It was Friday morning, and I was having a Friday Late.
But I wasn't too concerned. It was already going to be an odd day. I had gotten an email the prior day about how the teacher I was scheduled to cover wasn't going to need me all day, so they had modified my schedule so I'd be roving rather than covering one class.
(Yeah, so Ms. M had seniors, and Senior Seminar--a day when all the seniors do a thing together out of class--got moved to this particular Friday. Ms. M only had one period of sophomores. I love roving days, so the switch wasn't going to bother me.)
I left home at the usual time, but I got on campus about ten minutes later than normal. Then, while checking in for the day, I took some time to talk to the secretary. Stuff about the roving day. The schedule she had emailed me had been altered as two of the teachers no longer needed me, but a third did.
By the time I left the office to head to the classroom, the warning bell had rung. (Usually I have ten to fifteen minutes before the school day starts to get set up.) And I had to get from the main office to the back of the school. I had time, but I was going to have a crowd of students waiting.
Only, I did not. Weird.
I got to the classroom a good two minutes (at least) after the warning bell, and there were no students in sight.
Uh oh. Did I make a mistake? Was I at the correct room for the period?
I double checked my book. Yup, I was in the right place.
I opened the door. I almost went in to put my bag down when a student arrived. And then another. Whew. They were just cutting it close.
When the bell rang to start class, I had seventeen students. Out of thirty-four. Over the first twenty or so minutes of class, eight more students arrived. (Yeah, they've got a tardy problem at the school. Which is funny as the school day now starts at 8:30 AM. Before 2020, school started at 7:30 AM.)
Well, at least they weren't waiting on me. And I was there before the bell.
There's just something about Fridays...
Even if the day started at 9.30, they'd still be late. That's how people are programmed.
ReplyDeleteThis is true. You'd think it was the early hour, but no. Apparently not.
DeleteYou set the example, too bad they didn’t follow suit
ReplyDeleteWell, I was almost late...
DeleteOnly fifty percent--an F! Good thing you're not graded on their attendance.
ReplyDeleteThere's a tardy problem at the school. That they've been working on.
DeleteHopefully, tardiness is a habit that will continue to be outgrown. And I hope the rest of the day was totally uneventful for you.
ReplyDeleteThe rest of the day was pretty chill. That makes for boring blog posts.
DeleteI was never late unless my mom dropped me off for school which was rare.
ReplyDeleteI was rarely late in high school. (There was one memorable occasion when I was late.) In college, however...
DeleteWhen I was younger, years ago, the students in Spain, had all the complete day in the school. They passed the morning, and the afternoons. But times changed. Today probably all the students, in the island of Mallorca, have only study in the mornings. The afternoons are free. During all the year. I dont know if It is better, or worst. The academicals, the professionals, the teachers, must say his opinión. I only can say, that to study is so important. Really to study is one of the most important things in the actual Life. Thank you for your article, and greetings from Mallorca.
ReplyDeleteThey still attend school all day here. Perhaps just mornings would work better. It's something that people in positions in power would have to change.
DeleteIt's good that despite everything conspiring to make you late, the kids were even later so you it was a benefit in the way! That way you didn't have to wait long for the kids to arrive.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice when things work out.
DeleteI bet it all work out.
ReplyDeleteEventually...
DeleteAren’t there consequences for the students being late?
ReplyDeleteThere are.
DeleteBeing late isn't cool..
ReplyDeleteWe try to tell them that.
DeleteThis article beautifully captures the unpredictability of school life, particularly on a Friday. The author's relatable experience of running late yet remaining unfazed adds a lighthearted touch to the narrative. It highlights the dynamics of classroom management and the quirks of student behavior, like tardiness. The anecdote also reflects on how even minor schedule changes can lead to amusing situations. Overall, it’s a charming reminder that sometimes, the chaos of teaching can bring unexpected moments of humor and connection.
ReplyDeleteI just shared a new post; you are invited to read. Happy weekend!
Thanks?
DeleteAt least they thought they'd keep you waiting. Not that they cared I guess, or they wouldn't have all been late.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe the teacher doesn't get there until just before the bell. I don't know anymore why students get to school so late.
Delete