Day Seventy-six: Graduation #2

Today was my second graduation since I started teaching. Another 31 students received their high school diploma tonight. One of them was the first student that earned their credit in my class. So proud!

It was definitely a whirlwind experience getting everything ready. I sent out an email asking teachers to not send me any extra students today except for two specific students that had been incredibly helpful. Having them meant I didn't have any classes staring at me blankly and we sailed through covering windows with the snowflake sponge paintings we've been working on.

One moment in 4th period I wished their was a video camera. Then I remembered we were in the cafeteria, and there was one! We realized we needed to move the light tree across the room. I'm embarrassed to admit how we moved it with eight lights attached to it. It involved four students carrying it with me in the middle on a (lowered) lift with another student pushing me across the room. Oh it was a sight. But we made it, and it worked.

As the day went on, we certainly had a few bumps and technical difficulties. Along one of the walls not a single plug worked. We had to run an extension cord around and behind the stage. At that point in the day I was beyond exhausted and my principal made me stop and eat dinner.

In the end, I'm really happy with what we ended up with. It felt so good to look around the room and think, "My students made this."

Day Seventy-five: Um...hello? Anybody?

My first period class is so precious. Two of the boys are taking benchmark tests this week, and told me this morning they wouldn't be in class so they wouldn't be able to help. Was that an apology?

Do you ever have those days where you wonder if your students are on drugs? Or just what drugs they are on today? The past few days my 2nd period class has developed an interesting habit. Four of them just sit there and stare. At me. At the floor. At the wall. At the ceiling. Two students from my 3rd period came to help out today and one of them basically asked me after, "What is wrong with them?"

Something really cool happened today with my 4th period class today. They LOVE lighting. I have a student that I usually have to walk like a hawk (the one who throws things) and he was so responsible today. He did such a good job hanging the lights and working carefully with all the equipment. So proud!

6th period I took advantage of their competitive nature along with a little bit of rewards. One of the clamps was stuck and we had not been able to fix it all day. So I offered 15 points to the student who fixed it. About 5 guys descended and took turns before one student that isn't even registered for my class but had come to help succeeded.

Day Seventy: The return

Much earlier than expected, my student from 6th period returned. He came by before 3rd period with the ringleader of the O5ers that's come so far with my class (even though she's not officially in it now). He asked if he could come back and then said he didn't mean it. Then he apologized. I told him he could come back if he wanted to be there, but that an apology doesn't mean anything unless something changes after. Then I almost fell over as I listed to the girl lecture him about actions speaking louder than words.

One of my more challenging students in 3rd period yelled at me today and told me no one wants to be in my class. I'm so grateful for the moments yesterday and today that have shown me otherwise.

We counted out how many giant snowflakes we've made and calculated how many more we'd need. Seeing an end in sight helped motivate some of the students to get back to work on them.

During 4th period I have had many discussions with them about throwing things in class. Today they were being careless and I ended up accidentally getting hit in the face with a beach ball. Yes, they got a lecture. And a new class rule about losing points for throwing things. Thank goodness it was only a beach ball. After that two students worked hard while the rest of the class didn't accomplish anything. Partly I think they were discouraged. Partly they were in a bad mood. Some of them felt bad that they had screwed up. As always, tomorrow will be a better day.

On a positive note, if they can manage to not throw things for a few days they will get to be part of the snowball fight we are having next week at the Christmas party. Yes, I ordered some fake snow. I'll let you know how it works.

Day Sixty-nine: The reason

I started the day overwhelmed. I ended the day emotional and exhausted. The middle? Pretty awesome.

First, it's raining here, and this city does not handle moisture/cold/anything but sunshine very well. There was a stoplight out at a major intersection so I had to sneak around side streets in a questionable neighborhood and arrived to work ridiculously late (along with everyone else). When I arrived, I looked down the hallway and a feeling of doom began to set in. One of my students from 1st period that has been gone for the past few months was standing in the hallway. I took a deep breath, walked into my supervisor's classroom and said, "I'm screwed." Then later I saw a girl that used to be in my 6th period. Earlier in the semester, she acted out and told me she didn't care because her mom was putting her in a high school. I think I might have said something along the lines of, "What are you going to do if that doesn't work out?" It seems it didn't. Both situations ended up less difficult than I thought they would. I've made a lot of progress with my students since they've been gone and wasn't sure how having them back would change the dynamic. I made sure that I did everything I could to keep things light and make them feel welcome. I think it helped them stay off the defensive. It's hard to rebel against authority when authority is showing kindness. I hit a bit of a bump when the girl told me at the beginning of 6th period that another student had mentioned to her that I had said some very negative things about her. Eeek. I remember him using those particular words to describe her, but I'm not in the habit of using that particular language. Note to self: Talking about other students with other students is a no no, but so is letting other students talk to you too much about each other.

After school, my supervisor came by and said that we couldn't do what I'd been planning for covering the windows in the cafeteria. Too much materials, too much manpower. He wanted me to scrap that part. I admit I cried as he left. Not because of all the work I had done, but because my students had worked so hard. I'd struggled to keep them working on probably the longest project these students have ever worked on. I didn't want to walk in tomorrow and tell them that they'd wasted their time. I think I've limited it enough to cover less of them. We'll see how it goes over tomorrow. I'll have to remeasure everything I've already done in the morning and see what I still need.

Now for some positive. During 6th period a few students came to my class from English. The computers were down so they couldn't do anything for the assignments they were working on. One was a girl who has visited my class before, while another was a girl in my 3rd period (that I just gave student of the month to, but has a habit of ditching her other classes). We were talking about my expectations regarding respect, and the visiting girl said, "I don't know why anyone would disrespect you, your class is cool." Seriously. Can't argue with that one. But what was really humbling and made my day was when the girl from my 3rd period said, "This class is the only reason I come to school." I have the best job. Ever.

Day Sixty-eight: Telephone

After yesterday's fiasco, I was wondering how my 6th period would react to the departure of one of the students yesterday. As we were working, someone said, "He said you kicked him out of the class." It turned into a very interesting discussion. I told them I didn't kick him out. He kept saying he didn't want to be in the class anymore, so he got what he wanted. I also said he was welcome to come back, but only when he decided he wanted to be there and then asked to come back. It's interesting how what you say to students gets translated and changed over time before it gets back to you. I tried to male it very clear to my students that I was not and do not give up on my students. I expected and hoped he would return soon.

Today we took a little bit of a break from making decorations/building scenery. I'm concerned about them getting burned out and losing interest before we finish everything we need to do.

Day Sixty-seven: You know you like it

Last night I went shopping at Joanne's and bought some new snowflake stencils. Only decent ones I could find were actually cake decorating ones. But they were much prettier than the ones left behind from last year. The last few days I have struggled to get the students to help with sponge painting the snowflakes on the paper we are using to cover the windows. Today I showed them what the panels will now look like. I had students in every class working on it and fighting to get to work on it. Lesson learned: You know it looks good when the students want to work on it.

Before:


After:

Today I learned the secret to calming down my 4th period class. Sing to them. I've been trying to start a choir, and they asked me to sing for them. So I sang a quick Christmas song...and they all got silent. Then they wanted me to sing something else. The next thing I knew I was playing Disney karaoke and making Christmas decorations with them. Yes, I was singing songs from The Little Mermaid with "tough" high school students. It was like magic. Who knew?

The miracle in 2nd period continues. He worked again today. The entire class period. I typed up an email to the principal and the AP letting them know how he was doing, then let him read it before I sent it up. He got a little smile on his face when he saw it.

Then there was 6th period. A little heartbreaking. My "I don't want to be in your class anymore" student pushed things a little too far. He said it again today, yelling across the room, "F-- this class," among other things. It's hard because he is one of my favorite students. He's angry. And his life outside of school is incredibly difficult. It doesn't have anything to do with me and I can see that. But today I couldn't talk him down when he got upset. So I had to send him to the office so that he could have what he said he wanted. I told the AP to let him back in the class when he asks to come back, but not before then. It was reassuring to see the AP's confidence in me, but what I really hope is that this student will still be able to see my confidence in him.

Day Sixty-six: Anybody there?

Yes, I am grossly behind. Yes, I have partly completed entries for about a week. And I'm exhausted. And getting sick. And I don't want to be a whiner. But I have to start somewhere.

I have to admit that I laughed really hard today when I got my daily email of who was in SMARTS (our school's version of ISS). Eight students, six of which were mine. One of them is actually one of my best students. She's been skipping other classes. But she always comes to mine, always works, and usually is able to get other kids to work with her that normally don't want to do much. She's basically a rock star. AND my student of the month. I tried to break her out, but she went home early.

