Sleep

Last night I had the worst night's sleep I've had in years. Too much caffeine? Perhaps. The darn cold I can't shake. Possibly. This coming Wednesday. Probably.

It is hard to believe that there are only two work days left. I spent part of Friday working on grades, and part of the day packing up. I have emptied two four drawer files, a two drawer file, and two desks. I filled a waste basket with junk. I have saved a few things--including a copy of a dean's referral form that I wrote up for a really weird infraction. Perhaps I'll write about it before I'm done.

I should be able to be done by noon on Wednesday. There is much still to do. Grades to finish, there are still two more classes of exams to grade. I've received the reminders that I need to turn in my keys and my computer.

Of course, if I am late, what are they going to do, fire me?!

Ferd

Today was the first day of underclass finals. Yesterday was the last day of senior finals. Tonight was commencement.

One of my seniors, who I have called Ferdinand, because he liked to stop and smell the flowers, just squeeked by in my class. In his class, he had a project final, rather than an objective test. He came to class, but not completely prepared, but he did give his presentation.

One problem, he did not have the written report that went along with the speech. He promised, promised, promised, to get the report to me. It did come in yesterday, via email.

This afternoon, I had just a little bit of work left to do, and went downstairs for a can of pop. As I am walking back to my office, who do I meet, but my young, troubled friend.

He explained that he came in to see if I had, indeed, received the email, and if I did not, he had his project on a flash drive, and would print it out.

I explained that the email was satisfactory, but that I was glad that he had come in to see me. I wished him well, congratulated him on following through and completing all of his classes. He thanked me for helping him. Of course, in my usual way, I asked him if he had learned anything from all we had been through. He looked at me strangely for a minute, and said, "to get my work done?"

I responded, "to believe in yourself, and to get your work done!"


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ADHD

I learned something about Attention Deficit, Hyperativity Disorder today. Both my own, and that of my students.

This morning, I was cleaning out my electronic files, and I came across a screen-saver 'gif' that someone sent me some years ago. It is a small sheep that moves around your screen, jumps, drops, walks, pees, goes up in space ships, dies, etc.

So, the adhd person in me thought, "I will use this during my class today. I have a powerpoint slide show to share during part of my class, and maybe it will help my students focus."

Well, in my period 7 class, which is my most active class, yet most active, the students noticed it immediately. They became agitated. They called out, "What's that?" "Why is there a sheep in our PowerPoint?" "Hey, he's peeing!"

In my period 10 class, which is not necessarily the brightest, but is the most focused, they barely noticed. I tried calling attention to it, but the students just said, "Just tell is about life insurance, what's with the sheep."


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Speech

Last Friday night, our school held its annual retirement party. There were six of us retiring, and we were all expected to give a speech.

I usually don't like to get up in front of a group with a prepared speech, but I did prepare a few thoughts. Several people have commented that they enjoyed my remarks, so I am going to share them here:

I have been planning this speech in my head for nearly four years—since I turned in my letter of intent to retire. Oh dear, what to say?! Do I share funny stories about the students? Do I explain where all the skeletons are hidden?

Well, I’m not going to do either. Most of you know my funny stories. (And I just got a new one this week!) And I’m not going to talk about the skeletons with administrators here.

So, instead, I am going to look back a little and look forward a little. Looking back on my years at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South, I see 6098 days that I thoroughly enjoyed—and the seven that I have left to savor. It is amazing to look back and see the technology changes that we have embraced. Though I still miss fluid duplicator copies!) My greatest regret about leaving is that I won’t be here to see what is going on in my classroom in 30 more years!

Thirty-three years ago, when I interviewed with Donna Mikovich, one of the questions she asked was “How long do you see yourself working here?” Wow. I am just getting out of grad school, I have no idea how to respond! So after a few seconds, I said, “Of course, I don’t have a crystal ball, but I don’t see myself wanting to make a change for at least five years!”

