What Do I Do With This?

I'm conflicted after class tonight. My students' assignment was to read a measly 5 page excerpt from Rachel Carson's Silent Spring. It was arguably the easiest and definitely the shortest reading of the semester. Without getting into too much detail, I had an in-class activity planned and I wanted the students to process some ideas in writing, to help the thought process for the small-group interaction they would have afterwards. I told them not to think of it as a quiz, but rather a warm-up exercise. Trust me, if they did the reading, it wasn't hard. At the top of the page there was a brief paragraph quoted from the reading, and the instructions that appear in the image below. Take a look at my instructions, and this student's response.

I had them complete an additional piece of reading in class as they finished this activity. While they read the article, I read their papers. About halfway through the stack I came to this one. At first I smiled. This student is a decent student. I wouldn't say a star, but generally responsible and most of the time attentive. My initial reaction was, at least she's honest about it and I continued through the stack. I had a great class, the activity went well, and there was some good debate. Then I left.

As I was walking to my car I started to get a little annoyed thinking about it. Was I supposed to congratulate her for being honest? Is that her way of apologizing for blowing off the reading? I gotta say, the more I thought about it, the more it felt like entitlement. As long as I tell her the truth, it won't be a big deal. It's kind of like the forced apology by the mean kid at recess, who really has not remorse. It was like shooting me a bird to my face, rather than behind my back. Never mind that a good teacher at any level can usually smell the bullshit a mile away. We can read in the responses those who did the reading and those who are good at hiding the fact they hadn't. And of course it doesn't even take a good teacher to recognize those who clearly don't do the reading. Why not try?

This all left me thinking, what the hell am I supposed to do with this? Am I supposed to take pity on her? Am I supposed to be impressed with her honesty? I have to admit, I'm not impressed and I don't feel bad for her. My husband said she should respect me and my class enough to at least try and bullshit a response. I'm not sure I agree with that either.

All I know is this. I work full time and teach at the university. I write for a daily blog as well as a monthly blog. I have a family. And I come prepared to work, both jobs. I would never admit to my boss I was not prepared, because I would never be unprepared. I don't mean to sound callus or judgmental, but I guess I am. Why the heck did she write this to me? What do I do with this?