Christina Valdez said her daughter, Cassandra Garcia, received the colorful card from her teacher May 18 at Desert Springs Academy in Tucson, ABC News reported Wednesday.

"You re Tops! Catastrophe Award. Awarded to Cassandra Garcia. For Most Excuses for Not Having Homework," the award reads.

The card was signed "Ms. Plowman" with the date and a smiley face.

"I think it s cruel and no child should be given an award like this. It s disturbing," Valdez said.

She said she called the school to complain, but the principal "blew me off."

"She said it was a joke that was played and that the teachers joke around with the children," she said.

The school s principal declined to comment.