Today at our end of lunch assembly our principal led us in a moment of silence. Last night a 13 year old boy was stabbed after an altercation (it was all over the news last night). He was a part of our school district, and it hit a little close to home. He probably would have ended up at our school within the next year or two.

One of the boys from my 2nd period class finally came back from SMARTS today. I haven't seen him in weeks. And I welcomed him with a big smile and let him know what was going on. And what happened? He worked. And I tried not to fall over. I don't think I did anything, but this is the same kid who I told once that if he just completed one assignment, I'd take the entire class to the game room for a class period. So it looks like I get to follow through now. Awesome.

In 4th period, I spent most of the time following one of the boys around the room, trying to give him options of what he could do, and taking things out of his hand before he broke something or hit someone with a ruler he picked up. Yay kindergarten! Need to find a new tactic tomorrow.

Day Sixty-five: The dinosaur in the room

Today I battled starting to feel sick with total excitement about the decorations we are working on for the Christmas party. Most of the day was a blur, except for a moment at the end of the day.

After school today one of my students came by with the custodian to help clean the classroom. (She needed community service hours). I started talking to her about how awesome the party was going to be because of what they were all helping with.

Student: Miss, you remind me of Barney.

Me: The dinosaur?

Student: No. Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother. With your attitude.

Me: (After I stopped laughing) It's going to be legend-wait for it-dary!

Day Sixty-four: Next project

Yes, I'm behind on posting, and I have a few days partially written. We all need a holiday, right? I'll catch everyone up soon.

It was so nice to have a break for a few days.

Today we started making these. They are these really cool Christmas ornaments made out of string. All you really need it the string, glue, water, and a balloon. I tried a few different methods of glue+water+string, and the messiest option seems to be the best. Dipping the string in the glue causes knots and a weak structure. Painting on the glue after wrapping the string is almost a guaranteed collapse. Sticking your fingers in the watered-down glue and spreading it on the string right before wrapping it around? Winner! Tomorrow I'm going to try to make a larger version to hang from the ceiling using thicker thread and beach balls.

Day Sixty: More?

Today a few of my students started sharing project ideas. By the end of the day, I asked, "I'll give you two options. Would you like to start your projects or help me make snowflakes for the Christmas party?" I think the most amusing part is the student who said "Neither" but sat there and cut and glued with the rest of us. I think they are some pretty cool 3-D snowflakes. I'd like to add a little glitter to them later. You can find the instructions here.

My supervisor and I are toying with the idea of starting a choir or a glee club at lunchtime. Maybe once a week? Eventually I'd like to teach a choir or a music class, but I have to do a lot of work to establish myself there with the students before I can create that class. And it would have to be separate from art and theatre (which starting next year I'd like to separate as well). Thanks to the new testing in Texas, we won't be able to accelerate out students towards graduation. Which is a tragedy. So with two or three teachers we need to create some more elective options to keep the kids interested. So why not add a choir? Oh yeah. I've got to bribe them into singing in front of people.

I used the field trip tomorrow as a reminder to students on behavior. One of my students got suspended this week, so he can't go now. All I said? "Don't do anything stupid."

Day Fifty-nine: Hope you know...

I had a hard day. It was long. It was stressful. I thought I had prepared so well. I started off running late when I had a meeting for this week's assembly. I hadn't been able to get a hold of the speaker we were hoping for this week. I'll be gone Friday on the field trip and everyone looked at me like it was my responsibility to fix it. (One of those "I'm only in charge when there is a problem" moments). My supervisor went to bat for me and when I finally found out the speaker could not come before January, he offered to tell the principal so I didn't have to.

With each class I went through a presentation on a few different styles of art along with a few principles of design. After that we went to the computer lab to research more on our own to create their own project based on a line from the play we read. The assignment? I wrote it out on the board as follows:

-Pick a line

-Look at pretty pictures

-Tell me what you're going to do

-Tell me what materials you'll need

My 3rd period class took FOREVER to settle down. With the rest it took about 10-15 minutes before we went over to the computer lab. They took 45 minutes. I need to go back and do a little more reinforcing of coming to class and being ready to get to work.

I knew I needed to leave a few minutes early to go to an appointment. I'd cleared everything with my principal. With the craziness of the day, and then a meltdown 6th period, I totally spaced it and didn't leave until over 30 minutes after I meant to be long gone. Oops.

Now as to what actually happened at the end of the day. One of my students got upset and walked out. He's come a long way with me and usually comes to my class more than once a day. He feels safe there I guess. So after I took the rest of the students to the computer lab and checked with the teacher there, I went and found the student sitting in the hallway. I sat down next to him and calmly said, "I know you don't want to drop my class. I know that you are upset about something and it's not about me. What's up?" He then started to tell me about some very upsetting news he had found out and was trying to deal with. All I can say is that it really sucks. And I told him that. I reminded him that I'm not okay with him taking his anger out on me, but that if he lets me know what's going on, I can be sensitive to it. "Ready to come back to class?" "Yeah." Phew. Then after-school he couldn't find his backpack and was freaking out that someone stole it.

We found out later that one of his friends had taken it just to mess with him and gave it back.

Day Fifty-eight: Ask and ye shall receive

Sometimes our efforts to teach our students appropriate vocabulary should stop before it starts. The principal had the artificial Christmas tree brought to our class and a few students tried to put some lights on it. I realized that the second strand was on the tree backwards because the plug end wasn't at the bottom. We had unwrapped the bottom strand when I picked the ends up, demonstrated, and said, "Make sure you plug the male end into the female end...yes that is what it's called." Oh the embarrassment.

First two classes were very quiet today. Less than five students per class. A few extra came by 2nd period to talk about Christmas party planning. Then 3rd was crazy. The class is now my largest. I know, most teachers would love to have a class with only 15 students...let me remind you that you kicked these 15 students out of your class. A few students thought I was picking on them for not working while letting others get away with it. They didn't seem to recognize that since the last time I checked on them, I had said the same thing at every table I stopped at. They are so funny. In the midst of all of this one of my students came up and told me an idea she had for her next project. It was so cool to see her so excited about what she was going to make, to see the wheels in her head turn and then click into place.

In 4th the students were writing down a key moment from each scene. It's not a math class, so there are a lot of answers that could be correct. I talked to them about taking on the role of a director, and how you get to decide what is most important to communicate...you just had to be able to defend your choice. So a student would tell me he was done, bring me his paper, and I would choose a scene and ask why he chose that line. I know the play pretty well, so it was pretty easy to spot the totally random sentences. I then said, go back, read the scene, come back, and tell me why it is important. Then he'd change something, but I'd see the same line still there, ask the same question, and get the same response. What a relief when he finally could answer the question and make connections with what he read. More than just regurgitating information.

Last night and today I got some very good news, thanks to some tremendous generosity. There is a fairly well known comedian that has done a few specials on Comedy Central who will be doing a show here in a few months. I got this crazy idea in my head about seeing if I could get a few tickets donated as a reward for my students. So I contacted his publicist. What's the worst that could happen? He'd say no? Last night I opened my email to find out that he was donating 4 tickets to us. How cool is that? When I told my students, they were so excited and are already asking what they need to do to get the tickets. I told them I'd let them know how it would work by Friday. Any suggestions????? P.S. I think I was able to get a few tickets for my students to see The Nutcracker as well.

Day Fifty-seven: Is this really happening?

Ah Monday. Finally got the bus situation straightened out. So we've got a bus. And a driver. And a place to go. And permission slips coming in. I'm still using the permission slips as a bribe to get students to do their work, and a few worked harder today as a result to get one. They know time is running out. Today one student changed his mind about going. I knew he would. The other day he told me he didn't want to go since he gave himself one chance to get a permission slip and didn't get one. Weird. Anyway. I told him that he just had to make progress the next day and he wouldn't have it. He was out. But reality is setting in. And he got to work today after saying, "Forget it, I want to go now."

The assignment for today:

For each scene in Sangre de un Angel, write down one sentence or phrase of dialogue that you think represents a key moment in the scene.

Some students barely wrote down one all period. One student finished in about 15 minutes, and had great answers. She's kind of a rock star, but got a little self-conscious when I pointed out to other students that she was already done. "Don't tell them what I'm doing. They can't be like me." Note to self...more one on one reinforcement. She came by later that day to say hi, so I think we're still good.