That must have been the right answer, because, now after so many years, I am standing up here, looking out a group of family, colleagues, and dear friends. It is an awesome feeling to see such an illustrious group! Looking back on my career at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South, I feel truly blessed. Blessed to work with such a fabulous, hard working, devoted faculty. Blessed to be able to teach thousands of really wonderful students and know that I have had an impact on many of them. Blessed to be able to get to know so many families, community members, and business people over the years.

I hesitate to mention names, because I know I would neglect to thank someone in the administration, faculty and staff who have made coming to Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South such a pleasure. But I would but I would be remiss if I did not thank Donna and Bill Trescott for having the confidence in me, when I am not sure that I would have. I would like to thank Sandy Pine, Ann Hittle and Mike Ivancich, my other department chairs who gave me the resources and the freedom to teach to the best of my ability. I would like to thank my partner Mike, who for 26 years, has listened to me ramble on about kids and events and problems at school. Of course, I can’t forget Judy, Elaine, Sharon, Phyllis, the other Phyllis, Karen, and Kristen whose prep period conversations helped me to survive. And I can’t forget the 8250 students who came to my room to learn about the business world.

All year, people have been asking what I plan to do. I am pleased to report that I do not know what I am going to do. But I do know what I am going to ask of those who will still be here—work hard for the students—they don’t realize it but they need what we have to offer; do something for the Association--we wouldn’t be where we are without it; and don’t let the new administrators get away with anything!

Now if you want to hear one of the funny stories, catch me later, and buy me a drink!

AND THEN THERE WERE FIVE!

Hard to believe, only five more days for the alarm clock to ring at 5:40!


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Glee

I have papers to grade and grades to record. Senior finals start tomorrow. (I have one class with seniors, and they have a project final. So I have reports to grade tomorrow.)

The rest of the students have objective tests that are machine graded. Yea!

However, I am going to watch Glee, then I will do whatever school work I have energy for.

Mr. Miller

One of my freshman boys interrupted my class today to tell me, "Mr. Miller, this is the only class we are still learning things in."

My quick response was, "That is because I care about you!"


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Desperation

Over the weekend, one of my more immature freshmen sent me an email. He has finally realized that things can make a difference and that there can be consequences. Here is what he said:

Hello Mr. Miller, I am very sorry for acting up in class. I am improving my class behavior as much as I can. I did the math with my grade and because we have 40 points left in the quarter due to homework, if i got a 100% on all of the homework, i would still fall short of a B-. If i did the calculations right. I would get a 78.2 for the quarter. I am pleading for an extra credit oppurtunity and it can be anything, even a 10 page essay if it has to be. If you feel that i dont deserve it or it wouldn't be fair, i would understand. Thank you for a wonderful year, and i learned a lot about business, and about life.

I think I will let him squirm for a while.

Should I take off for capitalization errors?

Surprise!

Last night, one of my dear, dear colleagues surprised me with a surprise party for my upcoming retirement. It was a sweet, sweet evening. There were people from all parts of my life. An amazing crowd.

I have been truly blessed to have such an great group of family, friends, and colleagues.

Now only seven more wake-ups!

It Finally Hit Me

It is 6:30 in the morning on a Saturday. I didn't sleep very well last night. It all started yesterday.

At 3:00 my last class ended. Is went to my office to sort some odds and ends of papers, then get the heck out of there. Yesterday at 4:00 was the retirement celebration for school.

All year long I have been just floating through school. I have had great classes, great times, happy days. I was savoring my last year. Then today it hit me. All of a sudden it seemed so final. I had butterflies in my stomach. I started to panic. I didn't want to go to the party. I didn't want to deal with it. I didn't want it to end.

Well. I knew I had to go. I knew that many people were there to see me. Several people had travelled a long way for this event. A dear friend and retiree from several years ago came up from Kentucky. One of my former students, Mike, a great kid, from the class of '91, drove in from Detroit.

Ok. I did go. The party was a a country club near our school. The committee prepared a lovely evening. The food was good. The speeches poignant and only a little too long. There were many hugs. Everyone wished me well, asked me what I was going to do, and told me that I would be very happy.

