A little-known danger of being around people are false statements and allegations. I worked as a "floater" in a school in December and at one time was briefly in a 4th grade class. I would like to believe that I am a computer and can correctly find and target hostiles and leave all others standing -- but, I'm not 100% accurate. During this 50 minute time, my challenge was simple: summarize story to the last 2 pages, make predictions and conclude the story. Sounds simple?
Having subbed for a long time, I have a good memory for faces and names (assembling the two sets -- difficult), but I do remember tendencies of students from my experiences with then. The students were a bit unruly. I pulled one student apart -- in corner to talk with her. She was defiant and obstient. I was writing up a report to send her to the office. She started crying. I am "well beyond" the point of cries from punishment administered affecting me.
I did ask for her input before sending her, offering her one last chance to quit being such a defiant cush and at this point, she spelled out that she disliked school as many other picked on her. I requested an apology, which she hushed and returned to her seat.
I found myself in the same school the next day, and later was asked what, by the principal. Apparently the nice, charming little girl declared that I hit her. Interesting as she and I was never out of plain line sight (4 ft.) of students. For the joy that teaching brings you, pain is there too. It was of little comfort to find out that the student has a history of false statements to impugn others "bait and switch".

performance

Despite being a big, mean, placebo despot, I received hugs from students today and was entreated to "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year". Early was the call to work today, which terminated an opportunity to see and hear Charlie perform in his first winter concert. In lieu of that, I was in a school for performance practice. Sadly, the school system cancelled all afternoon school programs due to inclement weather, which improved 20 minutes after its posting. The administration chose to make the "practice" the finalized performance, disallowing the parents to see the fruits of the their children's labor and study. I was disappointed.

"scratching"

Quietly, she plucked, after "scratching" and deliberately wiped the snot onto another student. He was well aware of this, and immediately brought it to my attention. Sadly, sometimes you categorize people as trustworthy and those who tend to prevaricating. Empirical data lent to the latter and I dismissed it. He went to another adult and through one-on-one interrogation, the truth spilt out.
Ah, the highlights and dreams of first grade. Somehow, these experiences evaded me when I was that age.

-- Dec. 9, 2005