Ahem... teachers already have a lot on their plates without becoming social managers for weekend events.

I don't make my students invite everyone to a birthday party. There are children who are just not pleasant people. I occasionally see invitations on desks, but not very often. If I were a parent, I would not want my 34 students in my house.

Regarding why only six showed up... would you want to spend your money on a birthday present for someone who isn't really your friend?

I'm really just flabbergasted at the "you have to invite them all thing." I just keep picturing them ALL showing up. I would never presume to dictate what goes on in my students' social lives when they are not in my classroom.

I'd rather know that are getting enough sleep and exercise and that the proportion of tv/computer/video game time is smaller than reading/playing outside/hobby/sport time than tell them who they HAVE to be friends with. Attending someone's birthday is about being friends, it's not about just being polite and kind.

My .04 cents.

V.