Ruthie the Science Sub

Needless to say I did not go back to the elementary school the next day because the principal from Hutto Middle School called me again first thing on Tuesday morning.  I was reluctant to accept the assignment, but she assured me these kids would not be as bad; so, I relented and went.

One thing to be said about the teacher I coverd, she runs a tight ship.  The lessons plans were waiting and ready when I arrived.  All I had to do was pass pass them out.  Apparently, she has instilled some sense of fear in her students and that's a plus.  Her homeroom class which consisted of 18 fifteen-year olds were rather charming.  I was able to talk and laugh with them.  We talked mostly about movies, most of them were like me and also enjoy the horror genre.  They also seemed to love talking about  those mindless reality shows.  This was as good as it got for most of the day.

At 12n, in came the rowdy bunch.  I had to explain to them, "if attitude is what you all want, I've got some attitude for ya, ok."  and, I don't mean any ole regular attitude, I will give you some Bronx, NY attitude with some projects thrown in for good measure, ok"  So, bring it on.  I guess they ain't all completely crazy because they got the message soon enough and it didn't take much to convince them otherwise.

You have got to talk to these kids at the level on which they can comprehend.  I really don't like behaving that way because it's stressful.  It's much more fun to laugh and be happy for goodness sakes.  Some of them sat around giving me the evil eye, I guess they were trying to scare me,.  Obviously, they don't get it.  It seems they think school is where you go to run amuck and not a place for learning.

The worse class of the day was the last class.  A para-pro had warned me earlier about some of the students in this class so I was ready for 'em.  The teacher I covered even warned me that they were good for throwing things...ugh.  I stood at the door and insisted they tell me their names before entering the room and made them sit in their assigned seats.  It's amazing how when asked their names most of them only give you a first name and they seem unable to speak clearly.  It's awful.  I hate that.

Once I had them settled, I took attendance again so I'd  know everyones face.  They gave me a little hell but, but nothing I couldn't handle.  Afterall, I did not have to call in the principal.  And, yes, there was throwing of items across the room.  No worries though, I left the teacher a nice little summary of all the things that went  on in her absence.  I'm sure the trouble makers got a little hell when she got back.