Like I said, I didn't sleep very well last night. I guess it was a combination of being overtired, excited, and panicked--combined with thinking too much!

Well, now it is 6:45, and I am wide awake. I think I am going to research that Mediteranean cruise that I heard about. There is one that leaves Athens and heads to Barcelona via Tel Aviv and Messina that starts on the day that school starts in the fall. I can't think of a better way to spend my first day of the semester not being at school!

Quarter Century Club

Our school district started a "club" to recognize those employees who have served for 25 years or more. There is one "meeting" a year. It is a really nice affair--superb dinner, testimonial speeches, a chance to reunite with colleagues from days past.

There is no hand shake or secret word. However, the new inductees are expected to make a speech. The current year's batch of retirees is also recognized.

I was hoping that as one of the retirees, I wouldn't have to make a speech. But, I was going to be prepared. The other day, the bomb scare day, when I wrote my retirement speech, I also wrote a quick speech for tonight, in case I was called on.

While I was not asked to say anything. (Whew!) I thought that my labors should not go to waste, so here it is:

Many years ago, I read the statistic that 50 percent of Americans hated to go to work each day. That day I told myself that the day I hated the thought of going to school in the morning, that would be the day I would go to the principal's office and resign.

Fortunately, that day never came. Looking back on my 33 years at Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South, I see 6097 days that I thoroughly enjoyed--and the eight that I have left to savor.

Looking back I have had a lot of fun working with my students, seen amazing technology changes (thought I still miss fluid duplicator copies), and have had the privilege to work with some tremendously professional teachers.

I need to thank Donna Mikovich and Bill Trescott for having confidence in me, High School District No. 86 for supporting me, my business department colleagues who have been more than coworkers (they have become my dear friends), and my students--for they are the reason I get up in the morning!

Bust

We got through the day uneventfully. Of course there wasn't any bomb. There were no problems.

Many of the kids expressed concern that they were in danger, as I mentioned before. More expressed jealousy that their friends were out having fun, and they had to be in school. Word on the street was that half of the seniors were at the beach and the other half were playing golf. (My students, I know, were doing the work I put on the class web site!)

For me, the best thing was seeing the building not overcrowded. Our building was originally built for 400 students. Today, gobs of additions later, we have 2700 kids crowding the classrooms and hallways. The passing periods are a nightmare.

I went through my day, as I would have. However, I did have some extra time--so I wrote my speech for the district's retirement party!

Boring Day

Today is the day of our bomb scare. As mentioned earlier, some idiot scratched a threat into the wall of one of the bathroom stalls--a girl's bathroom.

Lot's of kids stayed home today. I am sitting here in class with about 75 percent of the students absent.

I was mean. I made my students actually work in my first hour class. Now, in second hour, we went over the questions, with the four students who are not taking advantage of the situation, I talked about a few things, and am allowing some time for makeup work on a project. Three of the four needed that.

We'll see how the day goes. Word on the street has it that more are disappearing during the day. "My friends aren't here, Mom, so could you call me out.

Funny story--in first period, one of my students was talking about how mean his mother was. As she was dropping him off this morning, Norman said, "Mom, I'm afraid, don't make me go to school today!" To which mom replied, "Don't worry, if anything happens, I've got several spares at home!"

Picnic

Today our school held an all-school picnic to reward the students for good behavior this year--that is fewer tardies and fewer discipline referrals for cell phone use. Well, ok, tardies weren't better, and neither was cell phone use. And we had a major vandalism attack (obscene spray paint) and a bomb scare that got blown out of proportion. (No pun intended!) But we still rewarded the students with a special picnic.

We had free hot dogs, free chips, free cookies, and free bottled water. So instead of five separate lunch hours (well, lunch 25 minutes) 2700 students and a couple hundred faculty and staff marched out to the football field to huddle in the cold and enjoy our frankfurters. (Funny most of my students did not know that name, but they laughed when I used the other synonym.

