An Email to My Principal

After my last post, I think it goes without saying that during my break, I had to get away from all things school-related. It was an amazing two weeks off, and for the first time in a long time, I felt happy and relaxed.

Unfortunately, my New Year's resolution of "attitude of gratitude" went out the window this morning. Over break, my principal did relay to me that she filed a claim for my car, and that after break, we would question and punish the student I identified as the person who keyed my car. Today I learned that my school is fighting paying for the damages as I cannot "prove" the damage occurred on school property. Furthermore, the student I identified (with whom I've had multiple run-ins, including that Friday) remains unpunished. I have copied below parts of the email I sent my principal this evening, and I think it says everything I have to say about this issue . . . for now.   

"I have to say that I'm surprised, and frankly, disappointed in how the meeting with *Danny ended after I left . . . The fact that he is ordered to do community service with me, the victim in this scenario, is truthfully offensive. Community service as you described in the hallway (cleaning tables, white board, etc.) is a form of detention I have mandated in the past to students who have eaten in my classroom, so this punishment seems very light in terms of Danny's offenses (disrespecting me, confronting me, harassing me, walking out of my class, cursing at me, mishandling my personal property, and vandalizing my car). Furthermore, as I am the victim, I do not see why I am being held responsible for handling his punishment, especially considering I made it clear that I do not wish to have further contact with Danny. To be very honest, this punishment does not only fail to hold him responsible for his actions--it's an open invitation to disrespect teachers and vandalize their property without consequences. I think this decision is setting a dangerous precedent, and I hope you will reconsider a more stern punishment.

Regardless, I want to reiterate that do not feel safe interacting with Danny in any capacity and that I will not be responsible for overseeing his community service. That is a decision that was made when I was not in the room.  I did not agree to this, and I will not be a part of it.  

I trusted this matter would have been handled appropriately, but I do not feel that is the case. I don't think you understand how violated I feel. This experience has marred an already difficult school year. I'm already reminded of it each time I get into my car, and now I'll feel the same way each time I walk into school. I hope you will reconsider your decision after reading this email and discussing this further with me tomorrow." 

*The student's name has been changed.