I didn't post this weekend because I was very achy and tired. I am feeling huge and I can barely get out of my car by myself. I was actually worried I was coming down with something, but after a nice,long nap yesterday, I am feeling better.
Anyway, here are my work woes. On friday, a student turned in a paper that said "Mrs. Chambers is not pregnant. She's fat" and "Mrs. Chambers is pregnant by Hitler" (we are currently studying him). I sent him to the office and they told me not to take it personally. Um, I was more concerned with the fact that it was incredible disrespectful and not so much sad, especially since the kid couldn't even spell my name. Dumbass.
And this one takes the cake. The crazy boy who tried to plant one on me a while back-- today he got upset because I wouldn't let him do what he wanted to do. He got all worked up, swung at several students, hit one in the head with a full water bottle, threatened to kill me and the rest of the class, cussed at all of us, and threatened to run off school grounds. And you know what? He's staying in my class because he's special ed. I questioned the asst principal and he said that because the boy has problems, he has rights. I screamed that I had rights too and that he scared the hell out of me and my class (I said hell to my boss). I also said that if he returns to me room, they can consider my maternityleave effective now. We'll see what happens.
Education is screwed. These nutcases now have more rights than everyone else combined.
Posted by Hannah at January 23, 2006 02:35 PMThat is so ridiculous. Seems to be teaching him that he doesn't have to take responsibility for his actions.
How old are the students you teach? Your stories have been kinda crazy! :)
Posted by: Laura at January 23, 2006 03:14 PMman, what a handful you've got to handle. Just take good care of yourself and baby, girl.
Posted by: letti at January 23, 2006 03:27 PMdear hannah, don't get too worked up. i understand how it might outrage someone when decisions are made so non chalantly - especially decisions that affect you. i'm sorry. try to focus on the impending maternity leave and your precious little one.
Posted by: stef at January 23, 2006 04:03 PMAmen sister!
Posted by: jenn at January 23, 2006 04:11 PMI just started to read your blog a few weeks ago and think you are just awesome... but I hope that the school will get rid of that kid... being pregnant you don't need that extra stress... you could be funny and get a note from your doc and say you can't have any extra stress lol... I hope things get better!
Posted by: Shannon O. at January 23, 2006 05:02 PMwhoa. not good at all. both those kids should be suspended to say the least, how old are these kids anyway? you, don't need that kind of stress or threat of physical harm. i was wondering why you had n't posted, i am glad you are feeling more rested now!
Posted by: linda at January 23, 2006 05:58 PMMan, that kid is *scary*! I sure hope that you stay safe, Hannah. Just keep March 31st in mind! :)
Posted by: Lisanne at January 23, 2006 09:22 PMWow, they really are disrespectful and not punishing them is sending the wrong message. Anybody see Reba on Friday? Anybody watch Reba? Seems off-topic, but it was about disciplining children. Hope the principal really thinks about this. Really seems wrong to have to put up with so much.
Posted by: Elaine at January 24, 2006 12:53 AMOh my ... !!!! What annoys the cr*p out of me is that the student has 'rights' but you're not allowed to tell him to got to hell - without risking your job. I would just keep sending him out of the class everytime he misbehaves. I believe he only has the 'right' to be educated if he can behave. Sending him out will at least keep you and the other kids out of harms way. (That's if he'll actually GO out of the class!)
Posted by: Valkyrie at January 24, 2006 01:02 AMOh my word!! Like you need this during pregnancy. HUGS to you!!!
Posted by: Melany at January 24, 2006 08:35 AMIt is so disgusting how our education system treats our teachers. Hope things work out well for you at your job.
Posted by: Christina at January 24, 2006 09:26 AMGOOD FOR YOU!! I am silently clapping for you for standing up to the principal. Your class sounds a little scary, and Im sorry that boy wrote mean things about you. Can you find a way to embarass him in front of the class? just kidding ( kinda...) ;) And your boss should SOOO be listening to your VERY reasonable requests.
Posted by: alfredsmom at January 24, 2006 10:25 AMStay safe Hannah!
Posted by: Ani at January 24, 2006 12:10 PM...am suddenly appreciative of my job where I encounter much staring at the computer and math calculations and minimal threats on my life. Good luck with that kid, I dont know how you teachers do it!!!
Posted by: dazed at January 24, 2006 01:04 PMThe AP is giving you a cop-out answer. Sped students CAN be removed for guns, weapons, drugs and if there is an imminent threat of bodily harm. Don't blame that the boy is sped -- it's your school that isn't doing the right thing. I also wonder if this boy has the proper supports/services in place. Do you know what his IEP says? If not, why not? Chances are he does not have an appropriate program.
Posted by: Brenda at January 24, 2006 02:08 PMGood for you! You DO have rights to a safe workplace. I'm about to email you....
Posted by: Allison at January 24, 2006 02:41 PMGeez...I feel for you. I don't know what level you teach, but I teach middle school, and they're nuts too. Thankfully, those things wouldn't fly without some sort of punishment at the school I work for; our principals crap the whip so to speak. Good luck making it to maternity leave....I know I'm counting down my days.
Posted by: Chas at January 24, 2006 05:42 PM