Class Dismissed

I give up...for this year

2005-06-06T14:17:00.000-04:00

I've been absent here for a while. In particular - the F-bomb counter has been deactivated. Without any hint of hyperbole - the reason is because I've been overwhelmed.

For the past few weeks I have been unable to enter the school and get to my classroom without hearing at least two F-bombs.

Last week a student told the teacher with whom I share a classroom that she is a "F---ng D----bag." The consequence? The lad has to write a letter of apology and clean with the janitors for four hours.

I am so disgusted and angry about this, it's probably best to say nothing right now.

Procedure

2005-05-18T10:29:00.000-04:00

F-Bomb Count: 1
Total: 15

The Good Kids

2005-05-17T11:59:00.000-04:00

I've noticed an early and obvious trend toward negativity. Truth be told - the overwhelming majority of kids in any of the schools I've taught in were fantastic and a pleasure to deal with.

F-Bomb count: 2
Total: 14

The Prom

2005-05-13T12:21:00.000-04:00

I'll be at the prom tonight.

Should be interesting...

Today's F-Bomb Counter: 3
Total Since 5/12/05: 12

Crap

2005-05-12T11:52:00.000-04:00

Potato Chips. Beef Jerky, Doritos, Cheetos, Fritos, Combos, Cheeze-its, Candy bars, Soda, Pretzels, Microwave popcorn and burritos, Ice cream cones/sandwiches/pops.

Sounds like the makings of a great breakfast and lunch buffet?

That's the crap available to kids all day through vending machines and a "snack shack" in the school.

Many of these kids buy three and four bags of this garbage at a time.

Why are the children of taxpayers allowed to be gouged (big mark-up on these things) for crap?

The money funds student activities.

This situation is not unique to my current school. I've seen this in several schools.

I recently suggested that if money is so important, perhaps we should get some pinball machines and video games too.

No response.

F-Bomb Count:9

The F-Bomb Counter

2005-05-12T10:47:00.000-04:00

When I get better at this blogging stuff, I'm going to post a running tally of the seemingly endless stream of profanity I experience on a daily basis with something I will call the F-Bomb Counter.

I usually dress conservatively - sports jacket, tie, Dockers/Bugle Boy etc. I don't look like a kid either. The reason I'm pointing this out is that the obscenity I hear is not experienced by my walking into a situation and catching kids unaware. They clearly see me and other adults and loudly spew filth - the F-word being their favorite. If you've been to a mall lately, perhaps you've had this experience.

Why don't I do something about it? Probably for the same reason you don't do much about it at the mall. It's overwhelming. The times I have acted wound up being far more aggravation and effort than it was worth. I've spoken to the administration, but they've got larger fires to put out.

Today's F-Bomb count so far: 8

Your daughter looks like a whore

2005-05-11T11:03:00.000-04:00

It's that time of year again.

Schools across the country are holding overlong faculty meetings where grown men and women debate what to do about the 14 year old girl with the tight belly shirt that says "Hottie."

I got into teaching to, among other things, help young people learn to read and write and appreciate great literature. I have no interest in telling a young girl that she looks like a slut.

Should I say something to the young lady giving a presentation on the Rwanda genocide while the diamond from her belly ring twinkles as if trying to distract from her ample and bra-less womenhood? Does she really expect her audience to take her seriously? The sad thing is that I am the only one in the room who notices the visual absurdity "you know"ing at the head of the class.

As I will often state here - I refuse to parent these children. I've got my own kids.

During my short career (11 years) I've witnessed the progressive abdication of parental responsibility to the public schools. Free breakfast. Free lunch. Free counseling. (I know - not free to taxpayers) and on and on.

Does the public expect me to explain to a teenage girl that the large tattoo on the small of her back makes her look like a low class wench? That thongs and asscrack aren't appropriate for the majority of professional situations?

I won't do it.

I don't blame these poor, ignorant children.

I blame lazy, self-centered, and weak parents.

In the beginning...

2005-05-11T09:47:00.000-04:00

Welcome!

As a conservative public high school English teacher, I believe that I have a unique perspective to share with you. My experience is that conservative educators ( at least here in the Northeast ) make up less than 5 percent of all teachers and administrators.

What I witness daily will surprise, shock, and disturb some of you. What I will say will do the same because I won't sugarcoat.

Let's see where this goes...