Life in the Attendance Office

During this school year every Wednesday for 2-1/2 hours I volunteer in the attendance office at my son's high school. With the exception of 2 times (work conflict & daughter sick) I haven't missed a week. I'm no super volunteer, high energy, always dressed up PTA mom so the fact I've upheld my commitment even surprises me. (for the record I've hardly set foot at my daughter's school). More of a surprise is the fact I've enjoyed my time there. High school kids can be amazing and hilarious. To their credit, most are very respectful but I realize I could not handle being at the school full time. A few situations stand out:

• the student handing me a questionable looking note from his dad excusing him for a "docter's appointment"
• the girl who wanted to know if you can still get excused for going to DMV if you fail the driver's test 3 times
  
• the student who told me about her recent trip - a 2 hour drive to the Rocky Mountain (we live in NC)
• the boy who wanted a pass to get to class. He went to lunch in error instead of his class. After sitting and eating for 5 minutes he realized he didn't recognize anyone he usually had lunch with and should be in class.
  
• the kids who continuously wanted to go to their car at lunch to "get something". The answer was always "no".
• the boy who never talked. He rapped.

I've learned my job will be filled by a paid person next year. The school is 2 years old. Right now it only has grades 9-11. In the upcoming year, it will have all 4 grades and the budget will allow for a paid position. All things change. Change can be good. I will miss my time there and being in touch with what is going on. Maybe I will do something else at the school. Maybe not.