Today the kids won. I admit it, they won. They got the best of me. Ugly cry and all.
Boils down to I let a group of 7th graders under my skin... and that frankly makes me more upset.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Good Week
I can honestly say that all around this has been a good week. Not to say that it hasn't been crazy, I mean what week before Spring Break isn't. Though, I can say it hasn't been all that bad...
See my previous post for some of the funnies that my students have thought that they could pull off...
Tuesday we gave a practice ACT Test. It took all day (even though it was supposed to be done by noon. Details)
While taking the ACT test - I hear that we are evacuating the building. What?!? I call the office to say uh you know we are doing ACT. Yep - we think we have a gas leak. SWEET!!
45 minutes later no gas leak, it is just the heater giving off a really bad sulfur smell... okay whatever. I wanted a day off.
I love working with the high school guidance counselor we have this year. We were able to have an entire conversation with about 10 words today and we both knew exactly what we each meant with out having to explain it out loud. Finally someone who understands my frustration with a certain class. She so gets on many levels what I am going through. :)
Re-enrollement is in process.... Game on.
Have one family that said they are looking at different options for their daughter for next year due to her abilities. Thought I had made progress... Nope... She brought the paperwork back saying she was coming back. Epic Fail!
Re-identified a student with a 53 IQ (had been LD.. oops!) Tried to convince parent that we may not be the best place (you know college prep and all) Nope... cousin is here to look after her. She's safe here. Epic fail number 2.
See my previous post for some of the funnies that my students have thought that they could pull off...
Tuesday we gave a practice ACT Test. It took all day (even though it was supposed to be done by noon. Details)
While taking the ACT test - I hear that we are evacuating the building. What?!? I call the office to say uh you know we are doing ACT. Yep - we think we have a gas leak. SWEET!!
45 minutes later no gas leak, it is just the heater giving off a really bad sulfur smell... okay whatever. I wanted a day off.
I love working with the high school guidance counselor we have this year. We were able to have an entire conversation with about 10 words today and we both knew exactly what we each meant with out having to explain it out loud. Finally someone who understands my frustration with a certain class. She so gets on many levels what I am going through. :)
Re-enrollement is in process.... Game on.
Have one family that said they are looking at different options for their daughter for next year due to her abilities. Thought I had made progress... Nope... She brought the paperwork back saying she was coming back. Epic Fail!
Re-identified a student with a 53 IQ (had been LD.. oops!) Tried to convince parent that we may not be the best place (you know college prep and all) Nope... cousin is here to look after her. She's safe here. Epic fail number 2.
Dear Students
Dear Students,
I know that we have 2 school days remaining until we go on spring break. I would like to set the record straight on a few things before we start the day tomorrow.
Love,
Your Teacher
P.s. Just because Wednesday was an early release day for you, does not give you permission to act a fool for the rest of the week. Just sayin!
I know that we have 2 school days remaining until we go on spring break. I would like to set the record straight on a few things before we start the day tomorrow.
- while wearing flip flops with socks is FAR more comfortable this time of the year, we have not let up that much on dress code. SO as a reminder... they are not part of dress code wear normal shoes
- I get that leaving the building to go to Wal-Mart across the street is far more fun than going to your English class.. I just have one request. Please come and get my shopping list. (no the debit card is not included)
- If you choose not to take your Bipolar meds, I get it, I respect that decision. Just be prepared for my equally crazy response to your stupidity. Just hope you find the dean before me.
- Having your parents tell me that they don't care what your IQ is because your are ADHD and un-medicated really doesn't float my boat. Honestly I need a better reason as to why you have a 71 IQ besides that.
- I completely understand that you don't understand Spanish and better yet didn't study for the test. However, listing every kind of gun or weapon you know of in the answer blanks really doesn't score you any points. It really just worries your Spanish teacher more than you need to.
- Telling me that your younger brother brought a stun gun to his previous school... priceless (it also explains so much)
- High schoolers, I talk with the dean and the guidance counselor... I can make your schedule your worst nightmare. I suggest you don't try me on this one.
Love,
Your Teacher
P.s. Just because Wednesday was an early release day for you, does not give you permission to act a fool for the rest of the week. Just sayin!
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
I just don't know...
Last 10 minutes of school today was wild...
2 fifth grade students got into a fight in the classroom and had to be sepperated
Two 7th grade students were found in possession of a blade. One took it out of a pencil sharpener a few days ago, the other knew he had it for the few days. Today the blade was out, dropped from first student, second student picked it up and threatened another student. Yes one of them was a SPED student.
