One Week of Summer School Done

So far my first week at the ALC has been good.  My Lit 1 class has been a challenge.  I have one student who has taken the class before, but he needs credits, so he is in the same class as last summer.  I have gotten the clear to give him a more advanced curriculum, which is he perfectly capable of handling.

I have a few others I struggle with.  Just this morning I was trying to take attendance and two students were over in the computer lab.  I told them on the first day when class starts (8:25).  So it was at 8:20 that they decided to go over there and goof around.  So be it.

When I was starting class at about 8:35, the students finally came over.  I asked one student his name, and he became disgruntled.  I said I was simply taking attendance.

Then another kids said, "You're late.  Sit down and shut up."

Thanks.

I am, however, just not being used to being cast as the bad guy simply because I'm an authority figure.  But that's simply how some of these kids view teachers.

It's too bad.

My second block class, Science Fiction, is going very well.

My final block class, Reading Strategies, for the most part, are serious about passing the damn state test so they can graduate.  They are a motivated bunch.  Who pretty much show up and get right to work.

I am blessed, though, that no matter how rough my days are or how frustrated I get, that I have these two waiting at the door for me when I show up at home.

To hear them cry, "Daddy!" when I step out of the pick-up and have them hug me tightly the minute I open the door is one of the greatest feelings in the world.  And it's a feeling that, unfortunately, won't be around forever.  Next summer Kenz will start some of the summer sports programs and swimming lessons.  Soon she'll be like the little kids I see all decked out in their uniforms hustling to the gym or field.  I wish I could just slow time down and bit and savor it all.