Parents Who Don't Care

I was reminded yesterday just how misguided our politicians and pundits are when they blame teachers for the failures of students. I have been trying to contact a certain parent since the school year started regarding her daughter's lack of interest in anything academic. My phone calls were never returned. Then, the day before vacation, her daughter had out a cell phone. Since it was two days before Christmas, I charitably told her to put it away, although it's policy to confiscate it. When she was texting five minutes later, I took the phone. And that's why I finally met the mother. If a parent only contacts a teacher to retrieve a forbidden item but not to touch base on her daughter's progress in class, just what is a teacher supposed to do to improve this girl's priorities? If you have any ideas, please let me know!