And now talking to another parent, I discover that this guy bought these kids ice cream at the local store while handing out his applications to psycho Jesus camp. So freaking skeezy and manipulative.

We're in a literal "don't take candy from strangers" scenario.

::checks clock::

Okay, I've heard back from the parent who is doing humanitarian work in Kenya before I've heard back from the school. I presume school admins are running around in ass-covering mode but I am about to escalate.

They bank on the idea that parents, when handed a permission slip, will think "Oh, well, it's CHURCH, so that's okay, then."

You'd think they would know better in San Francisco. Here, even the churchy people give church stuff the side-eye and very, very little benefit of the doubt. Especially in public schools, but really pretty much everywhere and at all times.

What did the humanitarian parent say?

Go get em, Hec!

I am waving my pompoms and fascinated by this story. If only every kid's parents were this aware!

What did the humanitarian parent say?

Michelle (Caterina's mom) said "This is very disturbing. Thanks for looking out for my kid while I'm on another continent."

I am sure the school will respond, and I expect will not be pleased, but they have to go through the beaurocrazy first.

I hate to inject levity in the middle of this, but I just got an email from someone with my favorite kind of name! She has an elaborate ethnic name, hyphenated with a different ethnicity. In this case, an Eastern European first and last name, hyphenated with a Chinese last name.

America!!

The taking-them-all-out-for-ice-cream thing is so deeply gross.

Could be useful - current SFUSD School Board professional conduct policy for all employees (I can't imagine that the rules for substitute teachers are any different than for regular): [link]

Specifically, look at Section 4000, subsection 4019.1, and search there for Boundary Violations. The ice cream trip looks to clearly and specifically violate #7 (the club is just prospective, so not yet an organized community activity, and almost certainly not something the school was aware of ahead of time):

Socializing or spending time with students (including but not limited to activities such as going out for beverages, meals or movies, shopping, traveling and recreational activities and visiting the student's home) outside of school-sponsored events, except as participants in organized community activities.

I like that kind of America!

I heard back from the counselor: "Thank you very much for bringing this incredibly concerning matter to my attention. I have spoken about this with the Administration who will be conducting a further investigation and also following up with you shortly regarding this matter."

And the Principal and Vice Principal: "Thank you for sending along your concerns to Ms. Carnes (the 6th grade counselor). I just wanted to let you know that we have received your emails and the pictures attached. Please know we take this seriously and have begun an investigation into the situation and will follow up. Thank you for bringing this to us. "