Out of my 52 students, 50 turned in rough drafts. (Now THAT is cause for celebration!) This is the first time I've ever had almost everyone turn in a paper. The two who didn't...one has quit school according to some of his friends, and the other, sad to say, probably should quit. The first guy hasn't been to school in weeks now. I want to look at him and ask, "WHY? Why give up when you are only a few weeks away from graduation??" I know some students have situations beyond their control (and far too often we aren't aware of them.) I don't think that is the case with this guy. He is simply one of those kids who doesn't realize the value of an education.
The other one had a 20something average for my class last semester. She was out two or three days a week every week (and she still is.) She rarely makes up any assignments she missed, and she only half does the ones that she is in school for. A couple of weeks or so ago, she was in an accident. Supposedly, she was trying to get into a vehicle when the driver decided to take off. She was knocked down and I think a trailer that was behind the truck ran over her or something like that. Of course, rumors were rampant that she'd been run over and was in serious condition. Not that she didn't have some injuries, but the rumors were much worse that reality. She finally showed back up this week. I saw her earlier in the day today, but by 4th block, she had left. Considering the fact that she was out of school for a couple of weeks, I will give her an extension on her paper, BUT she has to put forth some effort. Again, she is one who doesn't realize the value of an education. What does one do? Not a whole lot!
Our interns were kind of shocked at the apathy/lack of motivation/uncaring attitudes. The ones who are preparing our college students to become teachers are, too many times, out of touch with the real world. They tell them to use these cutesy ideas, but honestly, for the kids who don't care, not a whole lot will work. They tell us to try to find out exactly what does motivate these students, but who has time? I mean, we already have 25+ students per class (and we teach four classes a day), and by the time we try to cram everything we are supposed to cover, not a whole lot of time is left to get to know our kids. And usually, the ones who I'm talking about aren't the outgoing extroverts who make it easy, but I do make the effort.
Right now, I'm just counting down the days until the end of the year. I'll do what I can, but for some of the kids, that may not be enough.
Speaking of the end of the year...in exactly 5 weeks, the class of 2011 will be nearly through with their commencement ceremony. That means we have 4 full weeks of classes. The final week will be exams. Monday will be a normal day. Tuesday will be 1st and 2nd block exams for seniors and a normal day for 9th-11th grades. (It will be a completely normal day for me since I don't have seniors until 3rd and 4th blocks.) Wednesday will be exams for 3rd, 4th, and 5th blocks for everyone, and it will be a half day. Thursday will be 1st and 2nd block exams for 9th-11th grades, and it will be a half day. Friday was originally a professional development day, but we're having to use it for our weather make up..from January 10th because we didn't have ANY time built in during the 2nd semester. It will be a half day for students who come (and we are not encouraging them to be there!) We have our make up PD day on May 31. (Cough cough sniff sneeze hark...I think I'm getting sick.)
The last Friday will be ca-ra-zy!!! All seniors, all administrators, the band (I think), the counselors, the senior sponsor, and who knows who else will have to be at the Sportplex that morning for graduation rehearsal, so IF any students show up for school that day, we won't have any "official" people there.
John goes Tuesday for the consult with the orthopaedic specialist about his shoulder. The radiologist feels that surgery can't be avoided, but I guess we'll wait to see what the ortho says. I just hope he can get relief because he is miserable.
Allergies have kicked in this afternoon/evening, and I've taken Benadryl, so I'm thinking it's about time to call it a night.
Have a GREAT weekend!
1 comment:
congrats on the 500th post. I am glad you are finished grading the rough drafts...that is the one thing I do not miss about teaching English. I am glad we don't have to write them in Spanish. Whew!
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