I need to know if this email I’m writing is okay. I’ve added past emails I’ve sent.
Here’s the draft email:
Hello TEACHER,
I’m reaching out because A10 told me about being paired with G10 for a project. He mentioned it was randomized, but he’s had some uncomfortable incidents with G10 in the past, including bathroom privacy issues and bullying. This causes him anxiety, especially since he has an IEP that’s supposed to consider things like this.
We understand that working with different personalities is an important life skill, but with these past incidents, A10 is really struggling with this pairing. He has mentioned to you already that he’s been yelled at by G10 when trying to communicate with him, which only adds to his stress. This feels like an avoidable issue, and it worries us deeply, especially considering previous conversations about peer-to-peer issues.
Please advise.
Thanks,
Original Email 08/14/24:
Cc: COUNSELOR
Hello TEACHER,
My name is Y33, and I’m A10’s mom. We’ve had past problems with G10, including him looking under bathroom stalls at A10 in May 2021. I also learned today that G10 kicked and punched A10 while switching classes. I understand there’s often more than one side to a story, but for future seating, can you please keep them apart? I’d appreciate an update on this issue. Thank you.
Best,
Y33
Response from his teacher:
Hello,
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I’m sorry to hear about the incidents involving A10 and G10. A10 and G10 don’t sit next to each other, and I’ll ensure that continues. I’ll also share this information with OTHER TEACHER 1 and OTHER TEACHER 2 so they can monitor the situation in other classes. COUNSELOR or I will follow up on the incident and keep you updated. Thanks for trusting us with A10’s well-being.
Honestly, just send a short email to the teacher. They likely forgot. Teachers are always managing kids who don’t want to work together. Also, maybe tone down the email a bit. It feels like you’re gearing up for a legal battle. Maybe try something more like:
"Hi Teacher,
We had talked back in August about X and Y. X was assigned to work with Y again despite past issues. Can you switch him to work with someone else? If needed, feel free to call me at 555-5555. Thanks for your hard work."
Or better yet, call the teacher directly. If the teacher doesn’t fix it, you can always go to the principal after.
@Hemsworth
Agreed. The teacher probably just forgot. A quick reminder should do the trick. OP’s email is more appropriate if the teacher refuses to help, which is pretty unlikely. I’m a teacher and if I saw this, I’d be apologetic.
I get why you’re upset, but this email is too long.
Keep it simple: “A10 and G10 had issues before. You mentioned they wouldn’t be paired together. Can you please switch their groups?”
Maybe follow up with a phone call if needed. If the teacher doesn’t fix it, then escalate to the principal. But I think it’s more likely they just forgot.
Don’t send that long email—it’s too much and sounds a bit awkward. Go with something more straightforward like this:
"Dear Teacher,
We discussed keeping A10 and G10 separate due to past issues. A10 told me they’ve been paired together. Could you arrange a different partner for A10? He’s feeling really stressed about this situation.
Thanks for your help. Let me know if you want to discuss further.
I don’t get why people are telling you to make it super short. The teacher needs to understand everything that’s going on so they can take it seriously. Leaving out details might just lead to misunderstandings.
You gotta do what you need to protect your kid. But man, teachers are really in a tough spot. They deal with so much, and now everything has to be documented in emails. In the old days, you’d just have a meeting or phone call to sort it out. Now it’s all emails and formalities.
@Nixon
Yeah, but the need for documentation comes from people not taking things seriously unless it’s in writing. It’s not about trying to catch anyone—it’s about making sure things get done.
MABLE said: @Nixon
Yeah, but the need for documentation comes from people not taking things seriously unless it’s in writing. It’s not about trying to catch anyone—it’s about making sure things get done.
Fair point. But the amount of time teachers spend emailing back and forth with parents is exhausting. It cuts into their actual teaching time. They should be compensated better if they’re expected to manage all these extra tasks.
Big time Karen energy here. A10 needs to learn how to deal with these issues himself. Mommy isn’t always going to be around to protect him. Facing the challenge might actually help him grow.
@Silas
We’ve already had other issues with different kids, and A10 has been able to resolve those situations on his own. He also has autism, so sometimes social situations are harder for him to navigate. In this case, he’s really struggling, and that’s why I had to step in.
@CharlesWhite
Sounds like A10 has dealt with a lot already, so maybe this is something he can handle, too. But if G10 is being abusive, then yes, definitely escalate the situation. Just seems like A10 is stronger than you think.