I spent my conference period having a Christmas party planning meeting with a few students who really wanted to be involved. We outlined the layout of the room and put together a wish list of supplies and decorations. We're hoping to get a tree donated that we can decorate and take to a family in need in our school. Anyone want to donate a few dollars so we can get some fake snow? :)

Today I also heard something I can't write about on here. It happens every once in a while. As a teacher, I battle with balancing privacy laws with the responsibility to share what it is like to work with the students I teach. I will, however, share how I handled it. I'm usually a stickler for things like cell phone rules. At the beginning of class I told my class that one of the students "...is having a rough day. So I'm not going to get on his case today, and won't say anything if his cell phone is out. Rules still apply for the rest of you." Most of them had heard something about the situation and didn't question it. He was quieter and more cagey than usual, which is saying something. Scared of anyone walking too close behind him. On top of that he just found out he didn't pass one of his TAKS tests, so he still can't graduate. It's been a discouraging week for him. Maybe someday I can share his story.

Day Fifty-six: Rewards

So I'll be honest. It's been a long couple of days. Wednesday was a late night with graduation. Last night I had a dress rehearsal for a choir I am in that ran late. Suffice it to say that I was so tired this morning my brain could not process anything and I knew I'd be screwed when my students walked in.

So, before all pandemonium broke out, I decided to make today the day I followed through on a promise. I had promised my students a pizza party for the first class to get everyone to 5 points. The rest I promised a class period in the game room when their class made it. It gave me a chance to bond with my students and get to know them better. So my first two classes got a bit of a break. By third period I was back on my game and went back to my classroom. We played a three round version of charades that we did a few months ago in my next two classes. The students got really into it, worked together, were much better at the round where they could only use one word to help their team guess, and even willingly did some impressive pantomime in the final round.

I also totally killed my students at ping pong (I normally don't think of myself as very good). Should I let them win? They kept lining up to try anyway. I wonder if beating them is a let down, or if it earns their respect.

No word yet on whether I have a driver for the field trip next week. Some one was out today so I have to wait until Monday.

Day Fifty-five: Bloody Murder

Today I ran out of my class screaming for the first time. Why you ask?

A baby gecko had found it's way into my doorway, a student had picked it up, and was chasing after me with it.

How is it that I am not afraid of kids that have been arrested, but I'm terrified of a tiny lizard?

My first class spent time taking down decorations from graduation last night. I think htey wanted to keep some of them.

When second period started, I only had two students. No idea where everyone was. I think some were taking the ASVAB. So I tried a little experiment. Wait, isn't every day an experiment? I taught them about flash mobs (can you believe most of these kids have never heard of them before?) So we watched an example, and then I had them try out a way of creating one. The two students that were there are probably the most shy I have all day. Probably the only time I could get them to try this out when no one else was watching. I had each of them figure out a way to spell their name in the air, using a different body part for each letter. A little graffiti in the air if you will that ended up looking like an interpretive dance. Then they learned the other student's name as well as mine, and we put the three together. One student loved it, the other was still embarrassed. But we had so much fun, especially when we tried to add music and experiment with different songs.

3rd period was weird. One student I have 3rd and 4th and he's normally great. Something was up and he did not want anything to do with what we were doing. He talked back and shut down. So weird. By the end of the period, I had three or four pairs of students that had put together their own mini performance. And when 4th period came around, that same student that fought it 3rd period was one of the first to start working on his second chance. We really had a blast. Some of the students really got into it. Yeah, I told you it was going to be cool. Even my last class enjoyed it. These are the same students who two and a half months ago would not stand up when I asked them to were drawing letters in the air with their elbows, foreheads, and feet...in front of the rest of the class.

At the end of 3rd period my phone rang. It was my principal. "Hey babycakes. So the next graduation in December 14th. Aren't you glad I gave you more warning this time?"

I'm having a little field trip drama. Mostly red tape. We have a bus but no driver to pick us up. I found a job coach that is cleared to drive and available, but I'm now waiting on approval from someone in central administration to let him help us out. Fingers crossed.

Day Fifty-four: Congrat(ulation)s

I can't believe I forgot to write about this yesterday. At the beginning of 6th period, one of my students walked in late. I turned to him and asked simply, "Why are you late?" With a straight face and in complete earnestness he said, "I had to bust a few n****as in the face." I started laughing so hard I almost fell on the floor. "Well thank you for your honesty. Have a seat."

At several moments today, people thought I was crazy. My students. Other teachers. And understandably so. First I had traced "Congratulations" and "Graduates" on two separate sheets of black butcher paper. I was super rushed, and realized I had not left enough room for the "s" on "Congratulations." Oops. I decided to start cutting out the "Graduates" first. Took forever (I was also trying to teach, get students involved with helping with other decorations, etc.), but once I started putting blue tissue paper behind it, I got excited. I was going to try to add the "s" on the end of the other, but realized it was too long for the area on the wall it was supposed to cover. So I put the "s" to make "Congrats" instead and called it good. You could still see some of the white pencil from the rest of the word. I tried to erase it but it didn't work so well. Luckily you couldn't notice from the audience. Later, we were setting up in the cafeteria, and some other teachers had come in to help hang up the backdrop I had made to go behind the stage. It was mostly in pieces, and there were some sections of black butcher paper I needed hung up high to cover the areas above the words. They were rolling their eyes a little, but reluctantly played along. They didn't understand the Christmas lights I was putting under the paper. One teacher thought it wasn't going to work and it was going to catch on fire. Then we put up "Congrats" and the entire feeling in the room changed. The lights shined through creating a twinkly effect. After that everyone's attitude changed and became really helpful.

I wish I got a better shot, but here's what the wall behind the stage looked like:

The students deserved something nice. And the graduation was so inspiring. 30 students beating the odds and finishing high school. For each graduate, a teacher would go up, say a few words about the student, and then read their name. I started thinking of students whose names I wanted to read someday at their own graduation. I wanted more than anything to see them through. As long as it takes.

Day Fifty-three: Flip side

And this is why we are grateful for the lessons we learn. Like not taking things personally. The same kids that yesterday were so impossible today were totally cooperative and working hard. Maybe it's something in the air. The weather changing usually affects their behavior. So I was very relieved that even though I forgot to set my alarm last night and overslept by 20 minutes, that my day was pretty good. I had some students start helping me make decorations for graduation tomorrow while others worked on completing their assignments from yesterday.

One student was really trying hard to work today. I've been holding permission slips ransom (carrot, ransom, same difference), promising the students that I will hand them out to those who are following directions and working in class. We had the following conversation:

Student: This is hard.

Teacher: Yeah. It is hard.

Student: Are you mocking me?

Teacher: Nope. Character analysis is hard stuff.

I asked him some questions to help guide his work, and gave him a permission slip at the end of class.

Yesterday I sketched a design for graduation. No real time to buy stuff, so we'll see how it all comes together. I'm running a little behind where I wanted to be, but we made a bunch of stars to hang from the ceiling. First thing tomorrow I'll start on the decorations for the front wall.

Day Fifty-two: Manic Monday

I think today started off on the wrong foot. And then found another wrong foot.

Was it the empty gas tank this morning and finding I left my credit card at home?

The email telling me that I had to have my students back by 1:45pm from our field trip next week? (Our tour of the museum starts at 2pm, and they are the ones paying for the buses in the first place)

The graduation on Wednesday night that I have to set up and design decorations for?

Or once the day started...

My first period class refusing to read so I had to skip to the next assignment?

My second period class where one of my best students insisted on lying on the table and taking a nap?

My third period class where a student hit another with a hanger when my back was turned?

The girls I walked by in the hallway that were about to throw down at the end of lunch?

My fourth period class that I had to give assigned tables to hoping they would do more working than hair pulling or bullying/flirting?

A few students did not come to 6th period today, but guess what? The ones that did all worked today. I'd go check on them periodically, and smiled to see they were making progress.

A few do's and don'ts I learned today about working with this particular student population:

Do remember the small victories.

Don't take it personally. A lot of teenagers are angry. It's not you. You just happen to be there.

Do get creative and be flexible.

Don't try role work. I tried to introduce them to character analysis in role as a psychologist. They just got angry and said, "Ugh, stop talking like that!"

Day Fifty-one: Nuh uh. Yeah huh.

