Aftermath of the Substitute

As expected, Rodney was a real pain today. He came to class late, would not stay in his seat, and spent most of his time yelling things at the other students. After school, he went running for Ms. Helm saying that someone was going to beat him up. It turns out that it was true. What Rodney failed to mention was that he called the guy “white boy” and slammed him into a locker. I haven’t figured out what to do with Rodney yet.
It looks like the sub was a disaster yesterday. I had a whole stack of names sitting on my desk when I got back. Fortunately, the principal gave them all detention. Unfortunately, I’m supposed to call all their parents. The kids were all complaining about how mean the sub was and how unfair he was. Of course, they’re all innocent of any wrongdoing. As the stories came out, however, I was able to piece together what really happened. I don’t feel sorry for my students. They’re all guilty. Besides, even if the sub is the meanest, nastiest person in the world, all they have to do is get along with him for an hour and fifteen minutes. Our kids are used to getting away with too much. When someone from outside the school tries to hold them to normal standards of behavior they think it’s cruel and unusual.
The rumor is that Jamal’s aunt showed up at the school yesterday afternoon. She talked to the teachers then yelled at him and threatened to take him out of this school. On the one hand, it would be nice. On the other hand, what Jamal really needs is some stability in his life. Our principal thinks that Jamal is acting up on purpose because he wants to get sent back to his parents in Florida. There, he used to bounce back and forth between them, never really spending much time in one school. It’s sad how so many of our kids want the worst for themselves.