Classroom Chronicles Returns
The First Two Days
I survived the first day of school — without access to my class lists, internet, or projection capabilities — to learn that the students had been busy on the first day as well.
The vice principal informed the staff that two students were being sent to an offsite discipline center. Based on what happened, one student was found in a bathroom, smoking an illegal substance. Apparently, the admin had entered the bathroom and was greeted by a room full of smoke.
I also heard that there had been a fight on the first and second days of school. An admin informed me that she went upstairs to calm a student and had been immediately cussed out by the said student.
My second day with students had been better than the first day. But I still have some concerns. First, one of my classes currently only has three students. On the class list, I was finally able to access, there are about seven students enrolled. On both days, the same three students appeared in my class. There had been a fourth student but he was dropped from the class.
My other classes appear to be more stable. My largest class contains 7th and 8th-grade students. Some of the students I had taught when they were in 6th grade. I believe it will be my most challenging class. I’m trying to stay positive. A few of them did participate when it was time to share during class. So there is hope.
My college class, the class I’m most excited about, is the most popular class. Many students want to be a part of the pilot Early College program. Many of the students were taught by me in the previous school year. I look forward to working with them. They’re some of the smartest students in their grades.
Monday begins the first full week of school. There are two weeks left before the Orange Line is operational again. So far, students are getting to school. Many of them arrive on time. I think students are more inclined to get back into the business of learning. Last year, that wasn’t the case.
Let’s see how the first week goes.