I walked in this morning and saw my first period frequent ditcher in the cafeteria. He wanted to know if we were going to "read that play again." Now this is the guy in my first period that yesterday was laughing about how few days he's actually come to my class. How many times he's either ditched or been in SMARTS. He's only in school because if he doesn't come he'll get arrested. (Quite a few students have attending school as part of their probation, so it's a fairly common motivation that doesn't always work). Back to the story at hand. Then one of the students across the table from him that kept trying to get out of my class 3rd period yesterday asked if his class had finished. I told him they did. I was expecting them to want to do something else. To say, "I don't want to read that stupid play. Nevermind." Or for the kid in 3rd to be relieved we were done. My classes that are finished I had planned on doing some games with today but his class was taking a lot longer to read and kept talking between every line, so I said, "Probably." Then he said, "Okay. I don't want to go to SMARTS today. I'll come to class. I did good yesterday." Excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor.

Once in class the guys complained a few times about having to read a lot (the class is small, so they do have to read more). Here's the thing...they kept reading anyway. I had to struggle not to laugh.

Fourth period four students never made it to class. Their behavior has been escalating. I know they think they are flirting, but still too emotionally immature to express that so they basically bully each other.

The conversation usually goes like this when there is a problem:

Me: Just walk away.

Student: ....

Me: Or are you trying to flirt with her?

Student: No, I'm going to hit her.

Me: ....

When one of the boys resorted to pulling a girl's hair I drew the line. What are we, in kindergarten? They all stayed to talk to the principal. I have no idea what happened, but none of them made it back to my class today.

My 6th period class was really disappointed today. One of the students that was supposed to be in the skit today at the assembly didn't show up for school today. We talked about having someone else fill in, but everyone agreed that he was the funniest part and we couldn't do it without him. So we'll try again next week.

Day Fifty: Payback

Yesterday was awesome. Today started out interesting when my principal popped in to see how I was doing. He was very encouraging. He heard good things about my evaluation yesterday and was impressed with the way I was gaining my students' trust. He also told me he had really wanted to hire a new teacher, not someone who had been doing things the same way for 20 years and unwilling to adapt. So I guess my feeling like I'm always making things up is a good thing?

But let's really get down to what today was about--Today I ate humble pie.

So glad my evaluation was yesterday, and not today. Much of my day was almost like a nightmare. It took forever to get kids to read today. They would be disrespectful and not want to work, then ask if we could go outside or to the game room. Fourth period was especially hard. I kept thinking, "Why did I give you a pizza party yesterday?" I did learn something pretty interesting though. One of my tougher students was reading the part of Angel. To get attention, he would pause before he was supposed to read, clear his throat, then finally read the line. EVERY LINE. At first I tried to tell the other students just to ignore it so he'd stop. No dice. So when he was taking too long, without saying a word, I started reading his part before he could. Didn't take more than a few lines for him to realize what was going on. Instead of saying he didn't want to read anyway, he started reading his lines without creating a scene. Small victory.

Then 6th period rolled around. Most of the class wanted to be in the skit for the assembly, and we had so much fun putting it together. I was so impressed with their creativity, and the use of props. Even the same empty box became a hiding place, a house, and a car. They seem really excited about performing tomorrow. It was just what I needed at the end of a tough day of teaching. I loved seeing them take ownership.

Day Forty-nine: Evaluation

So for those who are starting in part-way through on this journey, there are a few things you should know. Obviously there is a lot I can't share on here, including the school I work at. What I can say is that I teach theatre and art at an alternative high school working with students that many teachers and administrators gave up on.

Today was my first official teaching evaluation. I had no idea it was coming. My AP walked in at the beginning of class, sat down, and started taking notes before I realized what had happened. Did I mention that I figured out what I was doing today during 6th period yesterday?? I've been holding on to Sangre de un Angel for a while, waiting for the students to be ready to read it. I felt they finally could do it. I spent a few minutes at the beginning using the lights in the class to explain creating a setting as well as going over stage directions. Can you believe I had every student in my 3rd period class reading? Out loud? Together? They made me look so good. The AP said it's one of the best classes he's observed in a long time.

Fourth period got a pizza party and time in the game room during lunch and through class. They ate pizza, played pool and ping pong, and hung out.

Sixth period decided they wanted to put together a skit on gang violence for the assembly on Friday. Let's run with it! In the meantime, we made a list of the top ten reasons to stay out or get out of a gang and started figuring out who would be in each one. So we're putting off reading the play in that class until next week.

Day Forty-eight: Post-mortem

Today was so amazing. Perfect? Absolutely not. My fourth period class is definitely a challenge. I have a few students I'm talking to the counselor about separating. However...

Today I had the students write out everything they did to help with the haunted house, along with how many points they thought they should get for it. Then on the other side of the paper, I asked them to respond to a few questions: What do you think worked/went well? What could we improve for next time? (be specific) What else could we do that you think the school would enjoy?

At the beginning of third period, one of my students walked out without saying anything. I had to call the office to let them know, and was supposed to send him up to the office when he returned. When he came back, I asked him to step outside really quick so I could find out what was going on. Before I said anything, I said, "It's okay. I just want to know what's going on. Have I ever gotten in your face?" No. So I asked him what was up. Right before class, someone accused him of being a snitch and he just needed to walk. I told him just to let me know what was up next time. Or if you don't want to tell me and just need a moment, lie to me. Tell me you need to go to the restroom. He was fine the rest of the time and wrote out responses to all of the questions, much to the shock of my supervisor who stopped by to see how things were going only to find all my students working.

The girl I gave student of the month to stopped by and I gave her her certificate and new ID. She said her mom didn't believe it. She didn't believe it. I told her she deserved it for showing so much improvement. I found out later (from a teacher that overheard) that she was in the hallway and someone said something to her about her winning, not believing it either. Apparently she pulled it out and showed it off with a big smile on her face.

During 6th period I was talking to one of my shyer students about his credit. He's the one who ended up being totally awesome during the haunted house. He asked if he could have a credit for theatre instead of art. I asked why. "If I go to another high school, I don't want to have to take a theatre class and do any acting." First, another school couldn't force him to take theatre, he just needed to take one fine arts class to graduate. It didn't matter if it was art or theatre (or music for that matter). Then I told him I didn't think he should underestimate himself. I went through what students are supposed to know how to do in a theatre class (good old TEKS), listed how what he did at the haunted house on Friday exactly fit in with it, and what a great job he had done at it. He got this huge smile on his face. "Yes I did."

I don't know if there are many things better for a teacher than a student realizing that they did something great, all by themselves.

Day Forty-seven: Strike!

No, no one is going on strike. It's that lovely time of the performance process where we have to put everything back. Little by little, class by class, we took apart the haunted house, packed stuff up, and put the woodshop back together. It's funny how they at first whine that they have to clean up but then end up working really hard and getting a ton done. I thought it would take us two days, but we finished in four class periods.

Since we were done by 6th and most of the class was absent, I did the kids makeup for Halloween. I have one student that when I ask him something he shakes his head and says nothing. I've started encouraging him anyway, then waiting for him to follow through. Usually it's something like "Hey, can you come join us?" Head shake. I smile. I wait. He wanders for a moment and then sits down. We get to work. Although my 6th period boys really like to wander out the door and pretend I can't see them in the hallway (I watch their little journey) until they wander back in thinking that they've been so sneaky.

This morning we announced student of the month awards. I warned the other teachers not to fall over. The principal opened the bottle of soda I had in my hand and sniffed it to make sure I wasn't drinking. Nope. Yes, I gave it to the girl who hated me and my class at the beginning of the semester, who has told me she hates school and only comes to see her friends. Lately she's been helping a lot with the haunted house, asking to come to my class to help. Unfortunately she wasn't at school to accept it. So I'm holding on to it for when she returns.

Day Forty-six: Boo

Achieved the seemingly impossible. How long can a haunted house last at an alternative high school? 5 minutes? 2 minutes? How about over an hour. I am so proud of my students. No, it wasn't perfect. Not everyone got scared. The first two or three groups through were pretty bumpy. But they got into a rhythm. We had the students come in three at a time. Easy to track students in and out. I stayed in the first room, while one of the math teachers stayed with the students in the second room.

One of my students I was especially impressed with. He really got into it and created this whole character for himself. He snuck around with this ragged costume over him, with a super creepy voice. He was having so much fun. After about 45 minutes, I had the students take a short break to switch out another group that had signed up. He was planning on not coming back. I said, "Aw man, you're the best thing that's in there right now." And I meant it. I told him he was doing a really great job. Guess who came back and ended up working in the haunted house the entire time? :)

Day Forty-five: Are we there yet?

Technology, I will defeat you. Or at least bring you over to the dark side. Tonight I figured out how to download Youtube videos using Safari. I found a clip of TV static that we're adding to the haunted house after an idea a few of my students came up with today.

