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The school I sub at thinks I''m a thief...

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luckystar112

luckystar112

Ideal_Rock
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Not really looking for any advice....just venting.

Last Friday I subbed for a 2nd grade class. As soon as class started all of the kids started handing me money and permission slips for two field trips that they are scheduled to go on next week. The field trips were printed on opposite sides of the sheet, so some parents gave money for just one, some gave a lump sum for both, and some just didn't even specify at all. Some parents put everything in an envelope, some stapled the money to the permission slip, and some left everything loose. Since class was starting I tried to organize everything the best I could and I just stuffed it all in the teacher's desk. When I had some down time later in the day I went through the money to attach paperclips to the loose bills and the corresponding permission slip. That's when I first noticed that things didn't add up. All but two parents marked down how much money they gave their child. Of those two, on parent had handwritten on the permission slip that she will "send the rest of the money on Monday". I asked each child how much money they turned in and one said $25, and the other said $20 (this was the student with the handwritten "I'll pay the rest later" note)....the problem was that after organizing all of the money I only had one $20 bill left over.

I searched everywhere for the missing money. In the teacher's desk, between the desk and the wall, under the desk, in the trash can...I even had the students go through their pockets and backpacks to be sure they really gave me the money. Nothing. No one had been in the room other than me and the kids. So at the end of the day I wrote the teacher a long note about what had happened. I really thought the money would turn up, but in case it didn't I left my personal cell number and told her I would pay the money myself. Then I went and got another 2nd grade teacher and told her the story. I gave her all of the money. I told her verbally that if the money didn't turn up I would gladly pay out of my own pocket because I didn't want them to think I took it. Looking back now my paranoia may have made me look guilty. The teacher told me that the money was probably there but since parents were paying one lump sum for two field trips it looked confusing. I left reassured that it would be worked out.

Fast forward to today.....6 days later. I got a voicemail from the teacher that I subbed for asking me to "please return the $25 as soon as possible" so that the kids can go on their field trips next week. I am in shock. Call me crazy, but I really thought the money would turn up, or they'd figure out that a child didn't give as much as he said he did, or whatever other explanation. I guess I wasn't really expecting her to take me up on my offer to pay. And perhaps it was a poor choice in wording, but "please return the money" implies that I borrowed or stole it. I am going to drive down there today and pay the $25, but I just feel so uncomfortable now! I plan on talking to her but I have no idea what I can say. It's basically my word against a 2nd graders.

Anyway, just wanted to vent. Uggghhhh K-12 is just so NOT for me.
 
That''s really awful, lucky. I would call the principal or whomever you report to, and tell them what happened. You should not have to pay the $25. I imagine the teacher just feels like she''s taking you up on your offer, which is fine, but really you should not have been responsible for handling all that money in the first place.

This is one of the reasons why we were *not* allowed to handle any cash from students when I taught high school. They had to deal directly with the business office or bookstore, just because these things can get so sticky.

It''s a sad reality that a lot of (NOT ALL) subs *are* untrustworthy, at least in my experience and what I hear from all my teacher friends. That general perception just puts you in a horrible position. (I don''t mean untrustworthy regarding money, but I rarely had a sub who actually followed my lesson plan. Most of them let the kids do whatever they wanted while they surfed the Internet, OR they just talked about themselves the entire time.)

I really hope you can work this out. I know you just wanted to vent, but I think a quick call to someone in a position to step in and cough up the cash would be a good solution.
 
I''m sorry, that sounds like a frustrating situation! Just a question, were you required to collect the money that day? I don''t think you should''ve had to do that in the first place, IMO!

I hope you can get it worked out! And for what it''s worth, I don''t like how she said "return" either ..
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It''s obvious that you''re trying to do the right thing!
 
Date: 4/22/2010 12:15:51 PM
Author: Haven
That's really awful, lucky. I would call the principal or whomever you report to, and tell them what happened. You should not have to pay the $25. I imagine the teacher just feels like she's taking you up on your offer, which is fine, but really you should not have been responsible for handling all that money in the first place.

