My three girls at one time or another, in their lives, have attended a K-12 campus in our city. It’s a big school without a doubt, but it is split into 3 levels and there are a lot of adults in the building. The teachers also have phones in their rooms, radios and cell phones in case of emergencies or if they happen to be outside with their class.

Twice in one week they have “lost” my 12-year-old! Last week, I received a text notification that my daughter, who I put on the bus, was not present for 4th period! What? I called the school and explained the situation to the attendance lady.

Attendance Lady: “Oh, I’m sorry. I will go into the computer and mark her present.”

Me: “Wait, what? Where is she?”

Attendance Lady: “You said she was at school so I will make sure it doesn’t say she is absent.”

Me: “I think you are missing the point. Where is she?”

Attendance Lady: “What?”

Me: “Could you transfer me to the health room, please?”

Attendance Lady: “Um, sure?”

Me: “Thank you.”

Other line rings and it’s the school!

Me: “Hello?”

Daughter: “Hi mom, I am sick and in the health room.”

Me: “Did your teacher know you were going to the health room?”

Daughter: “Yes, he notified the office.”

Today, I went to pick up the same daughter for an orthodontist appointment. I waited 5 minutes and then asked the attendance lady if she could call the classroom because she must have forgotten about her appointment. Ten minutes later, I still do not have my daughter and she tells me she can’t reach the teacher and she is sorry. Deep breath. I ask her if someone could perhaps go to the classroom and get my daughter as we are now 5 minutes late for our appointment.

Attendance Lady: “Um, sure?”

Daughter finally comes to office 18 minutes after I arrived to pick her up! She forgot about her appointment. No kidding.

Let me just say, I know that job can be overwhelming and I would never want to be in her shoes, but knowing where our children are in less that 18 minutes should be a priority!

Sunshine & Sarcasm,

Lowi & G