A.W.O.L.

Salvete,

Yes, I have been A.W.O.L. I blame my new fascination with RPGs. Don't ask.

My love is gone, and has been for 1.5 months. He will return in April. Until then, starting now, I will try to do better with updating this thing.

I have several comments about the past few months which I will now put forth.

First on my mind is this: I love these children. I love them. I didn't mean to fall in love with them, but I have, and it takes its toll. They are my kids. Mine. I suprise myself by missing them when I am not around them, say, over Thanksgiving or Christmas break. They are all so individual--another thing I did not expect. While each one is like the other, each one is also very different from his peers, no matter how much he tries to be the same. They are like precious jewels, and I ache to know what will become of some of them. For many, the future is not promising, but I try not to look at that. I try to focus on how each one is succeeding now. Sometimes, this can be really hard, because they can all be major pains. But, at the end of the day, when I leave, I love them all over again, and I love them even more the next day when I walk into the school building.

Next, no one tells you exactly how much work the end of the semester is. I practically had a stinking anxiety attack on Friday, trying to get everything ready to turn in. My paperless district had me turn in page after page of grade print-outs, each of which prints an exra blank page. There are about fifty different types of reports to choose from, and the school has randomly selected two or three (I'm still not sure which) of these to be printed and turned in. Figuring out which three, and in what order, and for what six weeks, is not easy, and likens itself to pulling out one's adult teeth. I had to call fifteen-plus parents to let them know their children are failing for the six weeks or for the entire semester. All I can say is, learn Spanish. It will help so much: [student name] no esta pasando la classe de [class name]. No esta trabajando en la classe de [class name], y no tarea tambien. If anyone can give me a better way to say that last part, I would appreciate it.

Third, children skip class. If you ever want to be a teacher, you should know this. Of course, I had heard of skipping, but never took part in it myself, being perfect. I had students with upwards of 40 absences for the semester. Let's think about this: The semester is 18 weeks long, times five days per week, which yields 90 instructional days. Having 40 absences is a huge deal. This means you came to class a little more than half the time. WHAT?!?!?! I know. It never crossed my mind in high school either.

Fourth, don't trust the little angels. Yes, I love them, but I lock up my crap, especially since I had my iPod stolen. I think I know who did it, but I have no proof whatsoever. It broke my heart when I found that my iPod was gone, because I wanted to think the best of them all. Most of them were shocked when I told the classes what happened, but some of them said, "Miss, you can't trust the students. Leave stuff out, especially around here, and it will be gone." They know their peers better than anyone, I suppose. So, take it from me. Your students are not more honest or above reproach than anyone else's. Lock up your stuff. Leave your valuables at home. If it will make you upset to lose it or have it broken, don't bring it to school.

I'm sure I have other insights, but I'm very tired. I drove to Louisiana yesterday and drove back today to see my love. I miss him so much, but I know that this visit will help get me through the next two and a half months. At least, I hope so. Darling, I love you.

Valete,
Magistra