Day Sixteen: We're all in this together

This morning the students learned a lesson about consequences. The principal told them that yesterday one of our students left class, went over to the high school, and got in a fight with four or five students from the high school. Let's just say that the police had to get involved and the consequences for the student were not something I ever want to experience. As a result, hall passes were nixed for 3rd and 6th period for everyone. Not even to go to the bathroom. Yes. It sucks. One person really can ruin things for everyone else.

There is a girl now in my first period, but it still went well. Dynamic has changed only a little, thanks to the fact that she has a boyfriend. One of the boys turned a tower he was making into a scene from King Kong, adding little army men he found in one of the drawers around the building. He was so proud of himself. One of my students told me I looked different today, but wasn't sure why. At first I thought maybe I seemed tired or something from not getting enough sleep. At lunch I realized that I forgot to put on makeup this morning.

There is a girl in my 3rd period who is very shy but really tries and works hard. After class she came up to me and asked, "Is there a way that I can change into one of your other classes where they listen to you?" Yeah, you can keep laughing now. Somehow I managed to contain my laughter until I made it to the teacher's lounge. Probably my favorite quote from a student so far. By the way, they were pushing it, so they got the boring lecture today.

Fourth period I got a new student. It's my quietest class, and I wasn't sure how that would change things. However, I got everyone else started, sat down with her, and got to know her while I let her know how the class worked. It seemed pretty straight forward to her and she jumped right in and did everything I asked her to today. A good start for sure. Two of the boys though need to switch their schedule and might be changing into my 3rd period class. I'm really not a fan, but if that's what they really need...

6th period some of the students that were gone yesterday came back. Eek. And the class wondered why I was suddenly cracking down on them? Yeah. Because the other students are trying to get attention from you and preventing you from succeeding in the class. So yes, I'm going to say something.

This week's assembly was scheduled to be Mexican Independence Day and a presentation by some army recruiters. I found out today that the recruiters need to reschedule for next week. I have no idea how we are going to fill the time. Thank goodness for committees, right?