This is definitely a random thought however one that I feel important to express.
My 14 year old was at home this past week with the stomach flu. He would wake up each morning but quickly realize he wasn’t going to make it to school. He’s a good kid with a ninety average. He went as far as to email one of his teachers asking if there was work he had missed and for another teacher’s email address to send the same question.
So what’s the problem?
When I called to advise that he would be away again, the school secretary/administrative assistant advised me that he would need a doctor’s note before coming back to school. I politely let her know that my son had not been to the doctor and therefore would not be bringing a note. I could certainly write one if necessary. She thought about it for a second, put me on hold and then reiterated the need for a doctor’s note.
Losing my patience, I painted a clear picture of the situation for her, hoping that if she heard it again, she would realize what she was demanding. It went something like this:
” So, to be clear, you want me to take my son, who is now well, to the doctor and ask him to write a note confirming that he was at home sick for the last five days, even though he had not been to the doctor? You would like me to pay my doctor to write a note about something he knows nothing about? Is that right?”
She put me on hold and yet again came back and advised that I would need the note.
What she was saying is they would prefer to see a note from someone who knows nothing about the situation over a parent’s word.
Does this make any sense to you?
That is absolutely ridiculous and in no small way, she’s calling you a liar. It’s not like your son was calling the school trying to get away with something, you’re his MOTHER letting the school know your child is sick.
That’s exactly what I was thinking. She was accusing me of lying. I don’t run to the doctor because my kids are sick unless I feel it absolutely necessary. I think the school should rethink their policies. I also encourage them to allow their staff to think about what they are saying before they say it.
Let’s all put blinders on, open up a rule book and not think for ourselves.
You hit the nail on the head Kat. I understand it may be a rule, however, if she had stopped to consider what she was asking, for just one minute, I thought she would see how ridiculous it was. Apparently not.
That’s ridiculous. It’s not like a parent is going to keep a child home for the sake of giving them a “free day.” Obviously a parent wouldn’t lie to keep their kid home either. Parents won’t lie about their own kid being sick! I hope it get sorted out!
I’m not sure what she was/is thinking. For the life of me, I can’t figure out the reason except that it’s an antiquated rule that makes no sense.