An hour was allowed for these festivities. I spent some time gabbing with some colleagues, networking with my union president, and enjoying watching the students frolicing on the grass.

About 30 minutes into the picnic, I looked toward the opposite end of the stadium and saw a large group of of students with water bottles sailing overhead. Open water bottles, so the water was spraying out! It actually looked quite pretty and like it was a lot of fun. Of course, it also looked like a law suit waiting to happen.

Of course, the administration took exception to this. (And the professional part of me that remains felt that this fracas could only end poorly.) So, the picnic screeched to a halt, and we were all sent back into the school. Of course, the students got there before the teachers, and crowds of students ran up and down the halls for about 20 minutes. . .

Hopefully, this is not an omen of things to come. Perhaps not, tomorrow is our bomb scare. Word on the street is that not many are going to come to schol tomorrow. We'll see. I'll be there, unafraid, ready to educate the youth of America!

Panic!

My students were all abuzz over the bomb scare. Many are afraid to come to school. . . Many wondered why we didn't close school . . .

I told them that we have had many bomb scares in the decades that I have been there, and that we can't give in and close school. That would only breed more copy cat graffiti. Sadly, in reality, if someone is going to do something horrific, they aren't going to tell anyone. To me it seems like a kid didn't want to take a test on Wednesday.

So, being the mean teacher that I am, I told my students that I would be there, that Wednesday's assignment was still due on Wednesday. But, if they didn't feel comfortable coming to school, they could email or fax me their assignments. I told them that I would also post any important information on the class web site.

We'll see how things go. All I know is that on Tuesday there is going to be an all-school picnic--3,000 people on the football field for hot dogs!

Hot dog!

Bomb, 5/19/10

This morning, one of our students scrawled on a mirror in the bathroom, "Bomb, 5/19/10".

I had hoped that this school year would end quietly and uneventfully. I know there won't be a bomb. I know that the kids are anxious to get out of here, I am, too. I know that some parents will be afraid to send their kids. I am sure it is just some kid being silly.

All I know, is that I will be here, and we will do what I already have planned.

And I won't be making any references to Alice Cooper!

Fight

Today, at the end of a very uneventful school day, I headed down to the pop machine for a Dr. Pepper.

On my way back to my office, I see a big crowd gathered in a circle in the front entrance. Damn. A fight.

So being the professional teacher that I am, I charged into the fray. It seems that one group of our less than stellar students took exception to something that another group of less than steller students said, and a fracas ensued.

I knew two of the thugs, but not the other two. However, a dean, three other teachers, building security person, and a police officer were able to located the others and wisk them off to the office. Too much adrenaline and testosterone . . .

I Love You, Mr. Miller!

My Intro to Business students are working on a project right now. I think I mentioned it before. It is a business simulation--the students learn to write checks, keep a ledger, keep simple journals--simple behind-the-scenes things that a business would have to do.

Some of my students are very frustrated--this is something very different from other school assignments--which is why I like it, and have used it for many years.

My biggest whiner, I'll call him Wilson, just sits and complains. So much so, that I have just tuned him out.

Today, at the end of class, Wilson stayed after to ask me, "Mr. Miller, why are you being so mean to us? Why do we have to do this project? Can't we quit?"

"I won't let you quit! I won't let you fail!" I said, "I care too much about you to let you not succeed!"

Wilson looked at me for a second, and said, "I love you, Mr. Miller." There was a long pause, and he added, " . . . but not in a homosexual way!"

I just smiled and said, "Get outa here!"

Almost . . .

My buddy, Ferdinand, was almost on time today--only 30 seconds after the bell. I guess that is close enough!

He came in, took his test like he knew what he was doing!

Haven't graded the papers yet, but I sure hope he did well. I want him to pass!

By the way, several have commented the choice of Ferdinand for this individual. I chose this name because this individual sure likes to stop and smell the flowers.

When I was a child, the first book I checked out of the library when I got my library card was "Ferdinand the Bull."

Late Again . . .

