I am on day 3 of my seventh year of teaching middle school special education. I am returning to 6th grade and have really enjoyed meeting all my new students. I still am learning names and faces. I try to get to know the students, at least face to name, before extensively reading Individual Education Plans, medical diagnosis, accommodations, etc. Today I looked through paperwork and made several notes. This process really helped me put things in perspective for one of my students in particular. I had the pleasure of meeting Bryce (named changed to protect confidentiality) during 6th grade orientation. It was obvious to me that I would be his teacher. He spoke out while the Principal was talking, talked out during teacher instruction, and got out of seat several times. This was while he was in a strange place during 6th grade orientation. I could almost feel the eyes of my co-workers glaring at me...saying "here ya go Funderburk"..."Have fun with that one"..."he's all yours"....I knew deep down that he would be with me and more than that....he would be my 'project' this year. I will prove to all these people that this child is capable of functioning and I CAN and WILL fix him....I mean...HELP him! Sooo on the 1st day of school I was eagerly waiting for Bryce to enter the sixth grade hallway. He would be coming to my 1st block inclusion class w/Ms. Maldonado for language arts. Bryce was one of the 1st students on the hallway. He was dressed in his uniform, navy blue pants w/ a dingy white buttoned down shirt which was neatly tucked in w/ a brand new backpack on his back. He was the most popular child on the hallway, all the teachers knew his name. He entered the room and followed directions that were given. Once class stated Ms. Maldonado asked the students to get out any supplies that they had so that they can sort them for their classes. Some of the students had TONS of new supplies still in wrappers, some had the basics, and a few had nothing. Bryce had nothing. I am not surprised by this as most of my students do not have the basics. However, Bryce had NOTHING. A new backpack completely empty. I quickly gathered notebook paper, notebook, and a pencil for him to use this day. He was so grateful and polite and said "Thank you Mrs. Funderburk". I allowed him to write his name on the notebook in a sharpie, he accidentally marked on his shirt. He was a bit bothered by this saying "Oh, no...it wont come out". My response...."with some bleach I am sure it will...no worries". Ms. Maldonado and I quickly discovered that the more jobs we could give him the better. His behavior was good this day. In 2nd block he was loud and talked out of turn, wanting to be center of attention but quickly corrected behavior when I would look at him. At this point, I am thinking...I got this!
On Day 2 Bryce come bee bopping down the hallway wearing the same shirt w/ the sharpie mark, navy pants, new blue undershirt, and then empty backpack (which now contained papers signed by his dad stained w/juice, wrinkled, ripped, and musty smelling). I hugged him and said that I was so happy to see him and I knew it would be a good day. Once again good behavior. Still no additional supplies. At this point I do not think that he will get supplies from home...so I get a pencil bag and fill it with necessities and a 3-ring binder and folders. He was SOOOOO excited! During lunch I sat near Bryce and asked him who all he lived with. I learned when working for DSS that you can tell a lot about a child by who lives in the home. He quickly said "my dad and uncle". So I am thinking..'where is mom?'
On Day 3 Bryce does not come to school. I am concerned. It is the 3rd day of school...why is he not here??? While the students in 1st block are taking a pre-assessment I start looking at paperwork on the computer. This is what I found out: Bryce's mom used crack cocaine while pregnant, paternal grandma has had him since 4 months of age b/c the mom's rights were terminated and Dad was in jail. Diagnosed w/bi-polar disorder, can be violent, ADHD, impulsive. Was not fully potty trained till he was six. He moved to Charlotte w/ his dad from Michigan in April 2009. After reading all of this, my head hung low. Bryce can not be judged solely on first impression, looks, or behavior. He was already experienced way more in his life that anyone should.
Dont judge a book by it's cover....this goes for Students too
I started back to work this week and I am starting to get back into a routine. Emma Grace is adjusting wonderfully to her full days at school. I think keeping her in all summer makes the transition easier for her. Charlie and I are having to fight small battles in the morning, for example, putting on clothes for school. I swear the girl would wear PJs all day if I would allow it. Unfortunately, PJ day is only once every blue moon. Additionally, she wants show-and-tell to be everyday!
I have a lot to be thankful for amidst all the stress that seems to overtake my life. Charlie and I are trying to get on the right track to pay off debt! We want to be freed from monthly credit card statements. We are in the process of consolidating, making one payment, and getting them paid off for good! I pray every night for guidance in this area!
On a positive note I had a bug problem in my pantry, Granual Weevil's were having a party in a bag of birdseed. They have vacate the premisses! Woo Hoo. On another positive note, Emma Grace continues to do well w/potty training. Just need to work on pooping in the potty. Charlie told her that if she had not accidents for a week he would buy her a new baby doll. Her response to this bribe, "one w/ a baby bottle?"!
1st day of school starts on Tuesday w/children. I am excited about this year. I am really going to work on LOVING these children as my own and being a better advocate for them. I have a year full of challenges and I am excited to dive right in!
I always say that I have the best profession because I get so much time off and each year is different. There are new kids, programs, leaders, and procedures. It is also nice to know that what I did not like from this year will be different the next. This school year is full of changes....a new principal and LOTS of new faces. As many of you know, for the past 4 years I have been co-teaching with Melanie Hook. Last year we were videotaped for two training videos. To make this sound as humble as possible...we are AWESOME in action. We have busted our tails trying to find the right techniques and strategies. This past school year we produced the best scores we have ever had. I was informed that this year I will only have one class with Melanie. I will be working with two other teachers as well. Needless to say Melanie and I are heartbroken over this decision. I am having a difficult time processing how I am going to effectively work with 2 more people. One of the new teachers, Ms. Faulkenberry is new to our school but is not new to teaching. I will be working with her in math. Ms. Maldonado is other other language arts teacher that I will be working with. I worked with her last year and know how she operates. It is not the people that I am concerned about....it is how am I going to be an effective teacher and NOT an assistant. I keep telling myself that everything happens for a reason and I am prepared for this challenge. My slogan for this year is to "EMBRACE CHANGE"!
