Thank u all for your input - didn't sounds "right" to us either, so I just emailed the principal asking if they had such EXTRA funds for this trip. This thing really bothers us because our "hypothetical daughter" became an honor student in that class (and I check her homework - she is WAY up there!!! - her teacher is not showing any favoritism) - hope the teacher won't "retalliate" (by giving her poor grades) because we've asked principal a few questions about this. Again - thanks for your input!

Oh no - definitely no one here is bad-mouthing the teacher!! I did ask Principal is they had such extra funds. Even if the answer is no, we would probably make an "excuse" why our daughter couldn't go.....sick relative, whatever. It could be her teacher just has a big heart and cares. That's why I put it before you all for answers. Thanks

Let's say there is a school trip (overnight with chaperones) - and that it costs, but let's say we can't afford it. Hypothetically let's say we have a daughter of teen age. Hypothetically let's say one of her male teachers called her aside from all others and said "I know your parents can't pay for this trip but there are still 1-2 spaces" and you could go for free because it would be great if really "cool" (that's what she said HE said) kids like you could go.

My gut feeling is that my antenae as a parent went UP! If it had been a female teacher, I think my wife and I would've thought "OK"....am I wrong to be suspicious?

Would appreciate your input. Meanwhile - have thought to give an excuse why she can't go; don't want to make a big issue bue also as a Dad don't think everything is "kosher".

Your opinions, please,
Let's be Frank

I know of a very similar situation and there was nothing nefarious about it. An honor student wasn't able to go on a trip to DC because her parents couldn't afford it. Due to one student canceling and some extra funds (which I think came from fundraisers as someone else stated was a possibility in this situation) a female child was asked by a female teacher if she wanted to go.

The child said yes, and then the teacher told her to have her parents contact her. In fact, THREE additional kids were taken that couldn't afford to go. AND, when hearing about this I had to wonder if some teachers and other parents donated funds for good kids who deserved to go but who couldn't afford it. It wasn't my kid so I didn't ask.

I also agree putting this on a public forum without knowing the facts (before you got word back from the principal) is not fair to the teacher or the school. I realize people need to protect their kids but some restraint in this situation was warranted.

Do you realize you just put your teen-age daughter's personal business on a public forum? Do you realize how you may have embarrassed her and put her up for ridicule if people figure out who she is? IMO, you are foolish.