In the same 7th grade class, two students got into a a fight, one had to be restrained. Yes both of them were mine.
Whew...
Was told today about an incident that happened in a math class. Apparently a couple of 4th grade boys decided to play with a girl's bra strap and were touching her. The math teacher didn't think he should write it up. He thought he could just talk with the boys. Nope sorry... And what were you doing while the boys were doing this?
I get ti call a local district tomorrow to try to get one of my kids in there. Wish me luck because if not then I get to convince my boss to do home bound with this kid that has withdrawn.
I have a feeling sleep may be a slow process.
2 fifth grade students got into a fight in the classroom and had to be sepperated
Two 7th grade students were found in possession of a blade. One took it out of a pencil sharpener a few days ago, the other knew he had it for the few days. Today the blade was out, dropped from first student, second student picked it up and threatened another student. Yes one of them was a SPED student.
In the same 7th grade class, two students got into a a fight, one had to be restrained. Yes both of them were mine.
Whew...
Was told today about an incident that happened in a math class. Apparently a couple of 4th grade boys decided to play with a girl's bra strap and were touching her. The math teacher didn't think he should write it up. He thought he could just talk with the boys. Nope sorry... And what were you doing while the boys were doing this?
I get ti call a local district tomorrow to try to get one of my kids in there. Wish me luck because if not then I get to convince my boss to do home bound with this kid that has withdrawn.
I have a feeling sleep may be a slow process.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Update
Wanted to give an update on a student...
I recently had to call CPS (DCS) based on a story that a student had reported to me. Ended up being a good call to make. Long story, see previous posts...
I heard from Dad on Monday. (phone call was made on Friday before). I'm holding my breath as I answer the phone because this can gone one of several different ways not many are positive outcomes. I just kept praying that Dad didn't give me another reason to call.
Dad starts off saying that he is upset that son was hit in the head during math class and nothing was done about it. Whoa dad.. I spoke with the teacher (who says there was an almost altercation and he didn't see student get hit in the head) had student write a statement and gave it to the dean who wasn't in the building that day. Told Dad I'm sure that the dean will follow up on it when he returns tomorrow.
Dad then starts in on the CPS phone call. (aww hell) Dad says he's not upset about the phone call. We were only our jobs in light of what is going on in a local school corporation. Umm no dad these aren't even close. Local school corpation had a staff member have sex with a few teenagers and failed to report it for 6 days after the knew about it. This situation is your son accusing you of something. Yeah not a like.
Dad's arguments for this situation. This is a very serious situation that could land him jail. Yep. He has talked with all of the people involved with him as this is a serious situation. This is the student making up stories because he is afraid that he is going to get in trouble. Trouble for what? Helping a student cheat on a math test. Umm this was told to me before math class. Also - these students were working as a pair. If the teacher can't figure that they are working together I'm not even going to go there.
I explained to Dad that I was sorry that I didn't get some information to him on Friday. He said that was fine as this was a bad weekend. Student had a swim meet and he didn't do as well as the father thought he should do. Yeah uh huh. I told Dad hey at least he is swimming in a meet. Better than I could do right now.
Then Dad went on a tirade about how his son has allergies, the nurse said he has allergies and that he's not coming to pick him up because of this. Dude - I'm not the one that makes this decision. I'm not a medical professional.
I recently had to call CPS (DCS) based on a story that a student had reported to me. Ended up being a good call to make. Long story, see previous posts...
I heard from Dad on Monday. (phone call was made on Friday before). I'm holding my breath as I answer the phone because this can gone one of several different ways not many are positive outcomes. I just kept praying that Dad didn't give me another reason to call.
Dad starts off saying that he is upset that son was hit in the head during math class and nothing was done about it. Whoa dad.. I spoke with the teacher (who says there was an almost altercation and he didn't see student get hit in the head) had student write a statement and gave it to the dean who wasn't in the building that day. Told Dad I'm sure that the dean will follow up on it when he returns tomorrow.
Dad then starts in on the CPS phone call. (aww hell) Dad says he's not upset about the phone call. We were only our jobs in light of what is going on in a local school corporation. Umm no dad these aren't even close. Local school corpation had a staff member have sex with a few teenagers and failed to report it for 6 days after the knew about it. This situation is your son accusing you of something. Yeah not a like.
Dad's arguments for this situation. This is a very serious situation that could land him jail. Yep. He has talked with all of the people involved with him as this is a serious situation. This is the student making up stories because he is afraid that he is going to get in trouble. Trouble for what? Helping a student cheat on a math test. Umm this was told to me before math class. Also - these students were working as a pair. If the teacher can't figure that they are working together I'm not even going to go there.
