AWARD

            I see many stories on the news that are disturbing at many different levels, as I am sure we all do.  This morning, I ran across a story that falls into this category, but also speaks to a situation that I think is in dire need of correction in this society.

            This story comes from Tucson, Arizona.  Apparently an eight year old girl received an “Award” from her teacher for having the most excuses for not having her homework.  The award was entitled the “Catastrophe Award” and is described in the story as a colorful card containing the following message: “You’re Tops!  Catastrophe Award.  Awarded to Cassandra Garcia.  For most Excuses for Not Having Homework.”

            Apparently the award was given to the first in front of her class.  The girl’s mother told news that she contacted the school to complain and that they simply blew her off.  Ms. Valdez was interviewed by KGUN, an ABC TV affiliate in Tucson and stated: “I think it’s cruel and no child should be given an award like this.  It’s disturbing.”  She added that she was not aware that her daughter had a problem with homework and that the girl was being enrolled in an after-school homework assistance program.

            Now – perhaps the “Award” and its presentation in front of the class was in bad taste – questionable at best.  I don’t think embarrassing a child is ever a productive route to take.  But, what I find most disturbing about this story was the mother’s comment that she was unaware that the child was having homework problems. 

            On the surface, the problem seems to be that the child simply was not doing her homework.  It did not indicate that the child was turning in homework that was done incorrectly, which would indicate that she actually attempted the work.  Instead, it indicates that she simply did not do the homework.  The more serious problem here though, is that fact that the mother was unaware of the homework situation. 

            Come on – Mom – what do you think your responsibility as a mother is?  This is a classic example of the trend of parents not taking the time to take care of their responsibility as a parent.  Parents fail to take the necessary time with their children, checking to see if they need help with their homework or even if they are actually doing their homework.  Then, we wonder “What’s wrong with the youth of today?”

            I would love to hear your comments on this.