(Someone... ahem... forgot to take a pic of the classroom in question. Twice. Ah well, he was in this class, too...)
10th grade world history. Teachers rarely leave "watch out for" names, so when they do...
The lesson plan warned me about 4th period. Any students who could not sit in their seats or work without talking were to be booted immediately. And Eugene was warned to "be excellent".
Eugene. I met him on Monday. 1st period. He, uh... In the end, I wrote his name down as being "disruptive". The list was that extensive. The bell didn't prompt him to sit down. Usually that's enough of a hint that it's time to get class started. It took me a couple minutes to get his attention before I could get him to sit down.
And then he wanted to have a conversation. About what, I don't remember. I was trying to get class started. They were supposed to read silently. But it was the Eugene show, and he wasn't giving up control. When I did get the class to silence, Eugene still had questions. And he didn't have the sense to whisper.
He was shocked when I told him I had listed him as "disruptive" in the note.
So, I had certain expectations for Eugene.
But before 4th period, we had an evacuation drill. Guess who just happened to be in the classroom that lined up next to mine? Eugene was having some issue with that teacher. (I swear, I wasn't listening.) That's when he saw me. And he seemed happy to see me.
???
Happy? He acted like he liked me. It was very bizarre. I was expecting a groan. A "not you". Nope. Not at all. He fist bumped me.
And he got to 4th period... And he attempted to sit in a seat not his own. But once I wouldn't let him, he settled down.
Then the assistant principal called Eugene to his office. (I think the issue with the other teacher was being dealt with.)
So, all in all, not what I was expecting from Eugene that day. But in a good way.
I wonder how Eugene's parents feel about his behavior in class; I would imagine they must be notified of such?
ReplyDeletebetty
I'm sure they are. Frequently.
DeleteYeah, I'm sure his parents cringe every time the school calls.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I am not Eugene's parent!!!!
ReplyDeleteThen again, his parents are probably similar people to him.
DeleteHopefully! If not, they must be crazy all the time!!
DeleteYou must have done something to make him like you. It could be as simple as not rolling your eyes when you saw him. Some kids just love being a sh&^% disturber
ReplyDeleteWell, at least you got a fist bump, right? lol
ReplyDeleteYeah, there is that.
DeleteWow, he sounds like a handful. I guess he's not very self-aware. But I guess you must be dealing with him the right way if he likes you.
ReplyDeleteHe liked you because you tried to bring him under control, but in a kind way. I have a kid like that, and they recognize when people are patient with them.
ReplyDeleteHis parents must cringe when the phone rings. But on the other hand, Eugene could grow up to be a successful entrepeneur. Or an entertainer. One just never knows. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThat is true.
DeleteHe fist pumped you? You must have been nicer to him than the other teachers even though you told him he was on the disruptive list. I have one word... medication. Not for you, for him!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if that would help. Once he got quiet, he stayed quiet, and I thought those that needed medication couldn't do that.
DeleteI agree with bookworm! I have a stepchild like that. She has grown up to be a successful entrepreneur and is active in her local government...so there's hope for Eugene. (By the way, she is also entertaining...at a family wedding last weekend she became the impromptu "warm-up act.")
ReplyDeleteI guess Eugene is just not built for the disciplines of school. He's a sophomore, so he's only got two more years to go.
Delete