I think today was a bit of an ARD circus. I was scheduled to be at one during a class. So another teacher agreed to go for me (it was that or cover my class). Then I was asked to go to an ARD for another teacher who was scheduled for one during her class, until it started way too late and another teacher was pulled in to cover for me during 6th.

1st period we went into the cafeteria to hang up some decorations. The boys had their hearts set on stapling rings of orange and black construction paper together. I had put it in the storage room in my classroom. They pulled it out and brought it to the cafeteria, when they lifted it out, a HUGE spider ran out from under it. My one girl that is new in the class jumped on a bench. The custodian in the room ran away. Yes, I jumped up on the bench too. Still gives me the heebie jeebies. Unfortunately for the spider, its time came to an end and it is no longer running free in the school.

2nd period I grabbed some newspapers, paper towels, paint, and a few pairs of boots another teacher found in their room and had the students turn them into severed legs. I never thought I would do this kind of stuff. Two weeks ago I thought I wouldn't be able to handle fake blood. Now my students show up and I say, "Hey, lets make some severed limbs. Wooooo!"

3rd period we made more guts and fake hands with jello and paper towels. I love seeing the stack of hands in the fridge in the teachers lounge. The students went through costumes to find something to wear tomorrow and I laughed as they tried on some really ridiculous outfits. I told the kids that since they are in the class and in the haunted house, they could borrow any costume for free, as well as get their makeup done. Everyone else gets to donate a dollar.

4th and 6th we added more finishing touches, making fake spiders to hang from the ceiling and drop on people, then painting "Help me" with red paint and fake blood on the window between the two rooms. We managed to keep everything together even though we had a fire drill during 6th. I had everyone wash their hands off before the alarm was supposed to go off (we were making bloody handprints of course). Can you imagine kids running around outside with red paint all over their hands? Oh the disaster.

Well tomorrow is showtime. Either we'll get shut down in the first few minutes, or it will be a ton of fun. Fingers crossed.

Day Forty-four: Burned out

1st period we focused mostly on setup. Asking them to help lay out some butcher paper and tape it together was like asking them to solve the economic crisis. But eventually they played along. Those boys.

Jackson Pollock. Yes, I introduced my students to a famous artist in 2nd period so we could create blood spatter with different shades of red and brown. It was so fun I was almost gleeful.

My O5 ringleader came to 3rd again and helped out. I heard her in the hallway talking about leaving after lunch before class (which she is allowed to do). I was really hope to be able to work with her during 5th, maybe talk to her more one-on-one. So I pulled out the jello, latex gloves, and pantyhose to have 3rd help out with it instead. When she walked in and saw, she was disappointed and said, "I thought I was going to help you..." "I was planning on it, but you said you were leaving." So she stayed through 3rd and helped me make fake guts and helped a few other students with other decorations. At the beginning of the semester, the only motivation she had to go to school was to be able to hang out with her friends. She stayed through 4th period and continued to help. Not sure where she disappeared to after.

A few students came during my 5th period conference and helped with setup. They like to think that they're my crew now.

Had an equipment failure today. I bought a strobe light for the haunted house, which flashed once and never again. Grrr. So lame when a brand new light burns out.

Day Forty-three: Cover me!

One of my students in 2nd that normally does okay totally shut down today. When I tried to see what was up, he finally said, "You wouldn't understand." The look on his face was so sad.

Today my supervisor and several other teachers were in a meeting with some district bigwigs, so I covered his 5th period class during my conference again. This time though, I was able to go over to the computer lab and they could still do their own work. One student that I have 1st period was hard at work the entire time. Struggles to stay awake in my class. Maybe it's just too early for him? :) It was good to see him plugging away on his own. My O5 ringleader came to my 4th and 6th period classes (She's on half days and could have gone home). She even followed me when I went to cover 5th period. I was able to distract some of the other kids by looking at Halloween decorations online that could be used in the haunted house. Remember when she hated me? These kids just need to know that you're not going anywhere and that they can always come back.

P.S. When working on an assignment where you plan on turning the lights out, set clear expectations of when the lights can be turned off. It's amazing no one was sent to the nurse/hospital.

Day Forty-two: No, it's mine

1st period has joined the haunted house train. They now want it to be their baby instead too. Hilarious. So they helped move all the extra boxes of books to book storage, moved desks to the art room, and moved the platform stage pieces over to the woodshop. Those kids definitely got their workout for the day.

2nd and 3rd period is in now too. They helped cover the hallway windows to block out lights, moved equipment to the storage room, and started coming up with plans for the pathway. An even nicer surprise were the students who asked to come to my class today, including the O5 ring leader that I've been trying to get back in my class. I just laugh at how much has changed. Students that yelled at me at the beginning of the year are actually being more respectful. I even have students apologize when they swear in front of me, not because it's against the school rules, but because they've learned that I don't like profanity. And they told me you couldn't expect these kids to learn to be respectful. I'm just that stubborn and that hopeful.

Oh, and 3rd period has decided to make fake body parts.

4th period is going to find sound effects.

6th is going to work on more visual effects.

Day Forty-one: Game on!

So earlier this week I was a little disappointed when my 6th period bailed on the haunted house. They were overwhelmed, thought it wouldn't get done in time, etc. I was a little disappointed on the lack of follow through, but figured we could focus on Halloween makeup and things would work out.

Then at the assembly at the end of lunch the principal mentioned something about being aware that I'll be setting up for the Halloween party next week and for teachers to not send too many students to me. I said it was fine as long as they call me first. Then he mentioned that I would also be busy with the haunted house. Eeek! I said it wouldn't be happening after all. As I walked down the hall with my 4th period, they got upset that the haunted house was off. "We'll do it." Say what? So I ran with it. We started making plans as they went ahead and created fake wounds for grades (after a week of practicing). Then when I was walking through the hallway between 4th and 5th I saw one of my students from 6th and told them what happened. "Oh no, it's ours, we're taking it back." Mhmmm. I thought so. Once they all found out that 4th wanted to take it, they were back in.

Day Forty: Exhaustion

I am so grateful for adrenaline. Another two classes at 3+ hours a piece. I've been going to bed earlier (either I'm getting old or turning into a teacher), but last night I just couldn't sleep. I think I got 2, 3 hours if I'm lucky.

I started off the morning by slitting my throat. I wish I would have taken a picture. It was so gross. Lesson I learned? Using nose and scar wax on a moving body part is not the best plan. It started pulling away from my neck before lunch, so I had to take it off. Shame.

First period was definitely a test from a classroom management standpoint. I had extra kids again, but no extra teacher on hand. I told the kids that if they were going to be there, they had to follow two rules:

1. Don't break anything.

2. Keep the back door locked. If it opened, the first time it opened, everyone not in my class would have to leave and go back to their regular class. (It becomes impossible to keep track of students who come in and leave when that door is open).

Turned out a nearby room was being used to test and could hear everything that was going on. First I got a phone call and then someone actually walked over to my room. They were struggling to keep their talking at a reasonable volume. Of course they won't talk that loud when in front of people, only when talking to someone right in front of them. Amazing! So with about 30 minutes left, I saw the door open, and promptly kicked them all out. I called to the office to warn them there would be a bunch of kids in the halls heading back to class. They were bummed, and even the good ones had to go. The result? When the second class came, and the students asked to come, I told them the two rules, then added a third about volume since testing was still happening. First they freaked out when anyone new went toward the door. Since the earlier students had seen me follow through, and didn't want to go back, they were quick to keep in line on that one. Then the volume went up again. I walked across the room, turned all the lights on to get their attention, and let them know the volume was getting too high. Then as soon as the lights were dimmed the volume went right back to where it was. Immediately turned them back on and pointed out what had happened. Dimmed them again and got back to work making wounds for students. After about 20 minutes, the volume started heading up. Without saying a word I moved towards the switch and they all shushed each other. It was hilarious.

Most entertaining conversation of the day happened right after that:

Student: Yeah, no one listened to the art teacher last year.

Me: Wait, so some students are actually doing what I ask?

Student: Yep.

I told them if they want to come back tomorrow, they need to donate $1 for a bruise, or $2 to get a laceration as a fundraiser to cover the cost of supplies. Then my students can earn points for each bruise and laceration they do. No mula, no visit. Muahahahaha.

Day Thirty-nine: Best Conference Ever

Today I had my best conference period ever. What did I do you ask? Teach for three hours. Since I'm still taking students from another teacher, I had a room full of students to work with.

