No, I will not come open the band hall 3 hours early so you can drop your kid off for free babysitting before the event.
No, I will not stay late after school (on the one day we don't have marching band) for your child to record their playing test that's already 2 weeks late. They can do it at home, or after school before marching band.
No, I will not excuse your child from today's event because he needs a haircut before the weekend (yes that was literally an email I received).
When parents complain about something that was announced a long time ago, I've been known to forward the original email that was sent out with the expectations. "Yes, it's required that your student have supplies/come to rehearsals/do their playing test/whatever else, as described in the band handbook. Below please find the information that was sent out after our parent meeting in August."
At some point you'll develop a reputation as the teacher with expectations. MOST parents will appreciate that. A few may go on social media and complain about that @$$hole band director. In the 10 years I've been here, I've been mentioned on the town's Facebook group a couple of times, but every time the returning parents have jumped in the comments to point out the multiple parent meetings and communications about events and expectations. Usually the complainers don't stay in band for long and I'm not sad to see them go.
If you are new to this position it may take time, especially if you took over from someone who entertained such nonsense. If your admin expects such things from teachers, it's going to be even tougher...might be time to look at other employment opportunities for next year.
Responses