Answer:
Dear Ms. Smith:
I have just finished serving the in-school suspension you assigned me on 11 February, 2021. As I told you when you assigned the punishment, I did not commit the vandalism done to the desk in Mr. Jones’ classroom. I realize this letter will not add any new facts to those on which you based your decision; therefore, it is unlikely to change your mind. I also understand that even if you do come to accept my assertion of innocence, you cannot undo the punishment. Nevertheless, I want to be heard.
The vandalized desk had my name carved into it. It was on that basis that Mr. Jones reported me. I understand why both you and Mr. Jones would suspect me. However, I was not the only person who sits at that desk or who had an opportunity to vandalize it. You asked me why anyone else would have carved my name on the desk. That is, in my view, an unfair question. I suggested that someone might have wanted to get me in trouble. Also, though I didn’t like to make the suggestion, I also thought someone might have carved my name because the person had feelings for me.
Though you made your skepticism clear, you brought in the other students who sit at the desk and asked them if they had done the damage. Each of them denied responsibility. Their denials, unlike mine, satisfied you. You didn’t address the possibility that someone might have come into the classroom and done the damage during a break or some other period when the classroom was empty.
I intend to put this incident behind me once I have delivered this letter to you. Writing my side of what happened is to give me closure.
Sincerely,
Explanation:
