Dealing With "The System"

I finally spoke with Meagan's principal yesterday. The principal is the head of the school and the lady's name is Carol. She seemed very nice. However, it was clear to me that she was bound by school policy, or more probably by law, to make it difficult for me to monitor my daughter's progress in school.

"Yes, I understand your concern, Mr. Pringle, but --"

"Call me Dale."

"I understand your concern, Dale, but I have to follow board policy in this type of situation."

"OK, well I'm not even sure at this point if my daughter is even enrolled in your school. Do you have a new student there? Her name is Meagan. She's just moved from Acton. Her lip is --"

"I'm sorry Mr. ... I'm sorry, Dale, but I'm not allowed to give out that information."

"But I'm the girl's father, for goodness sake!"

"Yes, but how am I to know that for certain? How am I to know if you have the legal right to see her?"

"I've had the legal right to see her every second weekend for the past ten years."

"Do you have a copy of the separation agreement or decree of divorce?"

"I pay child support. I have a support order. I can show you that if you want. Jeez, I didn't think this would be such an ordeal. She's my daughter. Don't I have the right to follow her progress at school?"

I was beginning to feel a bit indignant, Ms J, and to be honest, a little guilty. Why had I waited until now to start this process? Why didn't I get involved earlier? Maybe if I'd paid more attention to Dan ...

"Yes, of course you do," Carol was saying, "but not until the school is satisfied that you can legally see your daughter. Our primary concern is for the safety of our students."

I've told Kelly I plan to visit Meagan's teachers. I'm sure she'll pass that message along to Scout. On Monday, I'll phone the school again and hopefully, arrange to meet with the principal and/or Meagan's teachers. I care about her education. I want Meagan to know it, and I want the school to know it.

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