Update...

[historyteach]

I just wanted to fill you all in, especially since you were so helpful to me before when I was going through the mess at school.

The principal came up to me and apologized for not doing the right thing with the girls a few days ago. He admitted he should have listened to me, and sent them right back to class. He said he thought, at the time, that their theatrical hystrionics meant they were sincerely disturbed at things *I* did to them, and that he now knows better.

Of course, learning that lesson is costing him a bit. The girls are now placed in another class, and that teacher is getting paid for another class, (sixth period, no break). Thousands of dollars when it's all said and done, for three girls...

Now, another girl has joined the bandwagon. He's trying to get her back in class. I had a good talk with her the other day. She was listening to the "golden girls" and had so much misinformation. About her grade; about class requirements. She wants to hang onto anger; she completely shut down and stopped talking. I'm afraid we've lost another one, now...She wants to be with what she perceives to be the "cool kids." :

I guess nothing's really changed. Same shyte; different day. I'm not being constantly attacked anymore, but, the problem is alive and well.

We had a big meeting on discipline in the school yesterday. A professional facilitator came in to lead the discussion, and did a very good job. Many of the staff thought that it was foolish to have a facilitator; I thought it was a great idea. The principal needed to be free to *hear* what the concerns are. And of course the two deans were there. I had to contain my laughter and scorn when the first dean went on and on about helping our kiddies become responsible and make good choices.

Prior to the meeting, I had class meetings with my kiddies. I wanted to hear what they had to say concerning school discipline. These were my ninth graders. Their concerns and observations were dead on. I shared them with the principal afterwards. He wants to incorporate them into the discussion. We will all be meeting again with the facilitator.

This meeting caused me a bit of hurt, though. I was planning on going to Trish's (miracle's) funeral. Trish and I met at the SR Round Up in NYC last June. The meeting was called for a later date, and changed only this week for yesterday. It was a very difficult decision for me to make; I was quite torn. In the end, though, I felt I had to be part of the solution to the problems I experienced at work this year.

So, that's where I'm at lately. Once more, I want to thank you for all your help during this really tough year. And thanks for listening again... :>)

Shalom!

[Lavender]

(((((((HistoryTeach)))))))
I'm so glad things are working out for you and from what I've read on these boards, I pretty sure Trish (Miracle) would understand your decision.

[historyteach]

Thanks, Lavender;
I was able to get in a few good points on the discussion. The nature or essence of our mission, for example. And the ability of our kids to discern differences between teachers expectations for their classrooms and the need for rules to be brief and adhered to. These are all important pieces of the discussion on the school's lack of discipline.
And I tend to agree with you about Trish. She is a warm soul.
Thanks again for your support...

[2stop]

I think teachers need extra hugs everyday.......sending mine your way (((((hugs))))) Bless you for doing your best.....even when those around you just don't get it..school politics are alot like D.C. politics, contrived, insincere, rhetorical....and ineffective......but teachers like you do make a difference IMO......hang in there!

Work stress is sooo tough on our mind and our body.....take good care of YOU today my friend.....treat yourself to something nice.

[historyteach]

Thanks, 2stop!

I like how you described the politics of schools and DC. Very nice, indeed, and if you don't mind, I'd like to use it in classes. I usually say that politics is like making sausage; you like the end product, but, you don't want to see it getting made...

Tonight is the Sabbath, so, I'll be lighting the candles, I got fresh flowers and I think I'll take a bubble bath! Calgon, take me away!

Shalom!

[2stop]

You can anything I say my friend.glad you liked it........school politics frustrates me more then Washington politics! ...my son received a concussion at his school beginning of this year..nurse called me..said my son had the flu.son got to car with me..started choking up..told me waht happened.went in demanded speak to prinicipal..he told me it was 'just boy stuff".....I tore into him....he said well I have 700 kids to watch.I told him when my kid has been ASSAULted HE takes precedent...ya ever hear of triage? priorties??? mmmm..then the principal told the cops well..we didn't know he was ASSAULTED.but principla told me when I went back in that the boy would be suspended for a day....a lose cafeteria privileges......I* pressed charges...and they stuck. It is maddening.they either get stuck on stupid with zero tolerance or are so lenient and clueless everything falls apart.......