I explained to Dad that I was sorry that I didn't get some information to him on Friday. He said that was fine as this was a bad weekend. Student had a swim meet and he didn't do as well as the father thought he should do. Yeah uh huh. I told Dad hey at least he is swimming in a meet. Better than I could do right now.
Then Dad went on a tirade about how his son has allergies, the nurse said he has allergies and that he's not coming to pick him up because of this. Dude - I'm not the one that makes this decision. I'm not a medical professional.
The crazy train has left the station
Wow... just wow... that's all I've got. I am still attempting to process the last few days. Yes I know it's only Tuesday...
I held an expulsion hearing last week that the parent and grandparent spent 15 minutes yelling and screaming at the dean and I over what they thought was the problem.
Mom finally calls me back and tells me that she was going to pick him up about 1:30. Great mom but Grandma already picked him up and I gave her the expulsion paperwork. Mom: Oh so I can't withdraw him. Nope sorry.
8th period Mom and Dad come in telling the office staff that I had filled out withdraw paperwork for them to get. Nope. Spoke to them and the have a school that will take him, we just have to release him. Fine go have fun. The ironic thing with this all... mom was the rational one and grandma was the irrational one. Go figure.
Also this morning - as I figure out that this student is in the building - I find out that there is another major issue going on. Apparently student brings knife to the bus stop (thought was school but turned out not) Parent at the bus stop saw the knife, took it from him and brought it to school. He is now suspended off the bus for the rest of the year. Yeah don't think I will see him the rest of the year. Mom isn't the most reliable form of transportation.
Quote of the morning - as the deans and I are dealing with these two different situations. Our director comes over the radio and says, can we only deal with emergencies right now. Everything else can be done after first period Ummm.. these both qualify as emergencies.
Also had a 3rd grader steal a phone out of a backpack in a locker. After she tells the student, yeah that could go missing. Umm BUSTED!
One of my 8th graders came into my office this morning (as I am trying to write an expulsion decision, details) telling me that he walked out of class. Really? So I call the teacher and let her know I have him. Why did he walk out of class? He accidently knocked over the teacher's coffee mug and it broke, he thought she would be mad. A student told him that he was now going to be in trouble. Dude - it was an accident. Your teacher knows that. She is going to be cranky because she has no coffee but she knows it was an accident. Got him laughing quickly. Then it hit me.. this isn't over a broken mug, its about getting out of class and reading Romeo and Juliet.
So I called him on the carpet... Dude- your just hear cause you don't want to read.
Student - Well I thought I could stay here for the rest of the period.
Me: Nope, sorry, If I have to put up with Romeo and Juliet once a year so do you. At least you get it once and done. I get it every year. Now go back to class...
After tutoring today, I am in the high school and see a couple of middle school teachers and go over to join them as they are sharing stories of the day and apparently I missed a good one. At dismissal, there was a 7th grader and 8th grader found having sex in the K-1 bathroom. A bathroom that is on the opposite side of the building from where there classes are and they are both bus riders. Buses are on the side of the building that their classes are. Thank God that one was found early cause if not yeah that could be ugly.
Yesterday - we had a new English teacher start. She didn't last the full day. I had such high hopes. 7th period I'm in the classroom next door with another teacher who is getting ready to leave for the day to take a child to the doctor and another staff member who is filling in. She sticks her head in and says yeah someone is going to have to come over and watch them I'm done. What?
So the computer teacher (the one filling in) goes over because he knows the kids, gets them quite in 5 seconds. The teacher is packing her stuff up and literally walks out, leaves her keys on the desk and says something. One of my sped teachers happens to be outside of the room, and calls the office to get someone to cover the class.
Apparently one of my students decided to curse out the class and curse her out because she wouldn't let him use the phone. Umm if you're going to walk over that, you don't need to be here. Not saying that anyone should be cussed out but, if you have been teaching for 18 years and taught in rough schools, I would think you could handle that.
So we get my student out of the room. He refuses to go into ISS. Cause why not? His argument is that he didn't do anything wrong. He had a marker thrown at his head and that is why he said what he said. Finally convinced him to go to ISS and in walks his mom with three police officers.
Mom demands to know why he is in there and why she hasn't been called. Well mom, we are working on figuring that out right now, but here is what we know. She fires back and says that he was left unattended the classroom. What? How do you know that? And no he wasn't left alone. She said she knows he was left unsupervised because he called from the classroom phone, so therefor he had to be left unattended. Umm no... we let students use the classroom phones. And the teacher said he couldn't use it and he didn't listen.
