I am buying a voice recorder today and I will insist that the meeting be taped, being that my husband is unable to attend and I want to make sure there is no confusion later (Great advice Michaela, Thank You!) . My husband cannot attend because he has to watch our youngest daughter, so I will be alone.I plan on staying cool and listening to what she has to offer in order to correct this situation. The main topic at the meeting will be on the civil rights violations only. I will not get sidetracked or allow them to ask about past problems. If she wants to schedule another meeting to discuss my previous experiences with this school, I will be more than willing to meet with her again. I will keep any answers short and sweet and to the point. If a yes or no answer is appropriate I will use it. I got out my three piece skirt suit (makes me look like a lawyer :-) yesterday and probably will be the best dressed there :-) I will keep a positive attitude towards them at all times and I won't smile. I would like to thank everyone for the great advice and prayers, I'll let you know what happens.

Rita

-- Rita (rlynchjarss@aol.com), April 04, 2002

Answers

Go for it, girl! Remember, don't smile and keep your cool! From the sound of it, you'll do just great! Remember too that you have all of us behind you!

-- Ardie/WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), April 04, 2002.

Remember that seating communicates power. Do not sit in a submissive location. If you don't like the location of the chair they want you in, move it. If it is too low, ask for another one (more comfortable ) Do not let them hurry you. Take notes as well as the recording. It gives you time to think while you are writing, and slows the pace to YOUR chosen speed.

Check for understanding as necessary. There are several handy phrases, "Let me make sure I understand... " "Can we clarify that? You believe " "You are saying "

Don't fall for the trick I got pulled on me once. The principal wouldn't let me talk when I had a question. He said each party had to present his / her case COMPLETELY without me being able to ask for clarification or elaboration until the end. If I have a question, I should have the right to graciously ask it when necessary. It was a power play, and I got snookered.

GOOD LUCK

-- Rose (open_rose@hotmail.com), April 04, 2002.

I am assumeing this is about the girl who kicked the school bully? And your meeting is with the school board? If so, then you might need a person who appears to be a reporter, taking note, maybe pictures; stashed somewhere seperate from you but paying close attention. The intimadation factor works both ways.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), April 04, 2002.

I would go ahead and take the youngest daughter, to me it is more important that your husband attend. Bring something for her to do, or if she is very young, they usually go right to sleep in a baby sling, even if Dad is the one wearing it.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), April 04, 2002.

Just wondering how it went?? I've been thinking about you all day - didn't know what time your mtg was.......

-- heather (h.m.metheny@att.net), April 04, 2002.

Me too, Rita - give us the lowdown PLEASE.

Holding You Up in Prayer

-- Michaela (flhomestead@hotmail.com), April 05, 2002.