I’m teaching all 9th graders. Before balancing, my classes are at 42 students. Classes won’t be balanced for two weeks. Let me say that again, I have 42 9th graders in a small classroom. It’s cool though, they wrote poetry today-EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM.
On the first day one of the 9th graders came in without looking at the seating chart. When I told him to move to the desk on his right, he announced to the class, “MAN, THIS GUY IS HELLA GAY!” I checked him hard. What happened on the second day? Today he was the only student who volunteered to read his poem out loud. It was a sweet poem too.
A girl asks me today if she should talk to me about make-up work after school, because she’s going to Mexico soon. I ask her when she’s going. “Tonight.” she replies. “For three weeks.” I told her she should probably come talk to me after school then.
After school I ask the girl why her parents decided to take her to Mexico now, two days into her freshman year of high school. She said, “Because tickets are really cheap right now.”
Their homework tonight is to write a paragraph 5 sentences long, that includes a topic sentence, support, and a concluding sentence. After explaining it, writing it on the board, and explaining it a second time, a kid raises his hand and says, “So, will this require any writing?” He later claimed it was a joke, I’m not sure I believe him.
I overheard the Surenos who kick it outside my doorway say they were going to the parking lot to “Jump In” a new member. I called security, and it was averted. I guess the kid is going to have to wait…until the school day ends.
I have three Freshmen in my classes whose parents graduated from high school with me. I’m 30 years old. Freshmen are 14 years old. I almost felt dated, until I did the math.
Last year my high school went through 4 principals. We started our 5th one two days ago. He seems good, like he might last. But at my school, what does that look like? 6 months? I’m optimistic.
The room across from me doesn’t have a teacher yet. Subs for two days straight. Plus, with our classes over 40, it looks like we might have to hire another English teacher to balance them out. Anyone need a job? It’s an ideal situation to go into, especially for a first year teacher.
All in all though, I’m loving it. Even though I still have graffiti over every inch of my door, and my room number is a piece of paper that says J-9. I’m sure that will get fixed soon—when my student gets back from Mexico maybe.
Great job Matt, hope the rest of your year turns out great.