Back to the question I know you are asking why did mom walk in with police officers. Well, you see mom felt that she could have us arrested for not protecting her son. See he got kicked off the bus for the rest of the year. The final straw was throwing a pencil at the bus driver while she is driving. This is after walking around on the bus while it is moving, blowing bubbles, screaming at cars out the windows, fighting on the bus.. do I need more? So apparently the cops can handle this right? So she thought. The cops got a good laugh and told her that it wasn't a police matter. Apparently a supervisor even showed up at one point.
The director got involved at one point, a little too late but details. He point blank told her that a teacher quit because of her son and his behavior. Yeah that went over like a lead balloon.
On other note had another expulsion hearing last week. Did it with a step parent. The best quote out of this one.. Step Dad looked at me and says - I don't know why I'm here. This after we told him why. Then he asked if her mom was aware of this... yes.. she sent you.
I held an expulsion hearing last week that the parent and grandparent spent 15 minutes yelling and screaming at the dean and I over what they thought was the problem.
- 8 days is more than enough time to be suspended for a verbal and physical altercation
- Their child isn't the only one that fights. They know this because they are here every day and see the fights going on in all of the classrooms. (umm, last time I saw the parent in the building was about 3 weeks ago) Also also of these fights are not being dealt with and students are allowed to do it.
- There are kids kissing and hugging out at the buses and no one does anything about it. Umm how do you know this since your child is a car rider
- Felt it was stupid that child was punished because he left at dismissal, walked to McDonald's got a drink and walked back and tried to get back into the building through the bus door. Umm.. you hadn't picked him up so he was school time..
- He needs to be educated and if we expel him, the he can't be educated anywhere.
Mom finally calls me back and tells me that she was going to pick him up about 1:30. Great mom but Grandma already picked him up and I gave her the expulsion paperwork. Mom: Oh so I can't withdraw him. Nope sorry.
8th period Mom and Dad come in telling the office staff that I had filled out withdraw paperwork for them to get. Nope. Spoke to them and the have a school that will take him, we just have to release him. Fine go have fun. The ironic thing with this all... mom was the rational one and grandma was the irrational one. Go figure.
Also this morning - as I figure out that this student is in the building - I find out that there is another major issue going on. Apparently student brings knife to the bus stop (thought was school but turned out not) Parent at the bus stop saw the knife, took it from him and brought it to school. He is now suspended off the bus for the rest of the year. Yeah don't think I will see him the rest of the year. Mom isn't the most reliable form of transportation.
Quote of the morning - as the deans and I are dealing with these two different situations. Our director comes over the radio and says, can we only deal with emergencies right now. Everything else can be done after first period Ummm.. these both qualify as emergencies.
Also had a 3rd grader steal a phone out of a backpack in a locker. After she tells the student, yeah that could go missing. Umm BUSTED!
One of my 8th graders came into my office this morning (as I am trying to write an expulsion decision, details) telling me that he walked out of class. Really? So I call the teacher and let her know I have him. Why did he walk out of class? He accidently knocked over the teacher's coffee mug and it broke, he thought she would be mad. A student told him that he was now going to be in trouble. Dude - it was an accident. Your teacher knows that. She is going to be cranky because she has no coffee but she knows it was an accident. Got him laughing quickly. Then it hit me.. this isn't over a broken mug, its about getting out of class and reading Romeo and Juliet.
So I called him on the carpet... Dude- your just hear cause you don't want to read.
Student - Well I thought I could stay here for the rest of the period.
Me: Nope, sorry, If I have to put up with Romeo and Juliet once a year so do you. At least you get it once and done. I get it every year. Now go back to class...
After tutoring today, I am in the high school and see a couple of middle school teachers and go over to join them as they are sharing stories of the day and apparently I missed a good one. At dismissal, there was a 7th grader and 8th grader found having sex in the K-1 bathroom. A bathroom that is on the opposite side of the building from where there classes are and they are both bus riders. Buses are on the side of the building that their classes are. Thank God that one was found early cause if not yeah that could be ugly.
Yesterday - we had a new English teacher start. She didn't last the full day. I had such high hopes. 7th period I'm in the classroom next door with another teacher who is getting ready to leave for the day to take a child to the doctor and another staff member who is filling in. She sticks her head in and says yeah someone is going to have to come over and watch them I'm done. What?
So the computer teacher (the one filling in) goes over because he knows the kids, gets them quite in 5 seconds. The teacher is packing her stuff up and literally walks out, leaves her keys on the desk and says something. One of my sped teachers happens to be outside of the room, and calls the office to get someone to cover the class.
