Really... I just need to vent...

[Veronica]

Just about every Tuesday night at 7:15 my phone rings with an automated message from the principal to the students. I go to bed at 7 and get up at 3:30. Many times I am actually asleep when the phone rings. I've asked him several times to take me off the call list and have always gotten blown off. "You need to be on the list in case of an emergency." "It's a tedious process to take you off the list."

This past week, Thom decided that it was time to call the district office and see if this could be changed. After talking to a few people, he learned that these lists are maintained by each school. So he called my school and talked to the student records person who gave him the same runaround that I got. He got annoyed and told her that these weekly calls made him want to call the principal at 1 in the morning.

Well that didn't go over very well and I got called into the principal's office and chewed out for what my husband said. So, I'm upset about that.

But what I'm really bothered by is that while my principal became furious at the mere thought of his family being disturbed, he has no problem with weekly disturbing my family.

Yes, I could change my number (a royal hassle) or just unplug my phone every Tuesday, but really I shouldn't have to. I'm sure the system allows multiple lists since the superintendent uses it for calls just to staff and to everyone.

And I don't buy, "You need to be on the list for emergencies." I can see the school from my house. I think I'd know if it burnt down.

I'm glad I have two weeks off. I worked very hard to avoid him on Friday, because I just had nothing professional to say and I'm really not good at letting things go...

Veronica

[Blueberry]

That just stinks.

2 suggestions:

1) Can you cell company just block that number? Since it's an automated thing, they might be able to if the number is consistent.

2) You *could* port your number to Google Voice, get a new cell number and have the Google Voice ring your cell simultaneously. You can then set up "rules" for when Google Voice rings your cell (i.e., not after 6:45).

I'm impressed with your schedule. Mine is completely skewed the other way.

[Biciclista]

heh, Blueberry, good ideas!
mine were not constructive so I will not share them.

Veronica, I would be beside myself as you are....

[Crankin]

I would have been BS.
I don't have any real constructive advice, but I am sure part of the reluctance to change is that he cannot imagine your schedule. And, I also know from experience that schools don't like it when your DH stands up for you. Teachers are usually wimps when it comes to stuff like this and you dared to question.
I'd turn off my phone or unplug it if it's a land line and then schedule a mtg with him when you have thought about it more. Educators are not good at having difficult conversations (meaning him) so my bet is he will listen.

[smilingcat]

Oh dear, If its always the same time, I suggest throw a big down pillow over the phone to muffle the sound.

One of my geeky friend have recorded the distinct sound when the phone company tells you that the phone is no longer in service. And its the first thing the answering machine plays. He says he doesn't get any robo calls or unsolicited annoying calls. Works like a charm he says.

I think the school robo call system will recognize and remove you from the list automatically.

If you need that .wav file, I can ask my friend for it. and send it to you. then you can play it on your computer when you create your new outgoing answer message. \It has to be the first thing on the message.

[SadieKate]

Veronica, your name is no longer "Princess Zippy" but just "Princess."

Just how would you see leaking gas pipelines (an increasing occurence in California), a leaking roof, vandalism that needs to be investigated before school is open, a violent event that might shut the school for a while (this IS Antioch), etc. I consider the call list a courtesy.

Losing 15 mins of sleep one time a week is so onerous that your husband physically confronts co-workers? I know Thom so I know he had no intent of physical intimidation, but I bet there are plenty of crazy spouses out there who might have.

I can't imagine Bubba talking to my co-workers or management about a work-related issues unless I was unable to do so my self. I can't think of one place I've worked where I would NOT have been chewed out for his actions.

Just my take on it. Save your energy for when you lose sleep over truly critical issues, a loved one's health for instance. Loosen up, lighten up and chill.

[maillotpois]

7 - 8 pm is prime calling time for the people who call with the recorded messages about how we should sign up for a different mortgage.

YES we're on the do not call lists, and I know those exempt the charity and political calls (which we also get), but why the hell are we always getting calls at this time to readjust our mortgage?

It's gotten so I don't even answer our home phone in the evening. Maybe I will use that .wav file idea.

[Becky]

Can I have a copy of the wav file too?

[makbike]

My school has two list for the automated calls - "students/parents only" and "everyone". They should be able to format it so that the Tuesday night calls just go to students/parents. Seems they are being a bit uncooperative.

[Wahine]

V - I would be upset too. I don't care if you're sleeping, playing on the interwebs or whatever. A person has a right to not be disturbed if that is their wish.

[Penny4]

What kind of info is he passing on to the students every week on Tuesday that can't be shared with the kids in school? I'm just wondering if the students/families ignore the calls also....if so, when a real emergency comes, they may not listen to the message???

[Veronica]

Just how would you see leaking gas pipelines (an increasing occurence in California), a leaking roof, vandalism that needs to be investigated before school is open, a violent event that might shut the school for a while (this IS Antioch), etc. I consider the call list a courtesy.

Those calls would be a courtesy. The weekly call reminding parents to pick their students up on time is not.

I know Thom so I know he had no intent of physical intimidation, but I bet there are plenty of crazy spouses out there who might have.

There was no physical intimidation.

I can't imagine Bubba talking to my co-workers or management about a work-related issues unless I was unable to do so my self. I can't think of one place I've worked where I would NOT have been chewed out for his actions.

My boss had on the multiple times I asked him to remove me from the list, given the impression that this was a district decision. The district office works the same hours I do and I cannot just stop teaching in the middle of the day to call them. And since these calls are as disruptive to Thom's schedule as they are to mine, it does affect him.

Veronica

[Veronica]

What kind of info is he passing on to the students every week on Tuesday that can't be shared with the kids in school? I'm just wondering if the students/families ignore the calls also....if so, when a real emergency comes, they may not listen to the message???

It's all about attendance. Every Wednesday is an early release day and parents don't pick their kids up on time. He does add in other things, PTA meetings and fund raising information.

I'm sure many families ignore the calls. But it's much easier to do this blanket announcement, rather than just deal with the parents who consistently pick their kids up late.

Veronica

[channlluv]

Oooo, snap.

[Irulan]

I'm finding life is to short to get worked up about stuff like this. Yes, it's annoying, yes, they could find another way to do it and so on.

If it were me, I'd turn off the ringer, take a deep breath, breathe the serenity prayer and go to bed. IE, is this the hill you want to die on?