Chew

Two of my students in Comp II chew. I don't really care. If they want to kill themselves, go ahead. What are we depriving the world of?

That's too harsh. I don't really believe that. But that thought did cross my mind.

I spoke with one kid about this. He stopped. He was surprised I caught him. I simply told him that I'm not an idiot.

But after that, this new one starts it up. And this is after he's missed four of five class periods. I emailed about his absences, but - as usual- there has been no response from the powers that be (and what those powers are busy being is any one's guess). I imagine there is a rule somewhere in our student policy about this stuff. And in most schools kids wouldn't dare do something like this. But not here.

So I've emailed the powers that be and will speak with the rock head today/tomorrow. He's not a bad kid really. And he will stop it immediately once I ask him. But it's just that - I have to ask him. Where in his brain does he even consider chewing in school anyway? Does he copulate in a corner? Does he crap in the sink? What else does he need to know not to do in school?

I'd like to keep a list of the foolishness that is permitted to go on here - not only by teachers like me - who have either grown callous with or have just become oblivious to crap like this - and by powers that be - who are either clueless or do little about it.

I'm not above this. My attitude is part of the problem. But I'm not alone in this. There is just a growing lack of concern about this place.

My classroom is - and shall always be - my sanctuary. Many of the staff I've talked to here survive by closing their doors and keeping the drama outside. But it's the fact that so much of it gets inside the school is what is frustrating. For example - our hat policy. We see a nit wit with a hat on and we give them the customary, "Please take your hat off." And they do - for the length of time it takes you to turn the corner. I know one teacher who had it and freaked. Ultimately, he was made to feel like he was basically rocking the boat. So why have the policy at all?

And in the grand scheme of things - life is too short and far too precious to sweat the small stuff like this. However, when the small stuff builds and spreads. Then you've got a problem. And I think that's what has been building here. Right or wrong that's the way it is.

So tomorrow I will talk to the kid, and he will apologize and not chew in class anymore. I could give him detention early in the morning in my room I suppose. I know one of my colleagues who does that - quite successfully too. However, he does it with freshmen, not juniors and seniors. I would just like to think once students know better - after their sophomore year usually - that this kind of crap would cease.

But again, doesn't anyone find it alarming that he would even bring chew into the school, let alone chew it during class?

Maybe I just need to lower my expectations.