I was not expecting that phone call, but how could I pass up another day of subbing?
Summer school started last Wednesday. On Friday morning I was called to cover a world history class. All day. 10th and 11th graders who hadn't passed the class the first time. Three classes in two hour blocks.
Mr. B had them working at their own pace on stuff from chapter 2. Some finished. Some did a lot of staring at walls or talking to friends. (At that rate, some of them aren't going to pass it this summer, either.) The class time passed, I called for them to pack up, and they lined up by the door.
(I'm not a fan of the lining up at the door thing. In fact, I discourage it whenever possible. In this case, I was ignored.)
The student nearest the door opened it...
"Close the door. It's not time to go yet."
Oh, but they'd been there long enough. And all it takes is one to slip out...
The first block didn't pull this stunt. But both the second and third blocks did. *rolls eyes*
The second block's excuse: "The bell already rang..."
My reply: "No, it didn't."
Half the class had shuffled out when... wait for it... the bell rang. Clear as day. Ahem.
The third block's excuse: "The bells don't work."
Funny. I heard a bell for the beginning and end of the first block and the second block. And there was a beginning bell for the third block. Explain to me how "the bells aren't working".
This time only about five got out of the room when... you guessed it... the bell rang.
As this is one of my big pet peeves, I made sure the teacher knew what they pulled. Whether he'll do something about it...
(It's summer school. After two hours, some teachers let them out a bit early to be nice.)
And, considering that they're stuck taking summer school, I think they're already getting a consequence for their own bad behavior.
What's really sad is I bet their parents are just annoyed their kids have to attend summer school.
ReplyDeleteThe lining up by the door thing sounds like a torture especially if one already has to participate in summer school. -just like you said, it's a consequence for their own bad behavior.
ReplyDeleteYup. Usually I have a rule: no one gets dismissed until everyone is seated. That usually takes care of those lining up.
Deleteah, summer school a/k/a torture.
ReplyDeleteBut try warning them in February that this might happen when they don't do their work...
DeleteI remember lining up at the door and I hated it. It was torture to stand there and wait when I could have been at my desk reading.
ReplyDeleteYeah, it takes a couple seconds to get to the door. Lining up makes it harder to get out.
DeleteThere was no way I was going to let myself get in a position where I had to give up my summer with summer school!
ReplyDeleteHi Liz - sad that they need to attend Summer School - but worse that they don't behave appropriately ... another sad I guess! Cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteI had a sub once that refused to let us out because the bell didn't ring even though it should have. We wound up leaving without permission so we didn't miss our bus haha For them to do that when it was working is so rude though :(
ReplyDeleteHate it when that happens. They should have announced that the bells were broken or something.
DeleteI'm guessing the kids there aren't the best behaved of students. Being cooped up in history class on a summer day probably didn't help things.
ReplyDeleteI have no sympathy for kids that have to attend summer school. Should have passed the first time. It sounds like teachers give them plenty of opportunity to pass! I am appalled at the lack of respect that is shown by the students in your stories. It seems to be reflected in how our country is now! Sad! Very sad! (dang I almost sounded like Donald Trump)
ReplyDeleteThere's a big push to get everyone to graduate nowadays. So, if they fail a class, they get ample opportunities to make it up.
DeleteI'm so glad I'm out of school. Bless you teachers for doing a job I would never attempt.
ReplyDeleteI get them for a day. The full-time teachers get the worst of it.
DeleteDoes California charge for summer school? They did in Montana, so much for each credit needed. Bet teachers are glad to get out of the classroom early too, ergo why they let the kids leave early?
ReplyDeletebetty
So soon? That sure didn't take long!
ReplyDeleteI know! I was shocked.
DeleteWhew. And so early in the summer still.
ReplyDeleteNo resting for you! I was shocked that it started so early after school was let out, but I guess it is best to get them early.
ReplyDeleteThey want to give them some summer time, so they start about a week after school gets out, and then summer school ends by the end of July. So, they get August off. (Well, most of August.)
DeleteI tell my kids that the bell is a sign for me, not them. Still mine are younger and a bit more pliable!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't get away with that. If I said that, they'd argue that I could and should dismiss them early. I can just hear it now...
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