Page 19 of Troublemaker: The Big Picture Edition

The “parent homework” is meant as a fun opportunity for parents and guardians to provide some insight into anything that might not be reflected in the students’ paperwork.

Best,

Miss Stiles

TO: Emilia Stiles

FROM: Alex Vega

SUBJECT: Ryder Tully-Vega

Ryder has had nothing but good things to say about you today, Miss Stiles.

I hope he continues to have a positive experience in your class.

As far as I can tell, I have completed your fun assignment.

I have nothing further to add to my earlier email and would rather spend this time with my son.

If there is anything you would like to ask me, please do so in a direct manner.

Thanks,

Alex Vega

TO: Alex Vega

FROM: Emilia Stiles

SUBJECT: meeting re. Ryder Tully-Vega

Dear Mr. Vega,

I hope this email finds you well.

Sorry you weren’t able to attend Back to School Night last week. I tried calling you yesterday, but I didn’t leave messages. I’m writing to inform you that your son, Ryder Tully-Vega, is an extremely bright boy. The quality of his schoolwork and homework are excellent.However, he has been exhibiting a certain amount of mildly disruptive behavior in class since day one.

While being very friendly and upbeat, his excessive talking takes my time and attention away from other students and also takes my students’ attention away from the lessons. I would love to nip this in the bud before it becomes a larger issue.

I would like to meet with you as soon as possible so we can work together to help Ryder overcome this problem.

Please let me know when you are available for a Parent-Teacher conference. You are welcome to stop by my classroom after school. Ryder can be present, and I would encourage his involvement in this discussion.

Sincerely,

Miss Stiles

CHAPTER 8

ALEX

Seriously, what is this lady’s problem?

Because there’s no way that Ryder has a problem.

“Hey, buddy?” I stare at the email on my phone while crossing over to the kitchen table. He’s doing his homework there—like a good kid. All hunched over and concentrating because he’s an awesome student. “How’re things in class?”

“Fine, I guess.” He shrugs.