This is one of the reasons why we were *not* allowed to handle any cash from students when I taught high school. They had to deal directly with the business office or bookstore, just because these things can get so sticky.

It's a sad reality that a lot of (NOT ALL) subs *are* untrustworthy, at least in my experience and what I hear from all my teacher friends. That general perception just puts you in a horrible position. (I don't mean untrustworthy regarding money, but I rarely had a sub who actually followed my lesson plan. Most of them let the kids do whatever they wanted while they surfed the Internet, OR they just talked about themselves the entire time.)

I really hope you can work this out. I know you just wanted to vent, but I think a quick call to someone in a position to step in and cough up the cash would be a good solution.
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I've been an elementary school parent volunteer in charge of collecting money for a few years now. From my experience, the teacher does collect the money, but she doesn't hold on to it for class parties, PTA fundraisers, and so forth, but rather would give it to me and I hold on to it and reimburse parents for money they have spent. Technically she isn't allowed to collect the money, but it's impossible to meet up with every parent to have them hand in the funds, so she does.

This year, there was one kid who did have his mom hand in a form and said the mom would pay on Monday. I had a list of who did and didn't pay and later emailed the parents a reminder note. Turned out she had written out a check two months back and it had been lost in the teacher's desk! This is one reason that parents, IMO, should write out checks. Nearly half wrote them out to me and this avoided so many hassles!

Hope everything works out, Luckystar.
 
MC--YES! Checks are so much better. DH and I typically pay cash for EVERYTHING, but not when we know our money is going into a pile with a bunch of other people''s money for stuff like this. We want a paper trail.

I know teachers are allowed to collect money in other schools, by the way, I was just sharing that my former school made that rule for this very reason. It''s just too easy to lose something in the shuffle, and then you end up with a his-word-over-hers battle. Never a good thing.

I feel for you, lucky, I really do. Just think: As soon as this is resolved, that feeling in the pit of your stomach will disappear! It really will. And hopefully there will be a quick fix for this.
 
That was nice of you to offer that, but still - you should not have to pay! That''s not cool that the other teacher implied that you were the one who took it......Do you think a couple of the kids were mistaken on how much they gave?
 
Ugh, I''m the complete opposite as a sub. I actually get very annoyed if there is no lesson plan left for me. Actually, the teacher of the 2nd grade class in question didn''t leave me anything for her kids that day, and that ultimately added to the chaos in the morning because my mind was racing thinking about how on earth I was going to keep a classroom of 7 year olds entertained all day. I also love the high school teachers who leave crosswords (and the like) for their students. Kids have caught on by then that it''s just busy work and they won''t be graded, so they are way more rowdy.

Anyway, the school I sub for is a charter school and they go through a substitute "service" that I work for. I don''t deal with the principal at all. I do talk to the VP, since he is the one who tells me what classroom to report to. I''ve already called my boss to let her know what is going on, and she said she hasn''t heard anything about it. I think I''m going to feel out the teacher today, and if I sense that she really truly thinks I took the money I will bring it up to the VP. I remember feeling very hesitant to take the money from the students. I almost told them to hold onto it until Monday, but the permission slip said it was due that day and I thought it would be safer with me than floating around in their backpacks all weekend. Boy was I wrong!
 
If in this situation again.. call each kid to your desk one at a time, write down their name and the amount once you count it then repeat for the next student.
 
Date: 4/22/2010 12:29:30 PM
Author: Haven
MC--YES! Checks are so much better. DH and I typically pay cash for EVERYTHING, but not when we know our money is going into a pile with a bunch of other people's money for stuff like this. We want a paper trail.

I know teachers are allowed to collect money in other schools, by the way, I was just sharing that my former school made that rule for this very reason. It's just too easy to lose something in the shuffle, and then you end up with a his-word-over-hers battle. Never a good thing.

I feel for you, lucky, I really do. Just think: As soon as this is resolved, that feeling in the pit of your stomach will disappear! It really will. And hopefully there will be a quick fix for this.
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Yeah, it seems like in high school there isn't a "room parent," and not loads of parties and stuff which requires $15 here, $20 there so less chance a larger amount is lost (like we paid $20 for our 1st grade and $25 for 3rd). Silly stuff like Halloween candy that we buy for little 1st graders. It's easier to collect at the beginning of the year rather than knickle-and-dime parents which drives me nuts.

