She shoots, she SCORES!!!!

Ahhh.... I made it! Getting my butt back in the classroom again was just what the Dr. ordered. I thought to myself all day: "Oh yeah! I like this!"

When I arrived at the high school, the sub lady warned me that although I was going to sub for a department head with a short work schedule, that I would have one of the toughest classrooms in the school. The principal was walking by right at that moment, and he shook his head and told me that if any of the kids made one peep of trouble to just shoot them right down to him at the office. "DIAL ZERO" he said, very seriously. As we toured the school, the teachers I met along the way all tsk-tskd to me about "THAT CLASS". So all day I had this hanging over my head.

Well, they weren't as bad as the worst class I have ever had, but they were bad enough. It always seems that there is ONE kid that shakes things up--you get rid of him/her and the rest of the class is great. This class had about five of them. Which, in contrast to the worst class I ever had at West Middle School in Binghamton, was NOTHING. (hahahahaha) Although they reminded me of the felon-class I used to sub for at the alternative high school. So.... another example of how past opportunities prepare us for the future?

BUT--I was again reminded, that within ANY kid, (or person for that matter), is a good kid, and a smart kid. Behavior is not an indicator of intelligence or potential. In fact, I thought that some of the badder kids were probably pretty darn smart--they were funny--and although some of their comments were not delivered respectfully, they were pretty insightful for 15 year olds. (we were discussing the election and the transitional period of the presidency). They came across as being smart-mouthed, but I pointed out to them that they had some very interesting observations--especially interesting was a lively discussion about the safety of Obama--that he was at serious risk of being assassinated before the election. Of course, this discussion eventually deteriorated with the observation of the four letter word that is repeated in assassination....but....I'll take whatever I can get!!!!!

Hahahahahaha......

While I was leaving, many kids (even ones I didn't have) said "Goodbye Miss Hall!" And everyone was whispering and staring at me. That was the kids--when I got back to the office, the administrative ladies were more nervous--would I come back in spite of having to kick five kids out of class?

"Of course! They were (mostly) darlings!" I smiled...... The relief was palpable.

Ahhhh, I passed! :)