Apparently one of my students decided to curse out the class and curse her out because she wouldn't let him use the phone. Umm if you're going to walk over that, you don't need to be here. Not saying that anyone should be cussed out but, if you have been teaching for 18 years and taught in rough schools, I would think you could handle that.
So we get my student out of the room. He refuses to go into ISS. Cause why not? His argument is that he didn't do anything wrong. He had a marker thrown at his head and that is why he said what he said. Finally convinced him to go to ISS and in walks his mom with three police officers.
Mom demands to know why he is in there and why she hasn't been called. Well mom, we are working on figuring that out right now, but here is what we know. She fires back and says that he was left unattended the classroom. What? How do you know that? And no he wasn't left alone. She said she knows he was left unsupervised because he called from the classroom phone, so therefor he had to be left unattended. Umm no... we let students use the classroom phones. And the teacher said he couldn't use it and he didn't listen.
Back to the question I know you are asking why did mom walk in with police officers. Well, you see mom felt that she could have us arrested for not protecting her son. See he got kicked off the bus for the rest of the year. The final straw was throwing a pencil at the bus driver while she is driving. This is after walking around on the bus while it is moving, blowing bubbles, screaming at cars out the windows, fighting on the bus.. do I need more? So apparently the cops can handle this right? So she thought. The cops got a good laugh and told her that it wasn't a police matter. Apparently a supervisor even showed up at one point.
The director got involved at one point, a little too late but details. He point blank told her that a teacher quit because of her son and his behavior. Yeah that went over like a lead balloon.
On other note had another expulsion hearing last week. Did it with a step parent. The best quote out of this one.. Step Dad looked at me and says - I don't know why I'm here. This after we told him why. Then he asked if her mom was aware of this... yes.. she sent you.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
My Mamma Said
Shared with my mom that I cried at work on Friday after a stressful meeting.
Her response a little while later :
You need a job that has less stress or find a better way to handle stress.
Me; That's why I'm working out more.
If life only was that easy.
Her response a little while later :
You need a job that has less stress or find a better way to handle stress.
Me; That's why I'm working out more.
If life only was that easy.
Friday Meltdown
Friday was well interesting. It has taken me this long to even begin to process the day. I don't know that I have completely... nor do I think I want to completely.
I shall start by saying I have been fighting getting sick all week. My body wants to just sleep. My brain says you don't have time keep going. Stress well it is in full panic mode and has been for a while.
Back to Friday...
During student arrival, one of my students who is supposed to be suspended for I think fighting shows up at school. Deans had emailed mom to let her know night before and mom didn't get it. As soon as she saw the email, she called and said she was on her way to get her. Found that piece out later. I walk up to mom just shy of pulling her daughter out of the building with little sister in toe by the arm saying she's tired of this school and that she's sending them to IPS. Really? Cause of you think that's a threat... it's really not.
Last morning of ISTEP - Science test hasn't come in yet so were are just testing the morning. Thank you God. I no more get started on the reading the directions when one of the office staff members pulls me out and says that the director needs me in his office right away for a student meeting and bring the student's file. Well crap. This is the same parent I met with the day before and she said she didn't have a meeting the following day set up. (I knew she did but what ever) I'm told that I won't be in the meeting for more than 10 min. Yeah uh huh okay...
Get file and head to the office and start the meeting. I really wouldn't call this a meeting. I would call this more of a throwing under the bus execution style. I am attacked by three adults in the room, all while the director says almost nothing. Thank goodness for the Dean who did help me out a few times. I got everything from I don't respect one of the adults and her son, that I prefer talking to her sister than her and that I treat this child differently than one of the older students in the family. I'm told I don't follow the IEP because that is what the child is saying. I'm told that teachers call me and I am no where to be found and that I intentionally screen my phone calls so I don't have to speak to a parent. How do I screen them, well sometimes I pick up and say hi with the parents name and other times I don't answer the phone. Honestly, if I don't answer the phone I'm not in my office or I'm with someone that I can't answer the phone. Trust me, it's not choice really. Well that story wasn't bought. All three adults in the room thought that I was lying and just giving them a story so that I would look good in front of my boss. They know the truth. They told me that I need to cover myself because people are saying stuff about me. Then by end of the meeting, we were all laughing like nothing happened. Summary of the meeting... it's all about lack of communication. Ok...
I walk out of that meeting trying to hold it together and don't. Luckily had a dean there to help pick up the pieces of that one and let me boo hoo cry and let me vent.