I really really feel for you............I am praying extra prayers for you....with all that's been going on..and the choice you made about going to trish's service and work..........you're my inspiration today. You hang in there.......(((hugs)))

[liveweyerd]

What is that phrase you have for holistic renewal?....but I am sending that wish back to you as you have for so many of us.

[historyteach]

refuah shleyma?
Renewal of body and spirit.
Thanks, Live...

2Stop,
I agree with you about the two extreems of the dichotomy. Either end doesn't work. And I'm throughly amazed that principal did nothing when your son got a concussion! Oy! I don't blame you for pressing charges!
Thanks for the prayers...

The best part of all of this is the fact that I've not smoked despite all the bologna. I am now Four months, one week, two days, 23 hours, 40 minutes and 6 seconds smoke free. That's 5199 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,429.85. Life saved: 2 weeks, 4 days, 1 hour, 15 minutes.

Shalom!

[Bozo]

Originally Posted by Lavender

(((((((HistoryTeach)))))))
I'm so glad things are working out for you and from what I've read on these boards, I pretty sure Trish (Miracle) would understand your decision.

I didnt know about Trish, when did this happen? Is there a thread somewhere about her life or what happened? My God I am so sorry to hear about this.

[historyteach]

Bozo;
I'm sorry that you had to hear about it this way...
Here's the original thread, from Trish's S/O, Patrick.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...one-90511.html
He was kind enough to keep us informed.
Here's teh information about the services...
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...shy-90678.html
Again, I'm sorry that you've had to learn of Trish's death this way...
Be well...

Shalom!

[Bozo]

Originally Posted by historyteach

Bozo;
I'm sorry that you had to hear about it this way...
Here's the original thread, from Trish's S/O, Patrick.
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...one-90511.html
He was kind enough to keep us informed.
Here's teh information about the services...
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...shy-90678.html
Again, I'm sorry that you've had to learn of Trish's death this way...
Be well...

Shalom!

Is there an online guest book for Trish, I still cant believe this.

[historyteach]

Here it is, Bozo.
http://www.legacy.com/StamfordAdvoca...sonID=17293551
We will all miss her gentle spirit...
Be well....

Shalom!

[Bozo]

Originally Posted by historyteach

Here it is, Bozo.
http://www.legacy.com/StamfordAdvoca...sonID=17293551
We will all miss her gentle spirit...
Be well....

Shalom!

I will sign Trishs book when I can compose my thoughts. Yesterday in the shower I had a very spiritual thought concerning death and I would like to share it in Trishs book and perhaps post a new thread somewhere on SR concerning my thoughts.

[historyteach]

I would very much be interested in hearing those thoughts...
I believe the guestbook is only kept for a period of time. I don't want to rush you, but, don't want you to be disappointed either.

Shalom!

[indigo]

((((Teach))))

You are in my heart
indieannie

[historyteach]

(((Annie)))

That means so much to me! With all you are dealing with right now, and you take the time to think of me...
Thank you...

My thoughts and prayers remain with you, Annie...

Shalom!

[BigSis]

Hi Teach... just got in here. I can't tell you how much better you sound. The difference between a few weeks ago and today is amazing. I think I am hearing the sound of someone who has finally been heard

Though the tangible results of the struggle you have been through may still be small, your tenacity in seeing this through appears to have started an avalanche.

I admire that you saw this through, I think I might have cut and run much earlier in the process.

You sound centered and strong... gonna have to get me some of that Calgon... smile. ((((Teach))))

[MamaGoose]

Hi teach,

I'm glad things are working out better at school. I like the idea of involving the students in the discussion though sometimes they can be tough on each other. At my son's 12 step therapuetic boarding school they have to tell on each other, also shadow new students and they also sponsor younger students as they grow in their program.

