Wacky Wednesday

As you would imagine, I really don't like school shootings, especially one 20 minutes from my house at a school I know well. (houses the area's IB program) It bothers me when students get hit by cars, like the senior girl at a local high school, my older daughter's alma mater. She ran across the road this morning, and another student hit her--with a busload of other kids watching. Unlike our girl from last year, this one is alive, but with 16 staples in her head. Drama from our student's death continues with the inevitable politics of blame; the parents are angry at her friends for what they did or didn't do that night. Some kids are mad at other ones for complicated reasons that I don't really understand, except that it revolves around drugs, who provided them, who allowed them, who didn't seek "adequate" help, etc...I especially despise staff meetings where we are told how much time we must spend educating, organizing and then supervising student-led conferences with the parents, and our advisory group. (25 minutes times 20 students--how much time outside of class is that?) Don't tell me! I'll have to go pound my head against the wall even more than I've been doing. This is what I would like to say to my advisory group parents: If you can't sit down with your OWN kid and discuss his/her classes, goals, progress, grades, etc.. then why does it become my *darned* job? I got hired to teach French, and mentor students; I don't get paid to parent them. I am taking a deep breath...So, as I am fond of asking my own children, what good things happened today? My ancient Christmas sweater won "Ugliest Sweater" contest at a student's work Christmas party! He asked me to borrow it, and many people think I should be offended, but I was actually thrilled! Some of my clothes are very elegant, but many are questionable--especially my holiday attire, which is probably older than my children. Last year, several students poked gentle fun at some of my outfits, "Did you buy that sweater in the children's department?" "Are those overalls you're wearing?" It became a good-natured joke that I always wore my bib overalls to school when I was leaving on a trip; waistbands are uncomfortable while sitting on a plane! The way that I often bond with students is with my self-deprecating humor, thus I played along with all their affectionate mockery. And my unusual sweater earned my student some prizes; he insisted on giving me the $15 coffee card. (Note to College Daughter: sorry, it's to the Evil Empire)

Ta da--is it really that hideous? I am sorry to say that I will probably wear it again next year, even though my Mom wants me to get rid of it, after hearing about my "prize." I prefer to consider it a conversation piece. Plus, as I mentioned, I have more history with this sweater than with most of the people in my life. And it's been good to me.

Comments

[vicki]

Okay- this post tears it. Now I HAVE to meet you and you best be wearing your bibs when you get off the plane. I hear it's been rainy there- come visit and catch some rays! You know, Margaret, you bring all new meaning to what Virginia Woolf refers to as the "tumultuous randomness of life."

[Wende]

Honestly, I've seen worse. Much worse.

[Karen]

Your sense of humor shines through and you are an example to the students for not taking themselves too seriously, which is needed throughout our lives. I think it is great about the sweater!

As for the young girl who got hit by the car, my heart goes out to her and her family. I do not understand why there has to be so much arguing when her life is changed forever and she needs positive energy around her and people pulling together; not pulling each other apart. I hope she will recover without complications.

*HUUGS* to you!

[Brian]

I thought about you when I heard of that school shooting. It is such a tragedy just as it is about the girl hit by the car. It is so hard to lose those so young.

[raehan]

Oy. What a start to the year.

Those bibs sound really cozy. Are they cute? I'm looking for cute. ; )

[Diane]

Oh, my gosh, Margaret. We have had a rocky start to the new school year, haven't we? I need to tell you that I had the shooter in my classroom 3 years ago as a sophomore. Who knew what his future would hold? I was horrified to see his picture in the local paper. I recognized him immediately. In 34 years of teaching, he's the first murderer that I have had in my classroom. I hope he is the only and the last.

[Miz S]

HA! An ugly Christmas sweater! My friend Cindy cleaned out my closet a couple of years ago and made me get rid of one of those.

[ally bean]

lol at your sweater. What a predicament you're in-- part with a good, albeit out of date, friend. Or keep your friend around and suffer the slings and arrows of teenage abuse!! Whatever will you do?

[Liora]

I don't think your sweater is bad at all, definitely not a first place ugly-prize winner.

Bizarre what goes on in schools today. It seems the parents want you to mother their kids. I've wondered what the reason is for everything seeming to go to pot with teens now---loss of hope? parents too busy with modern lives to really communicate and form close relationships with their kids? People used to blame "Rock and Roll" or whatever for the decline in society, especially kids. I don't know what the cause is, but would be interested in hearing what you think.

[Zoely]

uhm yes it really is that ugly. And overalls? My *favorite-bar-none* item of clothing. I have several pair.

[Laura]

wow, you have a lot going on.....I think parents today expect the teachers to do the job they need to do......
....I'd keep the sweater......

[bernadette]

I was saddened to read about the shooting and wondered if you taught nearby. *hugs*

No haute couture for our petite French teacher? Because you are as cute as a button, you can wear overalls and that terrible sweater with aplomb.

[Tonya @ Kingfisher Cove]

OK, the sweater is pretty "colorful", but you look good in those colors. Actually, Margie, you can get away with wearing any damned thing.

[Michelle]

At our inservice today, we also discussed the need to "parent" students. Sigh.

Definitely wear the sweater again. Yes, it is um, something, but at the same time, more precious and memorable than the latest fashions could ever be! Keep your character!

[vicki]

Bonnie said she is having lentil soup and you're invited.

[Inkling]

I do not see any appliques, bells, or ribbons adorning the sweater, so I can't really agree with the party verdict.

Oh, I feel for you, with all that going on. Deeply disturbing, on top of everything else.

[Eileen]

On our student led conferences: Why are we spending hours outside our normal many hours watching students tell parents the things they should be telling them anyway? Also let me add, I don't know these students since I don't have them in any graded classes...I won't know if what they say is the truth and I certainly can't answer any of the parent questions! I want to teach again.
As for the sweater: LOVE IT!

[Karan]

I personally think your sweater is a real winner.

[Lois Lane]

It's really a shame how little time you are given for the teaching aspect of your job. Not nearly the shame of that sweater, however. ;) j/k Have a great weekend!