On a side note, the PTA pays for all our field trips. Possibly to make things easier than keeping track of everyones' money. They do small fund raisers throughout the year to cover the expenses.
 
Date: 4/22/2010 12:29:32 PM
Author: joflier
That was nice of you to offer that, but still - you should not have to pay! That''s not cool that the other teacher implied that you were the one who took it......Do you think a couple of the kids were mistaken on how much they gave?
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Yes, this is exactly what I think happened. It''s the only thing that makes sense! I''m not 100% sure but I think the girl whose mother wrote the "I''ll pay the rest later" note did NOT give me $20 like she said she did. Because when they were all handing in the money that morning I remember reading that note and counting $8. But even if I''m right, the math still doesn''t make sense, so I guess I really just have no idea what happened! I know it is to be expected, but I really wish the parents would have taken the extra two second to fill out how much money they were turning in. There was a spot for them to write the number RIGHT NEXT to where they signed the slip. I''m not trying to put the blame on them, but CLEARLY things will be confusing if you just hand your 2nd grader some cash, don''t specify which field trip you want your kid to go on, don''t mark how much money you are paying toward the field trip, and don''t connect take the extra step to secure the money TO the permission slip. I''m sure they probably weren''t thinking anything can go wrong, but when 4 or 5 other parents do the same thing situations like this one occur!
 
I''m sorry this is happening - I''m sure you feel awful
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Luckystar-

As others have reiterated, I am sorry this is happening to you.
 
A mistake was made and you have done the responsible thing in documenting and offering to make up the difference. It is a crying shame that you have been made to feel badly about it all.

I do not think you should be asked for the extra funds and I think it is very unprofessional of the regular teacher to ask you to ''return'' the money and then continuing to suggest that your ''returning ''of this 20 quid is what is standing between the little kiddies and their day trip!. Ugh, I''m sorry.
 
Hi,

It seems the parent who didn''t turn in the additional money at the time you collected it still hasn''t turned it in. I think rather than the school thinking you stole it, they think you lost it. By logic 2 parents should have sent additional money to school.

Why didn''t you call both parents on your handy cell phone. You could have just asked them how much they sent.
They probably would have told you the truth, "I didn''t have enough change, I needed the cash for the train"ect. People have a tendency to forget they owe money and if they never heard anything might just let it go.

Actually Karl(above) has the right solution for the future. One at the time-name and money.

I believe they think you lost it. Tell us what happens. The parents owe the money.

Thanks,
Annette
 
Honestly, I don't think you should feel badly about this situation. It sounds like the children could have been mistaken. Also, it sounds like it was very confusing, with kids just handing you money for two different trips. And I don't see how the school could accuse you of stealing when you told the teacher about the discrepancy right away AND offered to pay out of your own pocket! A person who had stolen money wouldn't have called attention to missing money!!

I would just tell this teacher that you did the best you could in organizing the money, and truly don't understand why there was a discrepancy with the money. Maybe you could suggest she contact the parents in question to verify how much they paid towards the trip. Let us know what happens, and please don't beat yourself up over this. You didn't do anything wrong, so don't let this teacher make you feel that way.
 
I am so sorry Lucky! We had cash stolen out of our office earlier this year and I felt bad about it since it was stolen right off of my desk. After an exhaustive search we determined that it had to have been the cleaning crew. Ugh. It was no fun. Hope things work out for your situation! (((HUGS)))
 
Date: 4/22/2010 1:47:55 PM
Author: Steal
A mistake was made and you have done the responsible thing in documenting and offering to make up the difference. It is a crying shame that you have been made to feel badly about it all.


I do not think you should be asked for the extra funds and I think it is very unprofessional of the regular teacher to ask you to ''return'' the money and then continuing to suggest that your ''returning ''of this 20 quid is what is standing between the little kiddies and their day trip!. Ugh, I''m sorry.
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I agree with Steal. I can''t believe the teacher actually asked you to return the missing money. I''m sure it will get all sorted out, but you didn''t do anything wrong -- and you shouldn''t be made to feel guilty. It always bugs me when kids hand in money without an accompanying note stating what it''s for and how much it''s for. I''m sorry you''re having to deal with this.
 
oops -- duplicate post.
 
