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.