Pulled myself back together - barely.. and walked back into testing because well I had an office staff member covering for me and she had to be sent back. The director knew I was out of the meeting so I couldn't use that excuse. I walk in with a box of Kleenex and puffy eyes to 10th graders. Yeah this wasn't going to end well.
Immediately I get questioned as to what is wrong. I brush it off as I'm just not feeling well. Thing is... these kids know me too well. They point black called my bluff and told me that they knew I was crying and demanded to know who upset me. Another student asked who I expelled because I did this when I had to expel him at one time. Luckily for me I was able to relate this to them by talking about stress and we all deal with it in different ways and this was just my way of dealing with it. They didn't like the answer but they accepted it and went along with what they were doing. I reminded myself this right here is why I do what I do.
Finish ISTEP, get more ISTEP books I need for make up and go and fish one of my kids out of ISS so I can give him some computer time for behavior the day before. (He was in ISS for what happened the day before that) Set the timer he's good I'm good I'm thinking okay we are back on track. Not...
Get a call on the radio asking if I'm in my office because there is a student that is really upset and needs to see me. I say sure send them down I have a few minutes. Knowing this student I can get him reset in 5 minutes and we're good. Nope..
By the direction that the conversation was going I could tell this wasn't a normal conversation. So student on the computer got FAR more computer time than I intended for him to have because well quite frankly I was now in crisis mode. Short version is that the student who was upset was telling me of things that were going on at home (as to why he is now upset) that were pretty serious.
Sent upset student who is now calm back to class, student on computer I had to leave with teacher next door because I now had to go and find administration so that a they could keep an eye on this kid for the rest of the day and b let them know that I now had to make a CPS phone call.
Get back to my office and started a make up ISTEP test with computer kid. Convince him to do a second test before going to lunch, start in on the directions and there is a knock at the door. Crap. It is the upset student from before. Upset student comes in and says that his math teacher wrote him a pass because he was hit in the back of the head by another student and now he's upset. Why am I dealing with this? Computer kid a this point is like I'm good Ms. D take your time.
Walked computer kid back to ISS... cause we weren't getting ISTEP done.
Walked upset kid back to class so that I could figure out what the heck was going on in class. Get there and teacher's first words to me were, well I was going to call you but I just hadn't gotten to that yet. We had a near altercation in the room a few moments ago.
Did you see said student get slapped in the head? No I didn't see that happen.
Dude!! There are 10 Kids in your class!!! In a pretty small room... How can you not see this?!?!
Back to my office - stop the dean let him know what is going on. Dean wants student to write statement. Done...
Get stopped going to my office to find out that the student of the parent that I met with is still in the building finishing up ISTEP which is fine, but that mom is now refusing to come back up and pick him up (despite that being the arrangement) because she has already been in the building once and she's not coming back) Dudes I ain't got time for this.
Finally get upset student back to class. I think great I'm good. I'm going to get lunch.
Before I even can go and get my keys and walk out. My computer kid is going crazy in ISS. Telling the ISS person what he will and won't do. ISS person is coming right back at him. Both are escalating the situation. Student says that he can't be suspended because he has an IEP. Staff member steps out chews my head off and tells me that we need to stop writing in IEP's that kids can't be suspended. Ummm so sorry but that isn't in his IEP.. Just cause a student says it doesn't make it so. Apparently this kid ended up with a 5 day suspension.
At one point during this also had another one of my students walk out of ISS because he thought it was stupid he was in there. He said he wasn't being disrespectful, the director was. Okay sure whatever get back in ISS. He ended up with a one day suspension.
Eat lunch and finally have time to make a phone call to CPS. I'm told that it is being sent out for assessment. Great thanks!
Within 20 minutes I'm called by a case worker saying she may need me to hold the student but that she would let me know. Okay great. 5 min later She calls - I'm on my way with a detective. Great!.
Let my director know that we can't release the student, he flips out.. What are we going to tell Dad? Umm he's meeting with a teacher at the moment. Find out that dad is on his way for an early pick up. Crap, and here I thought the day really was going to get easier. Get student out of classroom before Dad gets there and of course he gets there before the authorities. I play cool. He buys it. (small victory)
Apparently when authorities come they give some information to the director about prior knowledge and this isn't the first call. Which when I am told this, it makes so much sense.
By the end student goes home with Dad. I just have a feeling that Monday is not going to be good.
I finally make it back to my office completely exhausted. A staff member walks in and wants to complain that her day has been horrible. I told her I don't want to hear it. My day started by being screamed at and ended with a student being taken into CPS custody I don't really want to hear about how someone walked out of your class.
