Last Tuesday was our first day back after the winter break. And Tuesday is one of our off-campus days. The class decided we'd go to the mall (as that's where the Burger King is), and we got ready to head out.
Before we leave campus, we have to sign out. While one of the students does this, the rest of us wait around by the gate.
On this day, we were heading out while the alternative education center was on their morning break.
The adult transition center and alternative education center are separated by a locked gate, but they share a main office. So, while we were waiting, we were on the same campus as the alternative students. That is, the students who were expelled from the other schools in the district, usually for behavior.
This is not unusual. Pizza will talk to them sometimes.
On this day, however, Yorik was hovering around the gate.
And I just knew...
All signed out, we headed out. One of the aides unlocked the gate, and our students walked off campus.
Surprisingly, Yorik was nowhere near us. I thought perhaps I was borrowing trouble.
I was the last one out. I locked the gate behind me.
Yorik came up to the gate. He waved for attention. I gave him mine. He asked for the attention of one of the aides. She turned around.
"I need to go for a walk," he told her.
She explained that we were going to the mall. He was fine with that. He wanted to go along.
Nope. He just wanted someone to let him out. And the aide wasn't even tempted to unlock the gate for him.
I was expecting him to be way sneakier than he was. I thought he was going to be in the group as we left. While there are only nine students in my class, he would be far more likely to be successful if he had tried that.
But I'm not about to volunteer that information.
Kiddos are not smart. Such deviousness really does not occur to them most of the time. So, as the adult in the situation, I just have to not let slip all of the ways I know they could exploit the situation.
Oh, that last paragraph is so very true. :)
ReplyDeleteWe just need to stay one step ahead! Sometimes that' not so easy, is it? Good luck with your charges. You've got a big job.
ReplyDeleteIt's easier than one would expect. Most of the time.
DeleteHey, sometimes just asking people to break the rules for you works.
ReplyDeleteNever tell them the ways as they will use them.
ReplyDeleteOh no. Never.
DeleteWhy the aide and not you? Thought he'd have a better chance with the aide?
ReplyDeleteAlas, poor Yorik ...
ReplyDeleteHe needed to go for a walk! That's funny.
ReplyDeleteMy kids went to a district home study program (until it became accredited, which ruined the entire purpose of home schooling) that had facilities to use on a middle school campus. Also on that campus was the alternative school ( for, like you say, the expelled ones), and we were told not to go down "their" hallways! If the students were that "bad," they shouldn't be on a middle school campus, if you ask me.
They try to isolate them a bit. I'm not sure if it's for their benefit or the benefit of the other students. Hard to tell.
DeleteIt amazing how much more student get out in world, compare to my days. I think it good for them.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe
Go for a walk. Sure....
ReplyDeleteIt's not like there's nowhere to walk on campus ;)
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