First Day

Today was the first day of the semester. Since Principal Suit has decided that annualized classes are the way to go, I figured I better try to get a better handle on my ninth period M&C class. They aren't bad kids. They just like to play instead of work.

Today was the beginning of a new era. I'm sure the kids think they have me figured out, but I am older and wiser. I filled out Delaney cards before they came in the room and pointed them to their new seats the minute they walked into the trailer. I allowed no discussion of seats and no conversations at all. I then proceeded to tell them what they were going to do this term and how I was going to respond if they didn't do as I said. Again, they tried the usual arguments--I refused to let them speak. I told them no food. This made some unhappy as older siblings were sneaking over to Subway or Arby's and bringing them back goodies. I then handed them a worksheet, reviewing previous learned work. We went over some, and told them whatever we did not finish was for homework. I told them that they would fail with three missing homeworks. The only excuse was absence. First test is next Friday. I told them I would continue my policy of mailing failed exams home.

The class went great, better than I could ever have hoped for. I hope it will last. It was hard. Being that strict is not my style. I don't think kids learn well under such tense situations, but this class was getting too out of control. The regents is coming up and although it is not a very challenging exam, I expected them to learn math this term. If they wanted a diploma, they had to get through me. I'm really hoping it will work and that I can keep this new persona going until they naturally do the correct thing all the time.