The Children

So I thought I should give some updates on the children.

I guess I should start with bad news. Do you remember B? He was the boy that I thought had some evil spirit over him or something. Well, he has not been doing well. A few weeks ago he had to be restrained after punching and striking several people. Yesterday, he slapped a girl. And yes, he is still in school. Though he has been suspended several times, he just repeats the behavior. He has not been to my class in such a long--since before Halloween. He told my aide that he is scared of my class. I know that is a bunch of lies. He just knows I will make him work and not put up with his games. I am not afraid of him, though both of the other teachers are. So, in short, we really need to pray for him. I don't think he will be here much longer.

S, my little attitude girl is really progressing. I am really pleased to tell you that she is definitely reading on a higher level. She currently is hovering around the end of 1st grade, beginning of 2nd grade mark. Yes, this is not amazing, but remember that she came in at a Kindergarten level. Attitude wise, she still breaks a lot of our rules. However, she hasn't been as rebellious of late.

Finally, little M. I am so, so happy to tell you that she has been on time to school every day for the last five days! This is a huge feat for a girl who was tardy over 25 days last quarter. I am always quick to point this out and praise her constantly. We get along real well. She will eat a entire Hershey bar and bring me the last precious square, which is usually a bit melted after being cupped in her hand so long. The other day she brought me a half-consumed bottle of lukewarm strawberry milk. Pushing back thoughts of bacteria, I thank her as if she is giving me the moon. Her eyes just light up. I love that girl.

The other kids continue to do well. They are all progressing in their reading and I usually only have to deal with minor misbehavior. However, I did have two children in the after-school program sneak out. That was both scary and embarrassing for me as a teacher. I really reamed them the next day. As a consequence, they are banned from the after-school program and must make-up the two hours by coming in during recess--a kid's worst fear.

I have also realized that I am now able to observe when a child has deviate from his or her normal attitude. When I notice this shift, I take the child aside and ask him or her the reason--and there is almost always a reason. Today, my kids were really disengaged in times. After stopping class and acting what was up, I found out that one had gone to her Aunt's funeral (she froze to death in Rapid last week). Another was pulled out of bed to make an emergency trip to Rapid, not getting back to late. Still another was up late into the night preparing to move the next day. And so again I am reminded that when my children come to school, they come from difficult lives and backgrounds--lives I can never understand.

Well, keep my babies in your prayers,

B