Try to get some work done. I don't know why cause I haven't all day. When I get a call on the radio to see if I'm still in my office. Shouldn't have answered but I did/
So I know have a staff member in my office telling me how computer kid's behavior can't be tolerated. Mom is coming in on Monday and she says she's bringing him with her. I'm told that he can't keep doing what he's doing and not have a punishment and if we back off he knows that we will back off and will keep doing. Staff member recommends that if student comes we ask mom to take him home and that if we don't we call the cops for trespassing. Why? Because if you are suspended and show up at school you are trespassing. I was like you do what you want to do, I'm not making that call cause it's not my call to make.
During this conversation I get another call on the radio to see if I'm in my office. Yes..
So now I have above person and a second staff member in my office. She wants to recant how horrible all of these kids are and how she has to deal with them and why are teachers sending students down for minor things and why are we putting students who just got into a fight in the same room together? Umm... I don't know I just want to go home and go to bed.
On a side note - things that parents think are in IEP's
That we call every time a child gets in trouble
We can't suspend a child for a day because it's in their IEP that we can't because they aren't allowed to stay at home alone.
I shall start by saying I have been fighting getting sick all week. My body wants to just sleep. My brain says you don't have time keep going. Stress well it is in full panic mode and has been for a while.
Back to Friday...
During student arrival, one of my students who is supposed to be suspended for I think fighting shows up at school. Deans had emailed mom to let her know night before and mom didn't get it. As soon as she saw the email, she called and said she was on her way to get her. Found that piece out later. I walk up to mom just shy of pulling her daughter out of the building with little sister in toe by the arm saying she's tired of this school and that she's sending them to IPS. Really? Cause of you think that's a threat... it's really not.
Last morning of ISTEP - Science test hasn't come in yet so were are just testing the morning. Thank you God. I no more get started on the reading the directions when one of the office staff members pulls me out and says that the director needs me in his office right away for a student meeting and bring the student's file. Well crap. This is the same parent I met with the day before and she said she didn't have a meeting the following day set up. (I knew she did but what ever) I'm told that I won't be in the meeting for more than 10 min. Yeah uh huh okay...
Get file and head to the office and start the meeting. I really wouldn't call this a meeting. I would call this more of a throwing under the bus execution style. I am attacked by three adults in the room, all while the director says almost nothing. Thank goodness for the Dean who did help me out a few times. I got everything from I don't respect one of the adults and her son, that I prefer talking to her sister than her and that I treat this child differently than one of the older students in the family. I'm told I don't follow the IEP because that is what the child is saying. I'm told that teachers call me and I am no where to be found and that I intentionally screen my phone calls so I don't have to speak to a parent. How do I screen them, well sometimes I pick up and say hi with the parents name and other times I don't answer the phone. Honestly, if I don't answer the phone I'm not in my office or I'm with someone that I can't answer the phone. Trust me, it's not choice really. Well that story wasn't bought. All three adults in the room thought that I was lying and just giving them a story so that I would look good in front of my boss. They know the truth. They told me that I need to cover myself because people are saying stuff about me. Then by end of the meeting, we were all laughing like nothing happened. Summary of the meeting... it's all about lack of communication. Ok...
I walk out of that meeting trying to hold it together and don't. Luckily had a dean there to help pick up the pieces of that one and let me boo hoo cry and let me vent.
Pulled myself back together - barely.. and walked back into testing because well I had an office staff member covering for me and she had to be sent back. The director knew I was out of the meeting so I couldn't use that excuse. I walk in with a box of Kleenex and puffy eyes to 10th graders. Yeah this wasn't going to end well.
Immediately I get questioned as to what is wrong. I brush it off as I'm just not feeling well. Thing is... these kids know me too well. They point black called my bluff and told me that they knew I was crying and demanded to know who upset me. Another student asked who I expelled because I did this when I had to expel him at one time. Luckily for me I was able to relate this to them by talking about stress and we all deal with it in different ways and this was just my way of dealing with it. They didn't like the answer but they accepted it and went along with what they were doing. I reminded myself this right here is why I do what I do.
Finish ISTEP, get more ISTEP books I need for make up and go and fish one of my kids out of ISS so I can give him some computer time for behavior the day before. (He was in ISS for what happened the day before that) Set the timer he's good I'm good I'm thinking okay we are back on track. Not...
Get a call on the radio asking if I'm in my office because there is a student that is really upset and needs to see me. I say sure send them down I have a few minutes. Knowing this student I can get him reset in 5 minutes and we're good. Nope..
