Changes

Where to begin? Changes are erupting and shifting life as I know it. In my homeroom. On the soccer team. In the classroom.

Today a new student joined our classroom. Students could be heard mumbling, “Another new student?” even as I was introducing myself to the new boy. On the first day of school, I had 25 students in both my 7^th grade inclusion class (my homeroom) and my 7^th grade advanced class. Looking at the rosters today, the differences in the two classes shout out at me. In my advanced class, I have had one student leave class. Nobody has joined it. In my inclusion class, six students have joined the class while seven have either been transferred into another class or have moved. Thirteen changes in a class that needs consistency and stability. I have to ask: What are we doing to these students? Why the discrepancy? Is there a correlation between their achievement and the shifting of faces?  More importantly, what can we do about this? Is it a matter of grouping the students differently? Unfortunately, I do not have the answers to these questions. But I will keep asking them even if I ruffle some feathers as I am sure I will.

I have never been one to silently sit by and take the easy way. I speak up. I take action. In many instances there are positive results. Occasionally, I am called on my choices. Today was one of those times. The last day of the book fair I spent way too much money on books. Again. As whenever I get new books, I showed them to my students. Within 30 seconds of showing them I bought the book Beastly, I had five students on a waiting list for it. Needless to say, I went looking for ways to get more copies. I was able to procure 30 more copies. Since all multiple copies of books go through the library, I was not able to get them immediately. The librarian was not in yesterday. Students were in need of books to read. I went in search of the books. I found them. And the trouble began. I helped myself to eight books to give to the students. One of the girls (who has done NO reading for the past two months) came in to class today and told me she read 200 pages last night! A little scolding was definitely worth finding a book she wants to read.

Just last week my 8^th graders were begging to read. This week many of them would rather be milking a cobra. We have changed up class a bit. It has become more of a reading/writing workshop in the media center. Students have a choice of reading, blogging about books they are reading, writing, and a variety of book projects. There are plenty of computers for everyone. Room to have small group lessons. Comfy chairs to read in. Unfortunately, I have not set the norms as well as I need to. Few students are using this new set-up as it is meant to be. A work in progress. Reflection will be happening later this weekend as I attempt to tighten it up.

And then today, all Hell broke loose. My soccer team and homeroom have taken a hit. The much anticipated girls vs. boys soccer scrimmage followed by pizza was the highlight of the day for about 30 kids. Unfortunately, the theft of a wallet put a damper on the evening only to be followed by a downpour this morning when one of the girls came to me with news about the theft. After much investigation, the principal found out the true story.  Come to find out, two players had stolen the wallet. As a result, they were suspended three days. One of the girls has been taken off the team by her mother. I chose to keep the other one on the team. It will not be easy for her. Upon her arrival back at school, the day of our first game, she will suit up and sit on the bench. She has written a letter of apology to the team. Trust has been lost. Now to teach the rest of the team about forgiveness.

I wish I could say that was the only player I lost today. I cannot. There was a fight this morning. None of my players were involved. Until the gym teacher was trying to break it up. My player tried to pull him off the girls. Not a good choice on her part. She had been in several altercations and fights already this year. She was expelled and sent to the Save School. Tears in my eyes as she said goodbye to me today. If only she had been able to contain that fiery temper on the soccer ball.

Whether it be students, soccer, or class, I am sure my life as a teacher and coach will remain fluid. Sometimes challenging. Sometimes rewarding. Always fulfilling.