to the problem.