Follow-Up to Friday Detention Story

Decibals came to school yesterday rather than go shopping. She did serve her detention, during which I was successful in getting her to make up some missing work. So far, so good.

It gets better: Apparently, Decibals spent the whole day prior to her detention complaining to her Decibals-entourage about me. They all know now that I am the worst teacher EVER, that I give unnecessary detentions on unnecessary days, and that I reprimand students for cursing.

Not a bad reputation. I like it.

Only in My Life

On Wednesday, I gave Decibals a detention for completely outrageous behavior. I scheduled her detention for Friday after school. Decibals was not happy, and I received reports that she spent the rest of the day complaining and cursing me out to other students.

On Thursday, during my lunch period, Decibals knocked on my door. I had never seen her act so respectfully. She asked if we could please reschedule the detention, as she was busy on Friday. I thought about it, but I realized I was busy that Thursday afternoon, as well as the following Monday and Tuesday afternoons. No, I told her, detention had to be Friday.

"But I really can't go!" she said.

I paused, pondering the myriad of possible responsibilities she might have on a Friday afternoon. Maybe she had to babysit a younger sibling? Report to work? Take care of an older relative? "Well, what do you have to do tomorrow afternoon?" I asked.

"I'm skipping school to go shopping!"

Quote of the Day - February 1, 2011

Decibals: Miss, how much did you pay for your phone?

Me: Um, I don't really remember.

Decibals: Okay, cuz I don't wanna spend more than $350 on my new phone. Maybe a little more if I have to.

The Royal We?

Decibals: Oh, I ain't moving today. We be too lazy.

Quote of the Day - January 18, 2011

Decibals and Knows Everything were talking while I was trying to teach. Really loudly. Again.

Me: Okay, I need you guys to move. I've had enough of the talking. Move.

Decibals: No, I ain't gonna move. We too lazy for that.

Me: (suspiciously) Who's we?

Decibals: Me and the baby inside me.

Quote of the Day - January 5, 2011

Decibals: Yeah, I love visiting my boyfriend in jail. He so sexy.

Friday Blues, Part 1

Decibals walked into my room 6 minutes late, as usual. Today, however, she was completely out of uniform. Instead of wearing the required white collared shirt and khaki pants, she showed up in blue jeans and a red shirt. I was in a strict mood, so I told her to go get a late pass and return in uniform. She was wearing khaki pants when she returned, but she lacked a pass. I told her, once again, to retrieve a late pass. She walked into the room anyway.

I blocked her entry. She shoved me out of the way with her arms. As she forced her way in, she told me to "get out of my f***ing way." As I began to admonish her, she said, "Don't you f***ing talk to me."

Well, that was that. I allowed her to sit down, but I immediately called the school police. Decibals was removed from my class in short time.

I generally don't have those sorts of problems. I expect my students to treat me respectfully and kindly, and they generally do. Even my most obnoxious students do not curse at me. And I have never been assaulted by a student.

Thankfully, I dealt with the situation quickly and with minimal disruption to the rest of my class. Nonetheless, I am really bothered by the incident. I don't like that Decibals would treat me (or any teacher) so disrespectfully. We've been having problems for a while, but certainly nothing should have caused her to act the way she did.

Awkward Moment of the Day - November 8, 2010

Decibals: Hahahahahaha I can't stop talking and laughing really loudly while Ms. Cyanococcus is trying to teach.

Me: Decibals, will you please be quiet and pay attention?

Decibals: Hahahahahahahahaha Miss, it's not my fault, it's my boyfriend's fault. Hahahahaha I'm going to keep talking and ignore Ms. Cyanococcus.

Speaks Louder Than a Jet Engine: No, Miss, seriously, it's her boyfriend's fault. You can't blame her.

Much whispering and giggling ensued. I overheard the phrase "morning wood" and promptly decided to drop the issue. Decibals continued talking all period.