IRGRL

My one son is far from perfect, usually the class clown, but is shy and reserved, when confronted he will get an attitude and usually respond in one worded answers.  He is a good student though, even if he is lazy, maintaining a B average in school, his report card I just got was all A’s and B’s.  I say this as my into to this situation to give you bit of background. I’m far from dilutional of the fact that he has his moments, and can push a teacher, but he isn’t disrespectful, as he knows I don’t tolerate that.

He had a homework assignment missing from his b-day. I had taken the family into the city for his b day and we didn’t get home until 3 am, so he stayed home. She was irritated I am assuming at him because of this assignment missing, now this is what my son told me. Then I will fill in where I think he might of left stuff out.

He told me she asked where his assignment was and he replied he forgot to do it (but I’m sure he didn’t look her in the eyes, which I’m sure irritated her, and he started to scribble on his notepad because now he is nervous she has said something in front of everyone) he said she then came over, picked up his homework notepad, opened it up and started to rip out everything that was a drawing in it or she considered a drawing.  This pad is a 1 subject notebook and he keeps all his homework assignments in it from all his classes. She told him to not draw in his notebook  anymore, he said she yelled it ( I believe she raised her voice) threw the pics out and handed him back his notebook.  I am sure my sons response was a wicked dirty look shot at her ( I know him too well )

None the less, I feel her actions were wrong, here is a copy of a letter I have sent her and the principal of the school

( I deleted names, but everything else is true to content)

I signed the paper XXXX showed me for the missing work and he has done it.  He has also been reprimanded for not doing it, whether or not I took him to the city for his birthday or not and is now grounded for the week.
BUT, I would suggest the next time you feel like destroying his personal property, to call or email me and take the situation up with me.  I am his parent, if he is doodling in his homework notebook, that is for me to reprimand, not you.  If you get so angry at him you must take action, I suggest a walk out of the classroom, taking a couple of deep breaths, not making him the subject of ridicule with the entire class.  I am sure you have heard, 2 wrongs don’t make a right?   I am aware XXXX is not the easiest kid to get through too, especially when you rip out his papers in his notebook in front of his piers, but there are ways to deal with children and get through to him.  I asked XXXX 3 times to tell me exactly what happened as he knows I will be emailing you about this situation.
Ripping his notebook up because he is doodling in it, is not the appropriate action if you got angry with him.  You are supposed to be the one setting the example, what example do you think you just set for XXXX and the entire class?
I know you are a good teacher, and a respected one, maybe you were having a bad day and XXXX got the brunt of it? Either way, it was the wrong action to take.

That was what I sent. Now my one girlfriend told me that I was wrong and should of let it go, I don’t believe I was and that she stepped over the line with her actions, I don’t feel my letter was rude, but I showed her respect as I feel she should of done with my sons property no matter how he was acting.

Whats your take?