So I emailed the HoS back after her nasty-gram yesterday. I'm hoping I struck the right note--polite, but clear about my record:

Dear [Head],

I was unaware about the change [that all teachers will be required to go on the trips] for next year but think it's a fine idea. I'm not sure if you know, but I have always volunteered to go on [trips] and have always gone on [overnight retreat at beginning of year]. I volunteered to attend the 9th grade camping trip the past three years (the only time I didn't go was the year I ended up in the hospital with pneumonia and was unable to via doctor's orders) and enjoyed it greatly. Since I only teach one 9th grade class and teach and advise 11th primarily this year, I volunteered to go on the 11th grade trip earlier this semester but ended up not being needed. I knew back then that I would be unable to go on the camping trip due to its timing, which is why I communicated with [outdoor ed coordinator] about it months ago. To add to this, we recently have become embroiled in a personal financial crisis that has required extensive work outside of school hours and my taking on all of the daily bookkeeping for Drew's self-owned business. I will be teaching my juniors and subbing extensively next week and am happy to take on more classes as is needed--I want to do anything I can to make this easier for the school. I care deeply about the girls and was also disappointed to not be able to go with them.

Sincerely,

Pix

ETA: I've asked the stompies to rename me to avoid privacy issues, so don't get confused if my id suddenly loses the real name bit.

Done, Pix.

I'm not sure this bit is necessary:

To add to this, we recently have become embroiled in a personal financial crisis that has required extensive work outside of school hours and my taking on all of the daily bookkeeping for Drew's self-owned business.

I mean, frankly, how busy you are in your personal time is none of her business.

[edited to remove needless edits]

(I thought the same, but I think Pix already sent it).

(((((((((Pix)))))))))

Oh sorry - I misread and thought you were asking for edits. I think your original email is fine (my edit suggestions were mainly to make it less apologetic because I think this woman is being an assberet and you don't owe her anything).

OW GODDAMNIT OW.

My thumb is at the point where it doesn't hurt anymore unless I do something to it. Which naturally means that I'm constantly doing things to it that make it hurt. (You know, dangerous things like trying to pick up my water glass.)

Jessica, I agree, but she is the kind of assberet who gets more and more defensive and nasty the more she feels attacked, and she ultimately has a lot of power over how positive or negative my life at my current school is. A little apologetic with a sympathy ploy is more apt to be effective than businesslike, as messed up as that is.

In the meantime, I keep staring at my phone and muttering, "Offermeajoboffermeajoboffermeajob."

Jessica, I agree, but she is the kind of assberet who gets more and more defensive and nasty the more she feels attacked, and she ultimately has a lot of power over how positive or negative my life at my current school is.

Blech. I hope you find a new job soon.

Pix, jiminy. I hate that you are going through such a rough time and HoS is only making it rougher. Fie on her. FIE I SAY!

In shallow news, WANT THIS DRESS. [link]

Me too! It would look lovely on you smonster.