Okay, so...On the Friday of last week the school band (or, some of the band and some of choir) went caroling around some of the houses near the school. We met up at the nearly empty parking lot at the library which was already closed for the night. It wasn't near a huge town area, it was just across the intersection from the school and a tractor company. Just saying this so you know that there weren't many or any people around. There were roughly 20-40 people, and 3 or 4 chaperons including my band teacher, his wife, and the choir teacher of whom I didn't know. So we went singing songs to houses until like 7:30 or 8:00 P.M. Then, everybody just got in their cars and left. Incuding the chaperons! That left me and about 5 other kids whose rides were late. In the end, it was just me and another friend left. She felt really bad about leaving me alone, but her ride came and she had to go. That left me, all by myself. It was pitch black night outside in a wide-open, empty parking lot next to a closed business, and I had no phone (I used a friend's to call my mom.) I was really really lonely all by myself. My mom got there about 20 minutes after everybody had left, and roughly 30 minutes after I called.(she was running really really late. We only live about 10 mintues away from the school).

Now comes the part that makes me angry. Wasn't one of the teachers supposed to stay and check that all the kids get a ride? This was an organized event. The teachers were one of the first people to leave! It was evening in an empty parking lot. What if my mom got a flat tire and couldn't get there? What if in that 20 minutes, A couple of people pulled up in a car and mugged or shot me? I would be completely defenseless, with no one to witness it and nobody to help or go to! I can't imagine the other things that could have happened. Luckily, she got there and I was fine, albeit a bit mopey. But aren't teachers supposed to watch after the kids? It is high school, but still...What do you guys think about this?
Singelli : You were a high school teacher, so I'm interested in your input on this.

Why didn't you ask your mom if you could walk home if you knew she'd be late? (after the phone call)

One of the teachers should have stayed just to make sure everyone has a ride and is safe. If something was to happen to you or one of the kids who had to wait for their parents, it's the teachers' fault for leaving straight home without even thinking that maybe one of the students will either be late or maybe not have a ride home at all. Even while in high school, when it comes to after school events, the teachers in my school always check to make sure students have transportation home. Not only should teachers teach students what to know, they should make sure their students are safe too.

earthwarrior : I didn't know my mom would be late. She told me she was running really really late after she picked me up. Also, a 10 minute drive from home to school means about an hour walk home .-. And that's at night, too.

Your parents needs to address this with the school, the principal, and the teachers. This is pretty f***ed up. I mean was everyone that eager to FTP of there and go home? If the adults are like that then they aren't fit for their jobs.

This is pretty messed up, like TitaniumOxide said. I believe that you should tell someone (such as the school principal) because really, anything can happen in 20 minutes. And if your friend was really bad about leaving you alone, why wouldn't she ask if you would want a ride home?

mario, this was awhile ago, so whatever happened already did. lol

Popeye.... *bops head* !!!! I'm soooo sorry I never responded to this! I remember getting the summon and reading it, but I thought I got around to responding.... and was surprised to see just now that I hadn't. Boy do I feel like a jerk, now!

Oy... er... what did you end up deciding to do?

Personally, I think those teachers were -completely- irresponsible and deserve to face some consequences.  The teachers I used to work with were the same way and it always drove me nuts.  I'm sorry, but if you can't stay behind with a child to ensure their safety.... a part of your job duties... then you are just SELFISH.  When a teacher determines that getting home is more important than staying with that child.... ugh.. it just makes me so angry!  An adult... a CHILD.... how can you be so selfish?!

It reminds me of when our school dealt with last year's snow in.  Hundreds of kids were stuck in the school, yet most teachers felt they could not sacrifice their time to stay and help in the situation (ones without families at home, I mean).  Out of the teachers who DID stay, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM valued a restful sleep more than keeping boys and girls separated. I was the absolutely only teacher who stayed up all night to keep the boys out of the girl's rooms.  (We live in a bad neighborhood, and the boys were trying to get to the girls all night.)

Singelli : First of all, (I don't mean to be a jerk here), do not call me mario. I am Chris! Anyways, I want to know if you've ever had to chaperone for one of these types of events. I mean, I'm not sure. If you were a high school teacher, some of the older students have cars, so they could easily take care of that, but what about your students who don't? I think that even if you haven't chaperoned for one of these events, it is just not right to leave someone stranded, especially a child.
Popeye116 : Now, I'm not calling you a child, but someone should be responsible for you when there is this type of event! This stuff really makes me mad when people don't do their jobs!

Singelli : Don't worry about it, Singelli. It's not a big deal . 

Anyway, I ended up deciding to do nothing about it. Now I feel like maybe I should have done something, but about a week later I more or less forgot about it. So, yeah :T. I just hope he doesn't make the same mistake next time. He's also a really nice guy, so I don't think I should make a whole big deal about 1 mistake, I guess. I'm talking about my band teacher here, by the way. I do believe he should have had to face some consequences, though.

Wow, that really stinks. I can't believe that some teachers would just leave the students when they are stuck inside the school. And I can't believe that the teachers didn't stay up during the time. 

mario102 : I agree. And don't worry about calling me a child, because, well, I am one :p

Popeye116 : Well, I'm glad you feel that way. Did going on Vizzed help you out? I just want to know, because I think it's a really good site for things like advice.

mario102 : Yeah, it did. I mean, I don't have TOO many people to talk about it outside of Vizzed. Vizzed has a very diverse community, and it's helpful. Now let's stop sandwich posting, shall we? :V