Another Week Down

Today was a planning day , I was really glad to have. We had GGT pull-outs ( juniors / seniors) and final exams this week. Trying to manuever to accommodate the students has been a challenge and I am sure next week will be an even bigger challenge. I can identify with Connie about not liking nor loving the students on some days and several days this week were evident. I usually keep snacks ( cookies ,Capri-suns, etc ) in a supply room, connected to the classroom . I use the snack as a motivator , to give when they answer questions, complete assignments, etc. Well some of the students in the 1st period stole some of the snacks. This particular room is off limits to the students because of the equipment and supplies. I found out who the culprits were but I told all the students present that they were an accesory to the crime because they condoned what was done. This group of students are always begging for any type of food and I would usually comply but that did it for me. I did let them know that I did not appreciate what was done. Some of them tried to come later to tell on the actual culprits. One of my homeroom students (9th grade ) became upset with me because I asked for his clearance letter to come back to class. He told me he would fight a teacher and he wasn't afraid to go to jail ( he was suspended because of his remarks ). Another student ( special needs ) has been trying to "fit-in"
with some of the more street wise students. This student was throwing up gang signs in the cafeteria and trying to be "hard' and was about to be beat down before another student intervened. After speaking to this student and his mother about his behavior and the potential for him to be hurt , the student continued his behavior. On this past Wednesday, this student was " beat down' by some students. Some of his classmates informed me of the incident, the next day. Today this student came to take his final exam. He had 2 black eyes, bruised nose and missing teeth. He attempted to hide his face from me but it was impossible . My heart went out to him and I asked him is this what he expected ( gang wise ). His answer was no. It is really sad to see this, especially when you have tried to help prevent a situation of this nature. I am really looking forward to Spring break, in a couple more week.