I started out the morning with a different type of fake gash across my face. It didn't take long before students who've never been in my class before came up to me and said, "Can I come to your class today?" Mwahahahaha. A few of the girls that came this morning asked if they could actually be in my class. You say that now. Hopefully they'll feel the same way once they get in. I spent the first hour or so teaching and letting the students practice, then turned on a movie in the background while I put lacerations and bullet wounds on anyone that wanted one. One student that came did the most awesome black eyes. He's got skills. Here are a few from this morning:

Then at lunch I had even more students ask if they could come to my class. "Ask your teacher." I think in the end I had at least 10-15 extra students on top of the class I was covering. Thankfully, a few teachers came with their students, while another teacher gave up her conference period as well and helped do bruises and lacerations. It was awesome. I taught and helped the students for the first hour, then applied wounds for the next two hours nonstop. Other students stepped in and helped, many of them not in my class. I think I'll have my students create wounds for a grade on Friday, and let other students come to get fake wounds as a fundraiser. 50 cents for a bruise. Maybe a dollar for a wound with latex. $2-3 for anything with putty (larger cuts and bullet wounds). Then use the money to replace supplies so we can do more at the Halloween party next week. Here is another sample from the last half of my crazy day:

It made me happy to see the kids happy. Tomorrow will probably be another crazy day. I'll probably need to limit how many extra students I take on tomorrow, but as long as I have an extra teacher around to lend a hand, bring it on!

Day Thirty-eight: Secret Weapons

I came in this morning with a plan and a lot of hope. Two classes. Three hours each. Lunch in between. No conference period. Extra students in one class due to testing. Here is how I looked at the end of the day:

No, it wasn't a bad day. No, the students didn't beat me up. I actually had a pretty awesome day. I just couldn't help myself taking a picture of my work. I'm teaching my students how to make fake wounds. I decided to do one on myself before school started to try to get the students excited about class today. Mission accomplished. I walked into the cafeteria, and the students kept asking, "Who beat you up?!" When they found out that it was not only fake, but that I was going to teach them how to do it, they thought it was so cool. (And a lot of them thought I was crazy). Below are some examples of my work, as well as some of my students:

Gunshot Wound

Laceration

Only got a few pictures today, and hoping for more tomorrow. I was really impressed with some of my students, and it was cool to see them excited to try somethings new, even if it was a little scary at first.

When I was in college, I was afraid to do these. The fake blood totally grossed me out. But it's awesome with these kids. "I want a gunshot wound too!" Hilarious. I think what fascinated me the most was the other students visiting my class today. I was so concerned about them before class started. It's not their class, their teacher, or their subject. But every kid that was stuck in my class tried everything out and was having more fun than my own students. Spread the word folks. My class is awesome!

Day Thirty-seven: Get Creative

Staff Development day. I originally thought I would not post for today. A day full of meetings? Not the most exciting thing to read about. But...this morning I received a most wonderful email. The field trip I've been planning all semester for next month is now paid for...and not by us.

Thanks to some really awesome donors, the Blanton Museum of Art is paying for our field trip. How did this happen? I've been researching every possible angle of fundraising and what to do with the kids on the field trip. I knew we'd go to a show, but while on campus I'd hoped we'd have a chance to do a little more. See the stadium? Maybe a museum? Then I found this wonderful tidbit here:

"The Blanton Art Access program seeks to increase K-12 student access to the museum by offering funding for transportation and tour fees on a first-come, first-served basis to students in Austin ISD, Del Valle ISD, Hay Consolidated ISD and Manor ISD and other schools who demonstrate need. To learn more about this opportunity email tours@blantonmuseum.org."

And they had an opening for a tour the same day. And they still have funding. Admission? Covered. Buses? To be reimbursed. Total cost of field trip? $0.

Insert happy dance here.

The principal told me I could do it if I came up with the money. Done and done. And yes, he almost did a happy dance with me.

I called the museum to thank them. These students don't get these types of opportunities often, and it totally made their day to find out what they were making possible.

Day Thirty-six: Wait, what?

Today a phrase came out of my mouth that I NEVER expected to say. Remember the ring leader of the O5ers? The girl who has hated me all semester? Who has walked out, talked back, ditched, yelled, complained and basically doesn't want to be in school let alone my class?

I walked into the office after school today and asked, "Can you put her back in my class?"

How did this happen you ask? It started after I mentioned to the AP earlier today that I had seen her in the halls between classes, but she had not been going to her classes. I found out later that they had tracked her down and she was with some one from central administration. They brought her to my class 6th period as we were setting up the cafeteria for the football game. She actually helped a little before we all went over to the woodshop to brainstorm and organize for the haunted house. When she found out what we were doing, the light went on. She started talking about how we could make it so much better than the high school, throwing out ideas left and right and helping map out the path for people to walk. Then when she found out about using it as a fundraiser for the field trip she got more excited. She even started suggesting other things we could do to raise money. I told her if she stayed around and kept on doing what she was doing, I would do everything I could to make sure she could come.

Then after the bell rang I went to change the attendance since she had arrived late, only to see that she was no longer on my roll. That's when I went up to the office. I found the principal in the hallway and told him I wanted her back in my class. After all, she was actually expressing interest in being a part of things. I'm not sure how long it tool for him to stop laughing. He sent me to talk to the AP and counselor about it. That's when I found out they were trying her out on a shorter day to see how she did. He said it would be at least a week before she would be able to come back, at the soonest. He gave me the contact info for the woman who was working with her over at central administration. So I called her and said, "I want her back in my class." I found out this girl thinks no one wants her. We're going to see how Tuesday goes when the students return and see what she thinks. I asked her to let the girl know that I want her in my class and specifically requested to have her there. She has so much more creativity than she gives herself credit for. And she's a born leader. One of those people that if we can reach will probably go out and change the world. We just need to reach her.

Day Thirty-five: Sit. Stay.

Somehow convinced my first period boys to help clean up the lab and pack up all the costumes. With the room being used for TAKS testing, and costume racks still needing to be built, I needed some serious help. A few of the boys sat down about half-way through, while one of the boys kept going. It's really been fascinating to watch the change in his behavior. He's been pretty consistent wanting to do his work because he wants to graduate.

The student I mentioned yesterday came and tried to hide in my class again this morning. I let him for a few minutes before I sent him off to SMARTS. He feels like he's never getting out. I went later in the day and talked to one of the teachers in charge of SMARTS. I asked her how he was doing and expressed my concern for him. She said he was having a rough day. He has the mentality of a street kid. We made a deal that everytime he has a good day in there, we'd let him come to my class at the end of the day. Here's to hoping!

Day Thirty-four: To serve and protect

This morning I found out they are using the room attached to the woodshop for TAKS testing next week. My kids are going to stress when they find out that they can't be in there next week setting up the haunted house. Problem solving time!

Somehow I managed to distract my 1st period boys long enough to start the next project. At first I said we were going to take a break from the decorations, which they quickly jumped on to say they should have a free day. Funny. No, just a break from this to do something else. It really is hard to keep a straight face with them sometimes. One of my students has still been out for close to two weeks, since the day the principal pulled him out. I hope he's okay.

Second period led to one of the nicest things I've ever heard a student say. I've got a student in my 6th period that gets thrown into SMARTS a lot. In a fight or flight situation, he often takes off to keep himself from fighting. He wanders into my class often when he gets upset. When he showed up before class started, I asked who his teacher was. Another elective, so I knew there would not be a problem. I called over and asked if he could work in my class, just to cover my bases. When he got a little worried at the start of class when I was calling, I said, "Hey, it's okay, go ahead and have a seat." When we're trying to do something, I try to tell him when the reason behind it is to keep him out of trouble. Which is often. For example, if he's in my room, he's not in the hall getting in trouble for ditching. When he's there during a different period, I remind him that if he's in class he needs to work. Later, I saw him in the lunch line with another student. He turned to the other student and said, "She's like my mom. She actually cares."

Day Thirty-three: You did what??

Another happy dance today. Literally. I was in such a good mood today I had kids ask me, "Why are you so happy?" At another point I actually caught myself dancing a little as I walked across the room.

Am I the only one who feels like I've been behind? Maybe that's why my posts have been shorter lately, and I've had a harder time keeping up, remembering what's happened, and feeling prepared. Today I felt renewed. I approached my classes with a renewed joy and enthusiasm.

The next project? Superheroes. I created a worksheet for design ideas for the students here. We're starting with designing masks for the students superhero ideas on paper (at least two). Next they are going to use facepaint to paint their favorite idea on their own or someone else's face. I tried a homemade recipe for facepaint tonight. One part water, one part cold cream, two parts cornstarch, a few drops of food coloring. Here's to hoping it washes off their faces.

