Second grade, part 5

Reese watched as her teacher’s face was red and her mother’s face was white.

“I disagree with your records. I would like for you to write down the averages for these subjects please.”

“I do not have time now, Mrs. Williams.”

“Then you can send the averages home with Reese tomorrow. In my mind, she made straight A’s and I am very proud of her work. I will keep this copy of her average in her keep sake box. She can always remember the true grade she made. Thank goodness her records from second grade will not seriously affect her in any way. I have lost respect for you today Mrs. Sanderson.”

Mom grabbed Reese’s hand and walked back to the car. Reese remained quiet until mom started the car.

“See mom! She is a mean old lady!”

Mom turned around and looked at Reese with eyes that were still filled with anger.

“She is your teacher. You will still show respect for her as your teacher even though we do not agree with her methods. You are learning, you are safe, she is doing her job whether or not we agree with the way she is doing it. Do you understand me?”

Reese nodded but couldn’t keep quiet.

“You said you lost respect for her!”

“I did. I think it is unfair to not give you the grade that your average is but you will still show respect for her none the less, and if she had given you B’s instead of A’s, I would take it to the principal. But this is not a fight that is necessary. I will eventually express my concern to the principal but you are still a good student, I am still proud of you and you will show respect for your teacher even if you don’t like her.”

Mom changed the subject of conversation to things they were going to do this weekend so Reese soon forgot about the grade card. After all she didn’t really care that there were minuses by the A’s, at least they were all A’s.