I am so glad you are doing so great! I know you are going to have (or had) a great time in Destin! I know you are having a great time down there and we still miss you up here. You are so loved.

Now I come to you asking for help. Danceline of course. I don't know what's going on. The Parent's Club this year is outlandish. Let me explain. At the car wash I took Ann and Becca to Smoothie KIng (I work there now. Ann had just gotten back from Florida where she had some major stomach problems. They had to take her to the ER and she stayed overnight at a hospital while on vacation. They had specialist looking at her and what was wrong with her is still semi unclear. She is doing well now and I'm not fully aware of the rest.) Ann hadn't eaten so I told a parent we were running up there to get a smoothie. When we came back Becca wanted to go so we grabbed her and ran back up the street, got her a smoothie. Then we went and stood on the corner we were previously on holding the signs for the wash (ok that did sound kinda wrong at first...). Ann's Mom stopped by and said the parents were looking for us. I checked my phone- 5 missed calls. Ann had several as well. We came back and immediately we were being yelled at by a barrage of parents. They targeted me mainly, understandably so- I was driving. So after settling them and be told to "park my vehicle". I did so and returned back to work virtually un-maimed. Becca was pretty upset. Both of her parents had yelled extremely harshly. Ann and I were slightly unnerved but I didn't show that it got me down as much as those two. Admist the yells they accused me of not letting an adult know. Which I did. I'm not sure which adult I told. I know for certain I did though. I can understand whoever it was forgetting. 22 girls, blaring heat, and lots of commotion. I don't blame them. The parent's club demanded we receive demerits. Christy (new danceline sponsor) wasn't there but handed them out promptly after the next practice and explaining her reasoning. I explained to her the situation and she said she understood but I was still at fault. I told her I understood and it wouldn't happen again.

At the car wash there was nothing to drink. I didn't bring sunscreen and we didn't get a break. We worked outside for 5 hours. In the hot sun. There were a lot of girls doing nothing. Ann, Becca, and I remained busy when we were there. When there was work to be done- we did it.

I got second degree burns that day. My doctor asked me why and seemed appalled by the whole situation. The next day we had a highstepper swim party. I was explaining to Mrs. Theresa the reason I was late. A parent over heard and told me my doctor was full of crap. He accused me of lying about it and this was in front of a few girls and a parent or two. I was really hurt by the whole situation. And my pride was trampled on. I am supposed to be an officer and here is the president of the parents club accusing me of lying and a close family friend (the doctor).

I missed a highstepper family gathering do to the fact that I was working.

The rummage sell was today and a parent approached my Mom and said rather un-inquistively (yes un-inquistively- she seemed to be rather making a point then being concerned...) , "Now- when will Kate be working?" She asked this in front of several parents. My Mom explained that I was working. It offended her slightly and when she got home she asked me if they had it out for me.

I think they do. Dupe, I don't know what to do. Both parents agree I should talk to Christy. I don't know what exactly to say. I'm just kind of upset. The parents are feeling free to take it upon themselves to give us demerits, to accuse me of lying about something absolutely ridiculous (My Mom wanted me to call my doctor and have him give Mr. C a call. I think it's something I shouldn't dwell upon. It's been over a month since the whole thing, too.), and to under mind me in front of the rest of them. I don't understand why they have it out for me or why they think I am such a bad kid. I am acting as happy as I possibly can about the whole situation and being myself. Why do these adults have it out so much for one kid? I don't know. I just want to know what you think about all this.

This is slightly abbreviated so ask me about anything. I just need your help and guidance. In all sincerity, please help me.

Smiling still,

Kate

Her response:Katie,

You are such a sweetheart. It really turns my stomach to hear about all of this crap. The FIRST thing you should do is speak to Christy. It sounds like she doesn't really realize how dirty and underhanded a lot of the parents can be (you know I've had my fair share of it), and she might handle things a little differently if she knew. It is HER decision to give demerits when and where and to whom she chooses, NOT to the people that the parents think deserve them. I would also suggest that you and Christy make a meeting to speak with vice principal. I know she has not been a fan of Danceline in the past, but you have a way with being very polite to adults and she might be able to help with this a little. The bottom line is this: It's great when parents help out with fund raisers, etc, but THEY DO NOT RUN THE DANCELINE - Christy does, with the help of her officers. And that's it. And the parents will continue to be petty and spiteful until some of their control is taken away. They will complain (they always do), but they should NEVER be disrespectful of a girl on the line, regardless of whether she's an officer or not. That's what bothers me the most. It might be necessary for Christy (with the vice principal backing her) to have a parent meeting to address the parents' attitudes toward other girls. This really upsets me... If you wanna call me to talk about it, I should be available most of this week. My home # is (XXX) XXX-XXXX and my cell is (XXX)XXX-XXXX. I love you and Becca and Ann too much to think of things being so miserable for you. Write back soon and let me know what's going on.

MUCH :) love,

Ms. Dupe

So I guess I know what I have to do...