Forging notes is an art form in the elementary and middle school across this great nation. A time-honored tradition passed down from the masters moving up to high school to younger kids who want to lie to their parents and teachers about a variety of things. In my day, I was considered an above average forger (I specialized in notes allowing myself and other kids to get off at random bus stops).

But a perfectly forged note takes skill and practice.

Below are 12 forged notes from kids that didn’t quite make the cut.