Change CAN and DOES happen

3 weeks in.  I LOVE being a teacher!  It's the most difficult challenge in my professional life yet, but it is already the most rewarding.  I also know it's about THESE kids.  They are special and need more than most kids in surrounding suburbs.  I knew this coming in and am prepared for the challenge.  That means having to do it again and do it again and do it again until its right, so that process and procedures are set for a productive setting for teaching and learning.  Also, mental health issue are real.  I have never felt more compelled to write a politician than I do right now.  Our babies need help.  Medication, social workers and school psychologists are not an optional support nor should they be an itinerant position.  Our students need and deserve help so they can function in a general education school setting.

Anyway.... I have 25 babies in my homeroom.  My grade level partner Erica has 26. We are still figuring out seating charts and who can't sit next to whom, but other than that, no pure insanity has ensued in our rooms.  Transitions are a bit rough, but we are getting there.  I am so lucky to have a smart, experienced in life, loving, funny grade level partner!  She give and receives feedback and is collaborative.  I don't know what I would do if she left now!  Also, I am lucky enough to have several residents and friends at my school from last year.  Our music teacher, Kendra is across the hall from me.  The kids love her!  Also, Laquita has been a godsent!  She did more for me in one pre school meeting yesterday morning than any other coach has yet this year.  Thank you girl!  Last, it's nice to see Patrigna in the halls with her Kinder kids!  She actually brought one up and set him in my room for an hour for a consequence when he misbehaved.  I have shared with my misbehaving boys they may spend some time in her room if they continue to act like they belong there!  Last, the entire school community, all the new teachers,security and admin are amazing.  Everyone really seems to be there for the same reason  - the kids!  This shows itself in being supportive and kind to colleagues and parents.  I know Erica and I are not the only ones who have reached out to every parent by now.

I know this will be an important year for many of my students.  I have 7 in my class alone repeating 6th grade.  One boy that will be going straight to high school from me.  Yesterday, when he was saying goodbye (I have ALL my homeroom students greet me and say goodbye) he said, "you were serious when you said you were going to be on me!  Noone (has) done that before."  That made me feel good, but so sad for him.  He's not a behavior problem, just a little spacy and while a BIG kid, soft spoken.  Why did teachers give up on him along the way?  He has made improvement in THREE damn weeks, what could have happen in 3 years?  Furthermore, while doing our friday afternoon peace circle, one of the students shared, " we are so lucky to have Principal Whinney (it's Whitney) and her crew.  Ya'll don't play but we need it"  He was right.  We play, but not with students lives.  That's why students don't run the halls, classrooms or school anymore.  Adults do.  You deserve that as a CHILD to have adults in place to teach you right from wrong.  To model good behavior and hold you accountable.  That is why I don't let you sleep or put your head down in class.  That is why you may not say "Finna" in school.  That is why you must look and talk college-ready at Dvorak School of Excellence (DSOE).  Because we are here to make sure you become the best you can be.  I love you too much to ignore your behavior and not make you do it correctly.  That is my job. That is my calling.

But the media won't cover all the amazing things happening at DSOE.  After making sure the argument was made  publicly that ADULTS were being treated unfairly by a school turnaround, you won't cover the amazing changes effecting Kids.  Because that would be too crazy, right?  To show that something GOOD is happening and Change is Possible?

Here's to an amazing start to an amazing year!