Wednesday, October 19, 2016

The One Problem


I'm back. The day last week that I would have normally written all my posts for the week was the day the cold hit me hard. And then rather than playing catch up later, I realized that it was probably for the best. 

I've almost caught up on my blog visiting. And as for the cold, well, I've got a lingering cough, but I'm on the mend. Now, back to my regular stories...

It was one of the good days. The biggest problem I had was staying awake. Silent classes. On task. No issues.

And then he walked in with 6th period.

Trayvon sat over in the back far corner. When I questioned him on this, he explained that "the teacher had moved him". Most days I would believe this, but every other class had just had a seating chart update (several students asked me where they sat), and the seating chart was accurate. (And Trayvon should have been seated in front of me.)

But I let that slide. That's an easy note to leave in the interests of keeping the peace. (Some battles aren't worth fighting. Especially when it's going to suck all the oxygen from the room. Why battle one student to the detriment of the rest of the class?)

I explained to the 11th graders that they were using their books. So, they went to retrieve them. All but Trayvon. His had been "stolen".

There was one book left. The name on it said "Tray". Um, not his book? He claimed not.

I found him a temp book for the day. But before he started on the day's assignment, he needed to use the restroom.

After he left, the rest of the class informed me he might not come back.

Oh really? Oh, please, let that be the case.

Nope, they were wrong. He did return. But while he was out, I replaced the temp book with the book I was convinced was his. And he didn't seem to notice.

The rest of the class worked silently. So, Trayvon slept. (These students fade when they don't get attention.) It wasn't until the end of the period that Trayvon noticed he had the "wrong" book. When he went to return it to me. After having done nothing all period.

Deep sigh. Better get to know him now. I have a feeling I'm going to see a lot of him at the continuation high school in the near future.

25 comments:

  1. Oh yeah, he's gonna be your buddy! ;)

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    1. He walked in with attitude. Why, I have no idea.

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  2. Its sad but the decisions kids like him are making will impact their future. They can of course dig out of things they do, but why not just do the work in the first place?

    Glad to hear you are feeling a bit better.

    betty

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  3. At least he slept rather than trying amuse himself and the others.
    Don't you wonder what happens to kids like that when they hit the workforce?

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  4. @_@ Poor thing, glad you're feeling better for the most part though! Silly boys.

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    1. Yes, very silly boy. (One boy, in this case.)

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  5. He sounds like a real piece of work, which is ironic considering he did anything but.

    Glad that you're back. I hope the cold stays away fro a long time.

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  6. I probably would've wished that he wouldn't return, too. lol

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    1. It's terrible of me, I know. But then I could have written him up for ditching.

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  7. Oh,Trayvon. What will he do this year?

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    1. I expect to see him in the orientation class at the continuation high school in the near future.

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  8. You should give him a book about his future...prison.

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    1. I don't know about that. But I could see him blaming his future problems on others when he's the cause of them all.

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  9. Well he seems like a contemptuous fellow.

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  10. Oh those coughs that just won't leave are hateful-mean. Hope you're feeling all the way better soon.

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  11. Why battle one student to the detriment of the rest of the class? Perfect mantra. I love it, Liz.

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    1. Yeah, in some instances, I'd rather just let it slide. Writing it down lets them know that they didn't get away with it.

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  12. It is important to pick your battles. I find that true in every area of life. Best wishes!

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    1. Yeah, some days the battle isn't worth the reward (that's assuming I win which isn't a given).

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  13. Hi Liz - well you're keeping one step ahead (just) or up with him .. without him realising it ... good luck! Cheers Hilary

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  14. Oh Tray...not the first or the last. At least he was quiet and no chairs were thrown. Glad you are feeling brighter.

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    1. Yes, there could have been much worse situations. Like today, for example...

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