And that is exactly how he should have asked. Power tripping school administrator's trump a parent's phone call from Iraq? Only in a fascist's dream world.
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I'm not advocating rigidity in applying rules and regulations. I think if he had asked, the rules could have been bent a little for him. But that's the point: It doesn't appear that he spoke with anyone in authority to ask permission to take the call. And if he had and was refused, then yes, I would say the teacher and administration should have been given a good drubbing. But that's my point, he should have asked.
If there is one thing I have learned in the Army: "It is far easier to beg forgivness than to get permission."
Yeah sought out someone and asked and by then the call would be over. Sheesh my kid BETTER take the call.
My father is a teacher in a public high school, after retiring from the Marines with 24 years service. Students know and respect him because he is firm but fair. If he had been the teacher involved, this whole fiasco wouldnt have happened. He would have personally made the next periods teacher know that this student needed that time.