My senior student, we'll call him Ferdinand, was late to class again today. Just a few minutes, but late.

Lucky for him, he was able to wend his way through the hallways without getting caught. Thought I was supposed to not let him in and send him to the In-School Suspension room, I waved him in.

After class, I talked with him. Actually, he came up to talk to me, before I could ask him to stay after class. He again apologized, very sincerely.

We talked a minute more, and I asked if he needed me to give him a "wake-up call" at 5:40 when I get up. Ferdinand then told me that he was the one who needed to take control of his life and get to school on time. That no one could do it for him. He ended by saying, "I can do it."

I hope he can . . .

My Lost Soul

I have a student in class this semester, who is a repeat customer. He is a lost soul.

Rough family situation. Rough, in so many ways. . .

He is in my first hour class. He communicates very well with me. He can't get to school on time. He can't get up in the morning. He wants to do well, but he can't . . .

Today, our seniors had an "act of civil disobedience." My young gentlemen, did not participate, but he got caught up in it.

We had a late arrival day today. School started at 10 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. The seniors had a tailgate breakfast in the senior parking lot, with the intention of having the entire senior class arrive late to overwhelm the attendance system.

Well, my young buddy was arrive late, as usual. The security staff was lying in wait. He got caught. As he has had several tardies already, his punishment was a day of "ISS"--In School Suspension--a fate worse than death.

Of course, I would rather him be in class. He will gain much more by being in my room--even if he is a few minutes late. (Hell--I think I was late every day when I was in high school--but that is a story for a different day. Thank you Mr. Justice!)

Tomorrow, I will talk with the dean, who is a dear friend of mine. I will explain that is no punishment to remove my student from my class, but it is enough punishment to make him come to my room and work.

One of the things I think I am most effective at is reaching through to troubled young students and giving them the push (and sometimes the kick in the ass) that they need.

We'll see how this goes tomorrow. Please, Mr. Dean, don't stack the deck against this troubled youngster . . .

Activities

Several weeks ago, the activities director at school invited me to a luncheon. It was being held by the activities directors in our conference as a part of their spring meeting.

I didn't know what to expect, but each activites director was asked to bring retiring club sponsors that they wanted to recognize for their contributions to their respective schools.

My activites director, who I have know for years, invited me and three others. We had a great time. There were several others from our school, so we had a table to ourselves. The conversation was fantastic--"Do you remember so-and-so?" "Remember when . . ."

Pam said nice things about all of us. I never do things because someone is going to notice, but it sure felt good to hear colleagues whose opinions I value, recognize the positive things that I have done over the years.

Sadly, the 'golden age' of student activities at our school I fear has passed. Our administration has instituted some draconian policies and repressive rules that have really put a damper on student clubs and organizations. Not for budgetary reasons, but because they are afraid--afraid of lawsuits and afraid that one of us might get away with some of the district's money. Very sad.

On the bright side, the luncheon, which was at a very nice restaurant near our school, lasted longer than the usual 20 minutes I usually have each day! The opportunity to discuss a topic in detail, with really interesting people is so, so nice! Of course, I would never presume to be able to eat lunch from 11:30 to 2:30 each day, but 30 minutes would be fabulous!

I Don't Mean to be Disrespectful . . .

When I got to work this morning, and checked my email, I was met with an email from a disgruntled student. It said in part, "I don't know how you can expect us to take a test on Friday. You haven't even given us our last test back."

Well, my goal is to always give tests back in a timely manner. This test was no different. However, my very anxious student had been absent the day I handed the tests back.

Oh, well. Can't please everybody.

Don't Quit Your Day Job!

This weekend, I didn't do anything for school.  I actually wasn't avoiding anything, I just didn't have anything to do.  I was caught up!

Instead, we went to my cousins' farm in Michigan.  Several times a year, a group of the cousins will get together.  It is usually when a crop is coming in--spring for asparagus, fall for apples.  It is always a time to hang out, tell the family stories (some old, some new--the new one this year was about Al Capone), eat too much food, tip a few beverages, etc.  This year was no different.

