Contrast

Visiting DQ's new school last night for "Meet the Teacher", I was struck with how vastly DIFFERENT it is to her prior school. The teachers are amazing - they are there to actually work for and work with my child. The principal is incredible - she has a zero-tolerance policy on any infraction of the rules, and follows through on consequences - yet, at the same time, she is a very warm and caring person. She commands respect, and gives you the same. She listens to your every word, without noticing everything else that is going on around her. She runs a very tight ship - and the kids going there are happy, friendly, and kind.

Contrast that to the reception I received and TP's school for their "Meet the Teacher" night on Tuesday. The teachers were aloof and wouldn't look me in the eyes (the ones whom I begged to help DQ for two years - and who wouldn't do anything to stop the torment she was going through). The principal brags about the "quality" of his teachers and his own abilities as a leader - yet nothing belies his words. He's a "schmoozer" - yet, if you dare question him or ask him about something, he will personally denigrate you and your family to other staff and families. When I was at this school Tuesday evening, and at the football game last Saturday evening, I felt like I had leprosy. The icy stares were so full of contempt.

I know I keep on promising to write about DQ's experience at this school. I have written several paragraphs already, and have them saved for future publishing - but it is so painful to write about. The amount of prejudice and disdain that she received at that so-called Christian school was beyond belief. All I can say right now is, thank God she is in an environment where she is treated with the respect and kindness to which everyone should be entitled. Thank God, the "old" DQ is resurfacing - she is getting back to being her fun-loving, bouncy, happy self. She has healed tremendously over the past few months, for which I am very grateful.