A student really said this!

(The following was said by a 7th grader as he sat in front of a computer with IE on Google.)

"Ms, how do you spell cheat?"

Apologizing

One thing I've had to get over is my feeling of "Us Against Them". My natural instinct is to never show weakness, never admit when your wrong...because if you do, the kids won't respect you anymore.
And you do have to be careful...but mostly to just be fair.
Today I had been short with a kid who is causing us alot of problems. He made the comment of how none of the teachers liked him now. Talk about a rough situation! So later in the day, when we had both calmed down, I went up to him and said I was sorry. And he smiled. I haven't seen this kid smile in weeks! I still expect problems, but at least he knows now I'll admit when I'm wrong. And that I do care. That may make the biggest difference.

Confuse them with praise!

I don't know what got into me. Was it the poodle skirt, the free fries, or perhaps I was just so far into the negative zone I had no where left to go. I started praising the kids in the hallway. I got some strange looks let me tell you. But rather than yelling "stop running, quit hitting, quit shouting..." I said "Thank you for your hallway behavior, your doing a great job". I know it sounds corny, but it let me not yell, and I was able to praise the kids doing their job.
I hope to pair it up with rewards after halloween. the kids might really go for that.

Threats and inaction

You should be able to feel safe coming to work. Like reasonable measures are being taken to protect you. Then you have a student threaten to shoot a teacher, and all our Principle does is give him a talking to. Shows how much we are valued doesn't it? Especially since a similar threat against a kid would result in AT LEAST in school suspension. Shows the offense doesn't matter, just the likelyhood of lawsuits.

Shut up and Screw the Kid over!

We were all prepared for a helpful meeting where we could discuss how to help Student M. Student M should be in the Adaptive Behavior Unit, but his crazy momma won't let him. Well, the Principal obviously didn't want us to discuss this, as she invited crazy momma. Yup, that's how she told us to keep our yaps shut. Who cares the kid won't get help.

Twas A Day In School

Twas a day in school, when all through the halls,
Not a student was listening, not paying attention at all.
Round the teacher’s necks, their cares had been hung,
Each praying for peace, before student’s necks they rung.

The children were yelling, as loud as they could,
We won’t do our work, even if we should!
Frustrated beyond belief, I stood up shout,
I can’t take it any more, I want out!

I’m tired of working, being insulted each day,
All this crap, for hardly any pay.
I pick up my bag, heading for the door,
I’m really upset, my temper very sore.

But then I see him, quiet as can be,
A student is trying, this amazes me.
The math is hard, but he sticks out his tongue,
He keeps working the problems, till at last he is done.

Tears fill my eyes, as he stands up to go,
And suddenly I remember, what I do this job for.
To teach that one student, anxious to learn,
To help him succeed, for this I yearn.

So I put down my bag, and walk through the mess.
I’ve found one reason to stay, I have passed the test.

(amazing how creative I get when days are hard)

Quote of the Day (a kid actually said this)

" It's like breaking and entering, you go straight to the clothes."
-female 7th grader.

Death in the air

One of the scariest things to face is that which you can't see. Apparently there is a new Staph bacteria out there which is resistant to anti-biotics. And it's airborne, so any open wound could let this lethal bug in. We already have 2 students in the hospital fighting off this thing.
So what do you do when your afraid, yet you have to lead your students? What do you do about the ones who smell, have tons of sores, but won't cover them? How do we protect them, yet protect ourselves? Perhaps its paranoia, but I'm afraid of getting to close to these kiddos now. Aids, lice, and now staph. What's next?

Psalm 23 for Substitutes

The Lord is my helper, when I must sub.
He leadeth me to the lesson plans, he makes me lie down in joy when it's over.
He restores my energy.
He leads me in the path of education for his name sake.

Yea, though I walk in the halls of a middle school, I will fear no student; for thou art with me.

Thy verses on patience, they comfort me.

Thou preparest cafeteria food for me in the presence of my tough kids;
Thou anointeth my head with wisdom, my joy at student's learning overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me throughout the day;
And I shall not have to sub forever.