My first period boys are plugging away making decorations for the Halloween Party. One was catching up on a previous assignment, but he was making progress today. The other three were stapling together rings of black and orange paper. It's long enough to reach halfway around the cafeteria now. They've developed this strange obsession with making it.

Second period I had another pleasant surprise. Remember the kid that used to fight me all the time that I had to ignore to get him to come around? He sat down today and turned to me and said, "I need help." I can't tell you what music that is to a teacher's ear. I know a lot of people are nervous about asking for help, but it is often only then that you can teach someone. I mean, why would we be trying to tell students how to do things they already know? He was so proud of himself when he finished the assignment and I told him how many points he'd earned today. He jumped right in to start the next project.

By 3rd period, I was walking around like I had the coolest job in the world. And then I noticed something magical. One of my students that hasn't been working in weeks, that I have tried everything I could think of to help, on his own, started working. I'm not exactly sure what changed, or what clicked. Last week, he told me that art and theatre wasn't his thing and that he didn't want to do anything. Guess what else? He's SO excited about superheroes. When I mentioned that for a warmup we were going to list off super powers that we thought were cool, he almost jumped out of his chair and said, "Oh I've got a lot of those." He's looking forward to when he catches up and can start on his superhero.

At lunch I talked to the principal about the field trip I wanted to do next month. He gave me the go ahead as long as I raised the money to pay for the buses. He also approved the haunted house and said we could use the woodshop if we moved stuff around. Time to get to work fundraising.

4th period I had a student get really anxious. The other students get really loud and it was upsetting him. He hadn't been feeling well, so I let him go to another class instead to work on stuff. While they are a little loud and crazy, most of the students in that class are getting better at working on their assignments. The rewards I've set up seem to be helping to motivate them.

6th period never ceases to crack me up. One of my students that I've struggled a lot with this semester came down the hallway late to class loudly saying something about not wanting to come to class and the class sucking. Within a few minutes, he was leading everyone else out of class over to the woodshop to start brainstorming ideas. I laughed and said, "I thought this class sucked." "Not today!"

Day Thirty-two: Holiday?

Whether because they didn't know or didn't care, today was NOT a day off in our district. Some of my classes had more than half the students missing. The first half of the day was dead quiet. Of course it got louder in 4th period. Those kids. Hilarious.

During my last class, I had a girl walk up to me after she got back from going to the restroom. She said, "Can I ask you a personal question?" She then went on to talk about a situation with someone she was dating and was hoping for some advice on what to do. I thought it was so sweet. She's even one of my newer students. Maybe I'm learning to earn their trust?

Two more students completed their first half-credit today. And yes, I brought their slips to their 5th period classes and did a little celebratory happy dance.

Day Thirty-one: One down, hopefully thousands to go

Today was our assembly performance. We had an extra kid today beg to be in the skit, so we made him the security guard. When I got in his face onstage and screamed "Let's take this outside!" the kids laughed so hard. Later one of my kids said, "Miss, you are a good actress." Apparently I do white trash pretty well. Hope I don't typecast myself. The kid who played my son was awesome. It was a little disappointing that the kids watching got really loud and talked through the whole assembly.

Also today...my first student completed my class! Yes, you should be giving her a standing ovation. She only needed one semester to finish her fine arts requirement. I'll have another student next week done with the entire year. How you ask? He did everything. Completed every assignment. Performed in every assembly. Telling students about this seems to be helping to motivate them. When they find out how many points I gave the students today, they shout, "Man, I need to do an assembly!" Yes. Yes you do.

Day Thirty: Anybody there?

Missing quite a few students today. I think half my class was gone in 6th period. Where is everyone? I'm pretty sure I have a student in jail, and a few others suspended for fighting.

I started off the morning a little freaked out about tomorrow. I'm supposed to have a skit from my kids for the assembly tomorrow, and I had NOTHING. A few kids had expressed interest, but I didn't have time yesterday to go over anything with anyone. During 2nd, I was showing one of the students the powerpoint another teacher is sharing tomorrow about bullying so we'd have a frame of reference. At that point I wasn't sure if I'd have anyone else. We started listing off ideas, until we came up with doing a fake talk show. By the end of lunch, I had four students planning on coming during my 5th period conference to practice a skit. I have no idea how it will turn out tomorrow, but we had so much fun. One guy is going to be the talk show host. Another a kid that's been bullied. Another that's a bully...and I'm going to be his mom. A girl is going to be a principal at the school. We may or may not have choreographed a fight at the end, and I may or may not have taught the girl how to pull hair on stage. I was hoping she would pretend to pull mine, but we couldn't justify it. So I'm pulling hers.

Day Twenty-nine: Dreams deferred

Today I saw my cell phone go off during my conference period, so I answered. It was the last call I expected. It was from a school in NYC, wanting to interview me to teach drama at a K-8 public school in Brooklyn. Six months ago, that was my dream, the biggest dream I could imagine. Today that dream was directly in front of me... and I turned it down. I have a job. It's a hard job. But it became my new dream. And I couldn't imagine leaving these kids. My last class could tell something was up, so I told them the truth. "You should take it!" they shouted. I told them I couldn't. So many people have let them down and left them. I was not going to do the same thing.

This morning I bought some mini-peanut butter cups. The plan? Give them to students that were in their seats when the bell rang. Seemed to catch a few students attention. Hopefully I can start them building a better habit when they don't know if there is going to be a reward. Plus I wanted to put them in a good mood because they actually had to take notes today on color theory. I think the candy made them want to fight me less about it? Only two students all day didn't take notes, so I think that's a pretty successful day.

Day Twenty-seven: Morgues

No, not the ones that dead people are in. The kind that is a reference. In this case, for makeup design ideas. I had the students put together examples of different types of makeup designs and inspiration. It went over a lot better than I thought it would.

What I was thinking about a lot today was something that happened on Saturday. I went and talked to a group of BFAs and MFAs at the university I just finished at a few months ago. I shared experiences and answered questions. Part of me felt like a super hero. A little of me felt like what I feel most days teaching: a total fraud. I told them about how I had all these plans when I started, but over and over, I throw them out and start again. "Where do you get your ideas from?" one girl asked. I have no idea. Sometimes it's something a student says, sometimes I remember something I've tried before or I saw someone else do. And sometimes I pull it out of thin air. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it blows up in my face. But I keep coming back and try again. I told her that I feel like the students are needing another chance, and I might be the only one that can give them that. I, too, need to give myself that same chance as I try to figure out how to reach and teach these students.

Day Twenty-six: Striking out and striking gold

1st period I had an unexpected miracle. Most of the guys in the class were dragging their feet on the assignment, while another had finished his outline, script, and background on the first day. He was doing a story on someone who had a hard life, with a reporter at the beginning and end. The student who has been ditching or in SMARTS for weeks came back today. I'm not sure how it all happened, but first I asked if he'd read the part of the guy with the hard life so he could get some credit for the assignment, but he struggled to read the other student's handwriting. So I asked if he'd just talk to me about his life and what has been hard about it. Now this is a kid who has been ditching my class because he was mad at me for catching him ditching another class amongst other things. All of the sudden, he was talking about his parents and his home life and why he started smoking. I think it took me a few minutes to pick my jaw up off the floor.

2nd period I felt like I was a failure. I received an email that morning about a student that had been under review to go up to the next grade level. There had been some concern about her behavior and was the last thing holding her back. She had been doing really well in my class until this week. I wanted to help her out and give her a heads up on what was going on. I asked her if I could talk to her for a moment in the hallway. She totally blew up. She wouldn't talk to me, she kept yelling at me, she walked out to get a drink of water, and I saw another teacher in the hallway so I asked him to watch my class for a second (he also has her in one of his classes). I tried to explain what was going on, but she just threw it back at me, saying she didn't care and she'd just leave the school. Not really sure what I'm going to do on Monday for her, or if I'm going to leave her alone until she's ready to talk to me again.

3rd period I stopped trying to film. I had covered the bay door to the shop with paper, but it was really windy outside, which caused the door to bang loudly and drowned out the students beyond recognition. After two class periods of leaning against the door to try to keep it quieter, I gave up. I had a girl ask me if she could use my printer to print out something for her English class. I told her no, since she had not been doing anything in class all week. Since she's 18, she can leave if she wants, so she called her mom, then the office, and left.

By 4th period, "Friday" takes over with these kids. I wasn't going to film, and the kids fight like crazy and start bouncing off walls on Friday afternoon. So I took a different approach. After waiting a LONG TIME for everyone to settle down (i.e., one students kept jumping out of his chair to do pushups), I took some suggestions on games we could play and wrote them on the board. Most of the students then participated as I taught them a new warmup, then played Ninja and Charades.