People forget that the idea behind "discipline" is to teach. So many people think it means to punish.

I hope you have a great week. It's almost spring out there.
Take care.

[historyteach]

BigSis;
You have no idea how much I DID want to cut and run. And there were others at work telling me to go out on leave. Unfortunately, I have to support myself. Reality can really suk sometimes, lol! But, I'm glad I did see it through.

I appreciate you seeing a difference in me. To be honest, this whole ordeal was very tough. But, if we have turned a corner, well....maybe it will all be worth it. Ironically, I won't be there next year to see whether or not anything changes.

The fact is, this was a new principal. He ran with his "gut" rather than with the rules of the organization. Many times, going with our gut is the right thing to do. But, not when we don't know the individuals at stake. He listened to teanage hystrionics rather than to a professional educator with over 20 years experience. And now he's seeing the consequences of that behavior. Unfortunately, it may be too late for him. The staff is VERY unhappy with this ordeal and more. And that's why he's trying to fix what's wrong now.

MamaGoose;
The students should have a say. But, that's it -- *A* say. They cannot be the end all, and that's what some people here do not understand. They are children. And children cannot be left to run the show. Otherwise, it'll be like Lord of the Flies! And kids, even seniors, cannot determine what is best for an institution. They do not have the experience to discern what is best.

I like what you say about discipline meaning to teach, and not punishment. I refer to it as consequence normally. Because everything has consequences, be they positive or negative. And we all have to live with the consequences of our choices.

Thanks both of you. Yes, this was a very difficult ordeal. And Trish's death on top of it threw me for a bit. But, I think I'm coming back... Thanks to the wonderful support I have.

Shalom!

[51anna]

Teach, you do sound a lot better now. It must be a relief to have gotten through this and be at the point where you are now. It's a credit to you that you stuck with this because you believed so strongly. It's so easy to be swayed when you're swimming upstream.

[historyteach]

Thanks, Anna;

Indeed I was swimming upstream. But, I had wonderful support here and from the other teachers at school. If not for that support...well...I just really don't know.

But, I did maintain that what was done to those kids was abuse. And I believe it. These kids learned a wrong lesson, and will pay dearly for it in the future. I feel bad for them, even as they were driving me NUTS! LOL!

It's the adults that need to learn about appropriate behavior. And they need to be held accountable.

My union grievance is still going on. Not much more will come of it, but, it will be in the record that I was harmed. And that I was right. Then, this nightmare will be completely over.

Thanks for the continuing support...

Shalom!

[osier59]

Teach,

You sound so much better. I am glad that you are seeing and feeling some resolution to the issues at your school. Isn't it a shame that you just can't go to school and teach the kids what you are there to teach them, and have most of them willing and eager to learn what you have to offer.

Hugs
Barb

[historyteach]

Thanks, Barb...
Really most of the kids know what it's about and do just fine. I've never experienced somthing like this where a few disgruntled children are allowed to revolt and be rewarded for it. BUt, the fact these same kids are doing the SAME thing with the new teacher -- and the dean is allowing it again -- is speaking volumes to the principal.

Had a few more meetings recently. Both parents came in angry with me -- I was the problem. I'm the "only" teacher the kids have a problem with. Take the kid out of my class...yada, yada, yada...Exact same storyline as the golden girls had. Once more... In the end, they heard me, but, it's going through this over and over again. Difference is THIS time, the principal and dean backed me up! What a change! And the result was concomitantly different too! Sad thing is, it could continue. There's the storyline out there. Difficult kids are trying to use it for their advantage when they've done no work all quarter. I pointed out the exact same language used in their complaint to the principal -- again. Someone is prompting them.
And the dean is hardly seen in the school anymore. She's holed up in her office.

The principal came into my class yesterday while I was doing a conversation about discipline with my students. It went very well, as did my other classes dealing with this topic. Principal asked them some pointed questions about favoritism. Interestingly this was the ONLY class that did not go on about the dean. :

Well, it's almost June is all I can say. :>)
Thanks again for all your support through this ordeal.

Shalom!