We are already at the end of our first quarter.  I have parent conferences looming over me after I get back from break.  I am ready this time.  I got the idea from another blog.  I will just tell the parents that the reason their child got the grades they got is because they earned them.  I don't like fluffing around.  Parents need to understand that being a parent is their job and not mine.  I will not tutor students on my own time anymore.  My lunch is my lunch time.  I need that time to get some things done, like eat.  Because I have been working with kids and not eating lunch, I have gained back 8 pounds of the hard lost weight I so desperately need to keep off.  I eat all evening because I am hungry when I get home.  I can't afford to eat on the run anymore. 

Parents need to check their own kids work at home.  Ask questions, look through their folders, etc.  I can't do that for them.  They should know what their kids are doing.  I send a Friday Flash home every week with what work is missing.  The kids are to have their parents sign it and return it on Monday.  I get less than half of them back even though they get points for it. 

So...If your child has low grades, don't look at me.  I didn't ignor my children.  I checked their work and signed their papers.  I did my part.