The weather in southeast Michigan has not been very conducive to agriculture.  Too cold for the apples and grapes, not warm enough for the asparagus.  I learned quite a big about the vagarities of being a farmer.  Seems like the deck is always stacked against you.

Anyway, this year, the asparagus is coming in slow, and tonight there is supposed to be a hard frost which could damage the crop.  There wasn't a lot there, but it needed to be harvested.  Not economically feasible to hire pickers, so the relatives all pitched in.  They have a really cool device, kinda like a triple-wide go kart that five can ride.  As the device goes over the rows, you bend over and snap those sprouts that are long enough.   We worked for four or five hours, picked around 400 pounds of asparagus.  After the work was done, more food.

Over lunch, one of my cousins commented that I shouldn't quit my day job.  I think either noticed my ineptness at harvesting, or recognized that being a migrant farmer doesn't pay well.  (I hope it was the latter.)

Then it hit me, I have quit my day job . . . but I don't think I am going to become a gentlemen farmer.

Facebook

"Do you have a Facebook?" a voice rang out.  "I heard that you did!"

"Why would I have a Facebook?" I responded.  (Of course I do have one and enjoy using it to keep up with my family and friends..)

"We want to keep in touch with you!" another young voice cried.  "I saw your picture!" another exclaimed.

"Ok, I have one."

"Can we be your friend?!"

"No."

"Oh, please . . . !"

"Ok.  If, one year after you graduate, you still are interested in keeping in touch with me, then I'll consider it."
Since the oldest of these students is in 10th grade, I somehow doubt that they will remember in three years that they were even in my class. . . I hope!

100% Test Score

Today, I finished grading a set of tests for my Marketing class.  The topic was Product Development--an interesting topic, at least to me.

Most of the grades were quite mediocre.  I know it is the end of the semester.  I know I have a lot of seniors. 

However, I did have one 100% paper.  Every question correct on the objective part, the essay response was very well done.  There is one interesting thing. . .

This student has only been in the country for about nine months.  Growing up in northern Europe, Inge did study English "back home."  However, her English is better than most of my native speakers.  Her contributions to class discussion more intuitive.  Her grades much better.

What are we missing here?

Can I Have Some Ice Cream?

Yesterday, after school our administration had an Ice Cream Social for us, as a part of the festivities for Teacher Appreciation Week.

I got my ice cream, and was standing there, enjoying my mint chocolate chip, when one of my more immature freshman boys came up to me.  "Mr. Miller, would you get me some ice cream?" he said.

"Oh, no, that would be inappropriate, the ice cream is just for the teachers," was my response.  "But since you are here, I'd like to talk with you for a minute. . . let's sit down."

So, I had a little chat with young Jonathan about being in high school now, and maturity, and how I was disappointed that he had not grown up more this year.  I told him that my big regret in leaving was that I wouldn't be there next year to give him the push (or kick) he needed when he got out of line.

Jonathan agreed that he needed to work more at growing up.  "Sometimes I don't try as much as I should.  But I'll try harder."

"Thank you," he said for our little talk.

"And you still can't have any ice cream," I said, as we shook hands and parted.

Have You Ever Done Acid?

This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week.   Not quite a Hallmark holiday,  but it is nice when people notice that you are doing a good job.  At our school, a whole week of festivities were organized--including five casual-dress days.  Such as pajama day, Hawaiian shirt day--you get the picture.

Well, I didn't do pajama day, that just isn't me.  Ok, it wasn't pajama day, it was flannel pants day--or anything with elastic day--but that still isn't me.  Today, however, I wore this really trippy batik, sort of; tie die, sort of shirt, with a pair of really comfortable jeans.  (That is me!)

I had not more than started teaching my first hour class.  (It is a marketing class (which I really love to teach), and I have a fabulous group of human being that I just love.) So, I am in the middle of a brilliant thought, and one of my more precocious students, called out, "Mr. Miller, have you ever done acid?"