That's harsh! Lucky....bless you for your dedication to such a thankless and underappreciated job. I always thought that the most difficult job next to being a teacher was to be a substitute teacher. A Good One.

Any one of the parents could have been mistaken, and if one of the child would have been me, I might of skimmed a few bucks for candy or better lunch ( I was a wicked child ).
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I wouldn't pay it. If it were me, I would explain that I was flustered at the entire situation and out of that chaos I misspoke. I would tell them that I never meant to imply that I would pay the difference and apologize for having said that. Upon reflection, it was unreasonable to have piled this on your shoulders and that you did the best you could under the circumstances, but it's their mess and they can fork over the $25. You can also express your displeasure with their brazen implication that you "return" the money. The teacher should have to pay the $25 for subjecting you to that mess and for not having a lesson plan (unless it was an emergency).
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I just got back from returning the money and the teacher was a lot nicer in person. I didn''t get the impression that she thinks I took it. She thanked me for being responsible and leaving her a note telling her what happened, and she said if the money turns up she will return my money to me. She said she talked to the kids but none of them knew how much they gave me. That''s not surprising.
I''m still pretty annoyed that I ended up paying $25 out of my own pocket when I KNOW no one stole the money, but oh well. That''s what I get for offering!!
 
You are a sweetheart for being so nice about it.
 
Date: 4/23/2010 4:30:42 PM
Author: luckystar112
I just got back from returning the money and the teacher was a lot nicer in person. I didn''t get the impression that she thinks I took it. She thanked me for being responsible and leaving her a note telling her what happened, and she said if the money turns up she will return my money to me. She said she talked to the kids but none of them knew how much they gave me. That''s not surprising.
I''m still pretty annoyed that I ended up paying $25 out of my own pocket when I KNOW no one stole the money, but oh well. That''s what I get for offering!!
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The following is scarcasm:

No, you just got back from making a ''donation''. You should have asked her if you could have a receipt so you could offset your taxes, you know, this being a charitable gift and all.
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Seriously, AprilB is right, you do have a great attitude. Good for you. I would be hopping mad.
 
Date: 4/23/2010 4:30:42 PM
Author: luckystar112
I just got back from returning the money and the teacher was a lot nicer in person. I didn''t get the impression that she thinks I took it. She thanked me for being responsible and leaving her a note telling her what happened, and she said if the money turns up she will return my money to me. She said she talked to the kids but none of them knew how much they gave me. That''s not surprising.

I''m still pretty annoyed that I ended up paying $25 out of my own pocket when I KNOW no one stole the money, but oh well. That''s what I get for offering!!
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Lucky, why can''t the teacher call up her students'' parents and ask them how much they sent in? I''m so mad for you that you felt the need to pay. That''s not right.
 
I don''t know Zoe....maybe she was embarrassed? Steel, I can''t believe I actually typed "returning"! You''re right...I certainly wasn''t returning anything.
I really did NOT want to pay, but I know I had to because I offered. It''s my own fault! I was just really worried that they would think I took the money. The school is weird...the teachers are very cliquey and treat the subs like second-class citizens. I just didn''t want to burn any bridges or cause any trouble. I may need to get some recommendations from them in the future since this is my only income right now. UGH. Very frustrating, I agree. But I will nevvvvvvver take money from students again.
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I''m sorry you were put into this position Lucky, I understand where you''re coming from and I think you handled it well...I used to substitute teach the younger grades, and it''s not easy. You''re thrust into a situation where you don''t know the routine, you''re figuring out things as you go along, and it can be very confusing. It''s a shame you had to pay out of your own pocket, and I think it was cheezy of this teacher to ask you for it, but I understand your reasons for doing so. I still think this could have been resolved by the teacher giving the parents a call to verify how much they sent in, but you''re right, she was probably too embarrassed.
 
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