Stern

I was stern on Wednesday and it helped keep the kids more in line. I am struggling, though, to differentiate my lessons so the ones who get it early aren't bored and disruptive while I work with those who don't. Then there are the kids who are disruptive whether they get it or not, and whether they have work to engage them or not.

Sad phone conversation with a parent too. Her child is doing nothing in my class, literally. Hasn't handed in a homework assignment since school started. Hasn't been doing daily exercises in his composition book for 2 weeks. Finally got the mother on the phone and she just lost her job because she has become blind from glaucoma and corneal disease. She is wrapped up in her new disability, with counseling etc. worried about losing her home, and is neglecting her sons. She can't see the materials we send home, but has this child's 17-year old sibling read to her. To make matters worse, the boy had a notebook with the back cover decorated with gang signs and profanity. Working on getting help for both of them.

Now to the humor part of our presentation. Got a letter from the school board today. I am to be honored for having perfect attendance last year. Can't decide whether this is so rare that they can afford to have a ceremony for the few people who achieve this, or if this is a morale booster of some sort so the money can be justified. Some of the lines in the letter are laughable - especially the one about how much the community and my students appreciate my dedication - even more so in light of my reception at the awards ceremony earlier this week.