And yet another tale from that science class from early October. (You didn't believe me when I said these posts would take until Christmas to complete, did you?)
"What are we, in kindergarten?"
The 8th graders were not pleased that Ms. O had asked that they check out the pair of scissors they needed for their projects. All they had to do was write their names and the color of the scissors' handle. And then scratch their name off the list when they returned the scissors.
Simple enough, right?
Near the end of first period, I took the list and the box of scissors and went around the room, collecting. They replaced the scissors and crossed off their names.
"John Smith... I'm John Smith..."
And if that hadn't been red flag enough...
"Psst, John. I crossed off your name. I'm John Smith."
Have I mentioned that they're really bad at lying about their names?
The students around "John" called him Chris. And I had a semi-accurate seating chart with pictures. So I confirmed that his name was, in fact, Chris.
He hadn't done anything name-in-note worthy, so I wasn't sure why the name lie. Especially since as I was collecting scissors, I wasn't paying attention, really. I was just making sure I got a pair of scissors back and a name was crossed off. But the fact he felt the need to lie...
Yep. Name-in-note. For lying about his name.
The next day his name was on the board. He'd earned a detention. And why was explained on the board for everyone to see.
If he was going to try to get away with something, at least make it something worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteI hope we get to hear the rest of the story of why he got detention. Perhaps calling him out about lying about his name?
ReplyDeleteIt is wise for the teacher to have the students check in/check out the scissors. With the cost of supplies and often teachers having to supplement supplies, I can bet the teacher was probably "burned" over the years with supplies not returning and had to take this measure to ensure they did.
betty
What an iditot.
DeleteHe got detention for lying about his name. Period. It wasn't like I was asking him who he was at the time, so the lie had no purpose.
DeleteAnd I agree with you. I totally get why the teacher wanted the supplies checked out. Which is why I made sure they did it no matter how many complaints I got. Considering the state of the rulers, I see why having a check on the scissors was necessary.
Oops. Pushed the wrong space.
ReplyDeleteWhy choose "John Smith"? He must have considered himself to be very funny. His teacher had him in her sights.
That was not the name he chose. He "borrowed" the name of another student in class. But I do not use actual names on this blog (well, not when I'm talking about specific students). I always change their names. They are minors, after all.
DeleteJust SMH! What else is there to do? I would want teens running around with scissors either. Act like kindergartners get treated like such!
ReplyDeleteOh, if they had been running, the scissors would have been gone in an instant.
DeleteI'm not sure what his big plan was here. Was he trying to frame someone for the crime of scissors-theft?
ReplyDeleteThere is a future Ice Cream seller for ya.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me miss teaching - all the great stories that we could fill a book with. I love this.
ReplyDeleteStudents. The blog gift that just keeps on giving.
DeleteOh man, I can't even think why.
ReplyDeleteNeither can I. I mean, if he was trying to get away with something, I could see it. But for scissors?
DeleteThey just love to buck the system don't they!
ReplyDeleteThat must be it.
DeleteI've said it before, but it's worth repeating. These posts are addictive. What imaginations!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah. Just when you think you've seen everything...
DeleteAt least they've provided you with ample blog material, even if they don't want to give you their names.
ReplyDeleteOh, they never want to admit to their name. That's why they have attendance with photos now.
Delete