Help me draft a letter?

LetsHikeToday

Hi guys!

I'm kinda stuck with letter writing block right now. At the beginning of the summer, I started tutoring a kid from the local elementary school in math. I am supposed to tutor from 12:00-1:00 Tuesdays and Fridays. All was well until they didn't show up a week ago because the mom said, "she forgot it was Tuesday." I was at the library early like always and waited until about 12:30 for them to show up. No luck. I met with them last Tuesday and she was late, coming in at 12:15 and not picking him up until 1:15 even though I had another appointment to get to right after. I was late for my next appointment because I obviously couldn't leave him at the library alone.

Well, they didn't show up again today and I am quitting. It's a huge waste of my time to plan lessons, wait at the library, and not have anyone show up. I get no phone calls or messages until I leave and try to get in touch with them.

I don't have her cell phone number and no one is picking up at home so I wanted to send her an e-mail letting her know this situation isn't working out for me. I can't plan my days around someone who doesn't show up.

How would you word it? I don't want to be rude or burn bridges because I never know when I'll try to tutor again for a different family they know. I also don't know if I'll ever have her son in class if I ever get a teaching job here.

I just am stuck writing this because it either sounds too sweet or too rude.

Anyone wanna help? Thanks :-)

Starmusica

hmmm

I would try something like-

Dear X,

While I have greatly enjoyed working with Little Susie/Johnnie, unfortunately I believe our arrangement is no longer working out. I certainly understand that things are bound to come up that interfere with appointments from time to time, but I believe we would all be best served parting ways.

Hike

Starmusica

point is- I wouldn't really mention the tardiness or seem accusatory. I would be professional and short about it.

VeggieLove1022

Maybe don't mention the actual reason at all? Something along the lines of, "I'm sorry, but I feel that I won't be able to tutor your son anymore for some personal reasons. You can call XXX-XXXX to get a list of other tutors available." and leave it at that?

chelseamb11

Honestly, would it be worth giving them one more shot?  Maybe write them a letter and say:

Dear ___________,
I appreciate the opportunity you have given me to tutor Johnnie (or whatever the kid's name is).  I enjoy tutoring him, however there have been two occasions now that he hasn't showed up and I was not told until after the fact.  This is frustrating, as I am a busy person and my free-time is limited. I am happy to continue our weekly appointments of ___ time on Tuesdays and Fridays at the library, but please be advised that I cannot continue to hold this appointment if Johnny cannot commit to it.

Thank you for your time,
Hike

ETA: I agree it's rude this has happened twice now, but I would still give them another chance, warning them that if it happens again, you're done.

LetsHikeToday

Thanks guys!

I just needed a started and now I got the ball rolling. I appreciate it. I just felt tongue tied for a second.

Smash Adams

There is no effing way I'd give them another chance.  When people cancel/don't show up for interviews with me, they get two shots (and rarely that many).  It shows a total lack of respect for you and your time.  That shiiit pisses me off a whole lot.

LetsHikeToday

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_help-me-draft-a-letter?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:67a0212a-9fd3-4983-8e89-49fc94eb4673Post:69233d27-2db1-4b80-8130-d6d29631f6d5">Re: Help me draft a letter?</a>:
[QUOTE]There is no effing way I'd give them another chance.  When people cancel/don't show up for interviews with me, they get two shots (and rarely that many).  It shows a total lack of respect for you and your time.  That shiiit pisses me off a whole lot.
Posted by Smash Adams[/QUOTE]
Exactly. I'm ffucking pissed. 

Nebb

Technically, the first situation of being late, and then them not showing the following week IMO was the 2nd chance. Todays was the 3rd. Eff them.

LetsHikeToday

A polite letter has been sent. Now we will see how long it takes for her to get back to me, if she even does. Last time, it took her about 24 hours to tell me she forgot it was tuesday

allisong23

Maybe you can tutor her on learning the days of the week.

LetsHikeToday

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_help-me-draft-a-letter?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:67a0212a-9fd3-4983-8e89-49fc94eb4673Post:89e1f362-ebe5-497c-a940-81d36f1fdb64">Re: Help me draft a letter?</a>:
[QUOTE]Maybe you can tutor her on learning the days of the week.
Posted by allisong23[/QUOTE]
ha and telling time?!