By the direction that the conversation was going I could tell this wasn't a normal conversation. So student on the computer got FAR more computer time than I intended for him to have because well quite frankly I was now in crisis mode. Short version is that the student who was upset was telling me of things that were going on at home (as to why he is now upset) that were pretty serious.
Sent upset student who is now calm back to class, student on computer I had to leave with teacher next door because I now had to go and find administration so that a they could keep an eye on this kid for the rest of the day and b let them know that I now had to make a CPS phone call.
Get back to my office and started a make up ISTEP test with computer kid. Convince him to do a second test before going to lunch, start in on the directions and there is a knock at the door. Crap. It is the upset student from before. Upset student comes in and says that his math teacher wrote him a pass because he was hit in the back of the head by another student and now he's upset. Why am I dealing with this? Computer kid a this point is like I'm good Ms. D take your time.
Walked computer kid back to ISS... cause we weren't getting ISTEP done.
Walked upset kid back to class so that I could figure out what the heck was going on in class. Get there and teacher's first words to me were, well I was going to call you but I just hadn't gotten to that yet. We had a near altercation in the room a few moments ago.
Did you see said student get slapped in the head? No I didn't see that happen.
Dude!! There are 10 Kids in your class!!! In a pretty small room... How can you not see this?!?!
Back to my office - stop the dean let him know what is going on. Dean wants student to write statement. Done...
Get stopped going to my office to find out that the student of the parent that I met with is still in the building finishing up ISTEP which is fine, but that mom is now refusing to come back up and pick him up (despite that being the arrangement) because she has already been in the building once and she's not coming back) Dudes I ain't got time for this.
Finally get upset student back to class. I think great I'm good. I'm going to get lunch.
Before I even can go and get my keys and walk out. My computer kid is going crazy in ISS. Telling the ISS person what he will and won't do. ISS person is coming right back at him. Both are escalating the situation. Student says that he can't be suspended because he has an IEP. Staff member steps out chews my head off and tells me that we need to stop writing in IEP's that kids can't be suspended. Ummm so sorry but that isn't in his IEP.. Just cause a student says it doesn't make it so. Apparently this kid ended up with a 5 day suspension.
At one point during this also had another one of my students walk out of ISS because he thought it was stupid he was in there. He said he wasn't being disrespectful, the director was. Okay sure whatever get back in ISS. He ended up with a one day suspension.
Eat lunch and finally have time to make a phone call to CPS. I'm told that it is being sent out for assessment. Great thanks!
Within 20 minutes I'm called by a case worker saying she may need me to hold the student but that she would let me know. Okay great. 5 min later She calls - I'm on my way with a detective. Great!.
Let my director know that we can't release the student, he flips out.. What are we going to tell Dad? Umm he's meeting with a teacher at the moment. Find out that dad is on his way for an early pick up. Crap, and here I thought the day really was going to get easier. Get student out of classroom before Dad gets there and of course he gets there before the authorities. I play cool. He buys it. (small victory)
Apparently when authorities come they give some information to the director about prior knowledge and this isn't the first call. Which when I am told this, it makes so much sense.
By the end student goes home with Dad. I just have a feeling that Monday is not going to be good.
I finally make it back to my office completely exhausted. A staff member walks in and wants to complain that her day has been horrible. I told her I don't want to hear it. My day started by being screamed at and ended with a student being taken into CPS custody I don't really want to hear about how someone walked out of your class.
Try to get some work done. I don't know why cause I haven't all day. When I get a call on the radio to see if I'm still in my office. Shouldn't have answered but I did/
So I know have a staff member in my office telling me how computer kid's behavior can't be tolerated. Mom is coming in on Monday and she says she's bringing him with her. I'm told that he can't keep doing what he's doing and not have a punishment and if we back off he knows that we will back off and will keep doing. Staff member recommends that if student comes we ask mom to take him home and that if we don't we call the cops for trespassing. Why? Because if you are suspended and show up at school you are trespassing. I was like you do what you want to do, I'm not making that call cause it's not my call to make.
During this conversation I get another call on the radio to see if I'm in my office. Yes..
So now I have above person and a second staff member in my office. She wants to recant how horrible all of these kids are and how she has to deal with them and why are teachers sending students down for minor things and why are we putting students who just got into a fight in the same room together? Umm... I don't know I just want to go home and go to bed.
On a side note - things that parents think are in IEP's
That we call every time a child gets in trouble
We can't suspend a child for a day because it's in their IEP that we can't because they aren't allowed to stay at home alone.
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