Of course, everything screeched to a halt.  I must have gotten this shocked look on my face, because all of the students were staring at me, waiting for a response.

"No, why do you ask?" I inquired.

"Because your shirt is so trippy!  You are a baby boomer, and only boomers and people who do acid wear shirts like that!"

What more could I say?

So my response was, "As I was saying about Chapter 12 . . ."

20 More School Days!

I'm not counting down.  Everyone is counting for me!  Every day several people come up to me to let me know.

It is starting to feel weird. 

Today's also my birthday!  Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Save The Gingers!

Today, things were going well in my 5th period class.  They are my most rambunctious class, but my smartest.  So I never know what to expect.

At about the middle of the class, my Australian student called out, "Brad, your hair is on fire!"

Normally, this would have not been a problem.  Most of the freshmen and sophomores can handle an insult or joke and just throw it back.  However, Brad, who has lightly red hair, is very serious about everything and takes everything very seriously.  So he was highly insulted and indignant.

I had to stop everything and pull my Aussie friend on the side and have a little discussion.  Of course, I also needed to refer this to our dean's office.  We don't tolerate bullying or harrasment, thankfully.  So, Aussie will have a private audience with my friend the dean!

I forgot, Mr. Miller . . .

Today, my students were supposed to have the kit that we need for our final project.  It is a really cool business simulation where the students "get a job" in a hypothetical business, complete various tasks, and see just what happens behind the scenes.

I've been talking about this for several weeks.  I've given the students a note to take their parents explaining the extra cost (approved of course, by the school--we've been doing such projects for years in this class).  I even scheduled a trip to the bookstore during class so that the students could purchase their kits a week ago.

Today, in my last hour class, one of my students.  Came up to me and said, "I don't have my kit, because I was absent, and didn't know that I needed it.

Well, young Brittany has been absent.  Absent more than any other student.  Absent about 45 times this year.

Brittany also expects that if she doesn't do something, all she needs to do is smile, blink her eyelids, and look coy, and everything will be taken care of.

So, anyway, I didn't want to get into it, so I explained that the rest of the class would be doing their project in class, and that she needed to pay attention to the instructions, because I was going to expect her to get the materials and get caught up on her own.  Of course, she smiled, blinked, and coyly said that she would be glad to.

I started to introduce the project, guiding the students through their initial 'jobs.'  Young Brittany, then took out a bag of chocolate chip cookies, and very ceremoniously began to eat them.

As if that wasn't bad enought, she didn't even offer me any!

oH, mY . . .!

On Friday, while my students were taking their test, one of my students called me over to answer a question.  He was fishing for help with a question that he did not know. 

Of course, I was as evasive as I usually am in these situations.  I usually give a smart-alecky remark like, "I don't know, I didn't read the chapter!"

Anyway, as I was talking to him, I looked down, and saw that he had a temporary tattoo on his right hand.  Not just any tatoo.  Not a skull and crossbones.  Not a heart with an arrow through it.  Not even a bathing beauty.  It was a tattoo of a 'membrum virilis.'  An erect penis!

My initial response was "What the . . . is that!?!?"  Young Ricardo's response was, "Oh, it isn't what you think it is, it is just a bug." 
Now, I am not an expert at entymology, but I have never seen a bug like that!

Where would someone get such a thing!?!

Weekend

I had a really nice weekend.  I stayed away from the blog, thoughts of school, any dealing of responsibility.  It was wonderful. 

We saw a fabulous show at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.  If you  are in town, I hope you can catch it before it closes on May 23.  The show is called Hephaestus.  It is based on the story from Greek mythology, of Hephestus, the god of volcanoes.  Anyway, it is not a stuffy story, it is his story, told through a child's eyes, with circuses!  Sounds wierd.  But there are some amazing journeys up Mount Olympus by some really talented tight rope walkers!  There are even a few Walendas in the cast.  (No, I never had any of them in class, but it would have been really cool if I had.

So, I will catch up on a few interesting stories  . . .