Bottom of the Barrel

We were called into a faculty meeting today and told that we are in the bottom 10% (or smaller) of the state academically.

A district official stood up and told us that the students from our high school are treated as if they are dummies because they attend/graduate from our school, because we rank so low.

We were told about this grant and that grant that we can go after.

Doesn't it begin with the students? And how can we change them from the learned helplessness that they live with?

The Elephant in the Room

There are so many things we talk about when we discuss how to teach the students better. There are a few we don't discuss. Like how to inspire kids who have no interest in learning. Or how you teach someone who doesn't have basic elementary school arithmetic knowledge. Like multiplication facts.

Or how you mitigate poverty. Or deal with kids who have no father.

Atta boy (or girl)

A friend used to say that one atta boy wiped out a mess of aw shits - and one aw shit could wipe out a mess of atta boys.

But the atta boys were better.

Today I got an atta girl and an aw shit. The aw shit is weighing on my mind.

The atta girl was a parent going to the principal and telling him what a difference I am making in her daughter's life.

The aw shit was a phone call from a parent where she reamed me out for untruths her son told her.

Yep, atta boys are better.

Oh, yeah

Yeah, I've had days like this. Not today, but there have been days.

Disconnect

I see a disconnect in the way I view the world and what others view. In the news today Jamie Hood, who kidnapped a man and the killed a policeman this week, said that he shot the policeman so they didn't kill him. And he regretted killing the policeman. But no comment on the illegal act (kidnapping) that he did that started the whole mess.

And Brian Nichols, who broke out of jail and killed 4 people, says that it was a protest against a racist system. He was in jail for raping a girlfriend and, I believe, attempting to kill her.

I have students who do not follow directions given to them by multiple adults (as in multiple adults tell them the same thing) and then say we didn't tell them or they didn't know.

Why is this so hard?

Today's email: Pet Diaries

WHAT PETS WRITE IN THEIR DIARIES

Excerpt from a Dog's Diary........

8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 PM - Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 PM - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 PM - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 PM - Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 PM - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 PM - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 PM - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpt from a Cat's Diary...

Day 983 of my captivity....

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now.

Six Word Saturday - beginning

Poised at the point of beginning.


For more Six Word Saturday participants, click here.

It's Spring - the Earth is renewing itself - my azaleas are blooming, the daffodils are almost spent, the forsythia is coming into play. Dogwoods will bloom soon.

There are good changes about to happen at the school - and I see an upbeat in the morale even though nothing has really changed yet.

We are in the wrap-up-the-semester and get-ready-for-end-of-test time.

I am having to restart a project because the dirtbag who was supposed to do X didn't. But it really will work out better.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!!