Sixth period we started by taking suggestions and voting on games to play. After the first few, one of the students left to go to the restroom. Before I realized it, I said, "Hey let's play a trick on him and hide in the storage closet!" Everyone totally played along. One student sat at the front of the class alone in a chair, two hid under a table, and the rest of us hid in the storage room. When he came back, we didn't do a ver good job of scaring him, but we went back to our seats. Then I realized I was missing a student. Uh oh. A moment later, one of the drawers in the back of the room started to open and close on its own. Then the one next to it. We all burst out laughing. One of my students had crawled into the cupboard underneath and was opening and closing the drawer above. Before I knew it, my kids decided they wanted to make a haunted house. So we're plotting together a super secret haunted house in our room during the school's Halloween Party. Then one of them said, "We should charge like a dollar for admission and use it as a fundraiser so we can go on a field trip." How awesome is that?! So we'll be spending the month designing and building what we can. So cool. Shhhhhh.

Day Twenty-five: Outtakes

This morning started similar to yesterday. Same student put the chairs together, laid down, and promptly ignored my request to please sit up. Walked over to the computer, opened up my email, and copied both the principal and the AP on what was going on, so there would be a record in case someone came in and asked why I had a student passed out in class doing nothing. The principal came himself this time, pulled him in the hallway, and then they walked up to the office together. Not sure what is going on, but I hope to find out tomorrow. After he left the remaining kids were fine. One just got out of SMARTS. He was really anxious about being in there. He told me last week that it was for something someone else did, but he served his time.

2nd period was the first class to start filming. The girls were ready and anxious to get it done. One girl kept freaking out and didn't want to be in front of the camera. Eventually she sat there and read her questions. Two of the guys kept putting their heads down, and it felt like there was nothing I could do to change that. They did actually get up when we went to the other room.

3rd period was hilarious. Yes I let the girls do my hair. It wasn't as high as I thought it would be. Thankfully the girl who was supposed to do my makeup was feeling sick. They kept saying "Miss, you are going to look so sexy."

4th period we got more filming done for the group doing a scene on the red carpet. One girl earlier this week didn't want to do it, so I gave her another assignment. But once she got in there and started trying on dresses, I said, "Hey, do you want to pretend to be someone's wife on the red carpet?" She totally went with it. Even improvised dialogue. The destructo boys kept pacing around the room. All I could think was that it was the lead up to something breaking. I checked on them a few times to make sure it didn't get to that point. When I was checking on them, I left the camera on. I'm using the one on my computer, so the kids were able to see themselves. Later I saw two of the boys had done a whole little dance in front of the camera. So now I'll be making a blooper reel.

Day Twenty-four: I hate you!

My morning started out with only three students in class. 1st period is a small class to begin with, but that was just really small. I think I ended up with four. One of the boys, the one who on Monday thought that because it was his birthday he could take a nap and do nothing, pulled some chairs together again and laid down. He then ignored me and didn't move the entire class period. Ugh. Two of the boys wanted to make something to decorate the door, so I let them take a break from the project and trace a Frankenstein on the projector. They send they were going to personalize it, and I didn't notice the marajuana leaves until after they hung it up. Yeah. It came down. These boys.

Second period the girls made some progress scripting out the Q & A about teen pregnancy. They are doing a really good job. The boys were struggling with their plans and wanted to make changes. The young man I made a deal with actually did some work today. He thinks it's really hard. He's right. Learning to be creative is just like learning any other subject. Only a few people start out being good at it. The rest of us have to learn to do it, little by little.

Ah 3rd period.The girls are so excited to give me a makeover for their project. And by makeover I mean they wanted to make me over to go clubbing. I think I toned them down a little bit by limiting what dress I would wear. However, they are determined to put some really high poof in my hair. Maybe one of them will be absent tomorrow?

4th period is always an adventure now. Remember when it was my quietest class? Yeah, one of my students said the same thing today. My "Are you going to quit?" boy had a meltdown today. He had made a prop weapon that he was going to use for their skit, which I told him he was not allowed to leave the room with. Then his friend had found the staple gun and was holding it against someone. I took it from him, removed the staples, and gave it back with the instruction that they could use it, but that if I heard it click once (just in case there was still one in there). A few minutes later, I heard it go off, saw that the first guy had it, and went and took it from him. He yelled at me, "I hate you!" and tore the prop he had made in pieces. I picked up the pieces and put them on my desk. I sent the two boys over to the library to sit in silence while the rest of us went over to the woodshop and started filming. The group that started filming had so much fun. We covered the bay door with green paper so we can later green screen in a background.

Later towards the end of 6th I saw the same young man coming down the hallway. When I saw him I asked, "You still hate me?" "No..." "Do you want to put the prop back together again tomorrow?" He seemed to have calmed down. I stood in the doorway and talked to him for a few minutes, just to ask how he was doing in general. Then one of my students came out in the hallway as well. His dad came by a few weeks ago when we had open house and gave me his number in case his son was causing any problems. He's been doing pretty well in class lately, and I meant to compliment him, so I said, "Hey, I haven't had to call your dad!" "Uh, well I'm not going to give you a reason," and he went back in the classroom. I couldn't stop laughing.

Day Twenty-three: You first

This morning before school started one of my lovely students from 4th period opened the door just long enough to shout "Quit!" before walking away. At first I was shaken a little by it. I know they are just looking for a reaction, and as long as I react, they will keep doing it. My initial plan was to just ignore them until they stopped. Then I had an idea. When my 1st period was walking in the door, I said to the kid who told me yesterday to get a real job, "Have you quit yet?" and smiled. "Nah Miss." And he laughed. The boys kept to themselves all period as they worked and didn't harass me about anything.

2nd period I really tried to work with some of the boys who have not been working. There are a variety of underlying reasons, and I'm trying to figure out the right motivation to inspire them to try. I spent a lot of time with one group to help one boy that's been turned down at the high school, but has another chance next year to go back and play football. He's had brief moments of motivation, but very brief and spends most classes just sitting there or slowly scribbling on his folder. I asked lots of questions, asked about things he was interested in, then told him that if he could work the next few days and finish the project, I'd take the whole class to the game room for a while. He said he'd start fresh tomorrow. Crossing my fingers. And my toes. The girls are doing a show about teen pregnancy. All but one of them is actually pregnant. I had tried to get one to talk to the social worker a little while ago, but she didn't seem open to any help. After the girls decided on their own to talk about teen pregnancy, I invited the social worker to our class to talk to them about ideas they could use about resources available to pregnant teens. One of the pregnant girls was absent. When she came back today, the girl who was not wanting help before told the other girl about a program she could apply for that was free that could help her out. She was listening after all!

At the start of 3rd period, I asked my table/window climber to sit in the back while I went over instructions for the day. Turned out to be a good idea. Seemed to keep her calmer once everyone got together and started working. Now comes the "What did I get myself into?!" moment. Four of the girls decided to do a makeover show, and they needed someone in the group to get made over. But each of them was already responsible for a different part of the makeover.... So after much pleading on their part I agreed to let them use me. What have I done?

After the "Quit" comment, each time I saw that boy in the hallway, I said, "Have you quit yet?" The first time he responded with the same thing back. Then I'd say you first. Then I walked up behind him after lunch as we were about to walk to class, and said, "Did you quit yet?" By that point, I think he got tired of it and the lack of reaction on my part. He gave up and didn't say a word about it for the entire class period. Take that!! I also have a guy in that class who gets so excited about costumes. He started trying to make a top hat out of construction paper. He is going to be interviewing stars on the red carpet. Can't wait to see what they do. Remember when my 4th period class was really quiet? Ha!

As 6th period was about to start, one of the girls in my 3rd period snuck in and asked if she could hide in there for a moment. Apparently she was hiding from her boyfriend who she wants to break up with. He really likes her. She's still in love with her ex-boyfriend. Ah the teenage drama. Poor guy. I then worked on the art of creating groups. One lesson I learned? Keep groups of five or smaller with these kids. A few guys that were gone yesterday were back today, plus a new student (that had been in one of my classes for about a week at the beginning of the year). They stared with a group of six, but nothing was happening. So I asked in anyone wanted to split off. At first only one did, but eventually two more wanted to, and each group had an idea that they liked. I had to coach one group, but helped them with an option they could work with and then they felt better about moving forward. They are going to have a debate on which is better: soccer or football. I'm really curious to see how it all works out.