A Hot-Cold Day

Today was one of those days that hit the highest of highs and sank to the lowest of lows in a span of six hours. Such is the life of a teacher.

I finally got the first of my 2nd semester ADEPT observations today. To my delight, the pieces set up nicely. I had my portfolio ready (both versions, although the digital one was never checked). I'd secured a binder for my grade book, and had just updated it this morning with new spreadsheets, including missing work. My desks were re-aligned. It was in my third period, one of my GT classes that are tailor-made for this sort of thing.

And as icing on the cake, one student who usually gives me a big dose of trouble was in ISS today. Ironic, considering he was actually supposed to be there the day before, but he skipped out. So he's out on the day I'm observed. Sometimes things just work out, you know?

I'm pleased with how it went. I was on my game, and I knew it. Had both reading and writing opportunities. Skills practice (creating setting with concrete details). Graphic organizers. Writing workshop. And the kids worked well, very well considering all the time they had to themselves.

So that left a nice warm glow that lingered ... all the way to the start of sixth period.

Then things went downhill.

Found out one of our newer kids had skipped part of 4th period with another student. Not sure how long they were out unsupervised, but they're getting ISS for it, of course (with regret that it's not something more severe - that's borderline dangerous considering who they are). I have them both sixth period, and I had the sickening feeling they were going to be in rare form when they came to me. And such indeed was the case.

Twenty minutes in, I'm fed up with them. I tacked on two detentions to one kid's ISS. He still doesn't get the message and keeps clowning. And of course, his lackey falls right in line with him. And it's getting the rest of my kids, who are quite the tempermental bunch that I have to work very hard to keep focused, off track. What nerve! I came very close to losing my temper, and I finally raised my voice to the level that lets them know I mean business and it's time to button it. I never enjoy that. But what else can I do when I'd love to send them out in the hall, but I can't?

So sixth period was irrevocably soured. The best thing I can say is that we made it through the agenda. But I'm not proud of what came out of that class, either from the kids or from me.

That left me in no mood to keep two classes for bus-holding, and in even less of one to drive half way across the county to a Gifted & Talented curriculum meeting at League Academy. But some car prayers helped burn out my sour mood, and once I settled in, I actually grew engaged in the meeting. Even offered some ideas. So that was nice.

Let's hope tomorrow is more consistent. Preferrably on the good side.