Ms. Miller:  Ms. Kennard–Potter?  Hi, I’m Margaret Miller, Principal of Whittington Elementary School. Is this Daniel?

Bette:  Nice to meet you Ms. Miller.  Yes, this is my son Daniel Kennard-Potter.

Daniel stood up and went over to shake Ms. Miller’s hand and smiled.

Daniel:  Good morning Ms. Miller. It’s nice to meet you. Thank you for seeing us today.

Ms. Miller:  Well, it’s my pleasure to meet you too.  Now why don’t we go into my office and have a conversation.

She was impressed with Daniel’s response. Most of the students she interviewed never had a response at all and would barely shake her hand. This young man looked her in the eye and showed a smile which reached his eyes. He truly seemed like he was glad to be here.

Ms. Miller’s office was not like most public schools’ offices. It was more like a head master’s office in a private school. The furniture was high quality, heavy rich woods and fabrics. There was a sitting area of a couple of love seats and some high back chairs all upholstered in traditional style fabrics in jewel tones.  There was a coffee table in the center. There was a small conference table which had six seats to it. The desk was massive with two high back upholstered chairs in matching upholstery as the other furnishings in the room.

Ms. Miller:  May I get you something to drink?  Coffee, water or some juice maybe.

Bette:  I would love some coffee with cream?

Ms. Miller:  And you Daniel?

Daniel:  Some water please.

She indicated that they should sit in the sitting area. She went over to the desk and called her secretary and asked her to bring the beverages in.

She sat at the desk and indicated that Bette and Dan should sit in the chairs across from her desk.

Ms. Miller began her spiel on the school.

Ms. Miller: Whittington Elementary School is a public school which purpose is to provide elementary education to children who wish to study the sciences and mathematics in middle and high school.  Although we do teach the standard curriculum in other subjects, we emphasize and do more in-depth instruction in science and math. Generally, there is a waiting list to get into this school. But this year, there have been a few students who have moved out of the area in the fifth and sixth grades and therefore we have two positions in both grades. We accept children on a first come, first serve basis. Once accepted, you may continue as long as you maintain at least a C average academically and your disciplinary record is acceptable. If you are suspended one time, you will serve out your suspension. If you are suspended for a second time, we will terminate your position at the end of term. A third suspension, your days at Whittington will be terminate at once. That is cumulative for all years you are a student at Whittington. We will not tolerate certain rule infractions – we will not allow thief, assault, fighting, bullying, verbal insults which cause incendiary responses, or any infractions which results in the unwanted encroachment on another’s personal space.  All of this is covered in the student-parent handbook. You will receive two copies before you leave.