Why I Am Going to Be Named the Elementary School Parent of the Year

On Saturday night, the principal at my son's elementary school held a movie night for the students. The children were invited to bring their sleeping bags and a mountain of snacks. All that parents had to do was drop off the kids, leave an emergency phone number and run for their lives.

When the boy and I arrived up at the school it was apparent that the only adult that would be supervising the evenings festivities was the principal. He had apparently made the event optional for the staff. Bad idea.

All the other parents hurriedly sped away in their cars after dropping off their little ones. My boy, who is rather cautious, looked at me and said, "Where are the other grownups? You're not leaving, are you?"

What could I say? I looked into his eyes and told him that I would be happy to stay and watch the movie. That he could go sit with his buddies and I would just sit in one of the chairs at the back. That I loved the movie and couldn't wait to watch it again. He was thrilled.

I took my seat by one of the back doors. The truth be told, it was probably good that I stayed to help out. I opened countless drinks, served as bathroom monitor and even called the parents of a little girl who had overindulged on candy and popcorn.

As the kids were clearing out I decided to sweep up the mountains of popcorn and candy wrappers that were discarded on the floor. The room looked as bad as a movie theater on the opening night of a blockbuster.

As a side note, I really liked the little dustpan-on-a-stick thing that the janitors use. It is a huge improvement over the hand-held version I have at home. I may need to pick one up.

The principal repeatedly thanked me for staying and helping out. He was also kind enough to thank me for all the other stuff I do (PTA board, school office volunteer, helping in the boy's classroom). It was nice to be appreciated.