Street Cred

Our gym is set up with two levels of seating on each side of the court.  During pep assemblies the upper level on the west side is for freshmen and the lower level is for juniors.  The upper level on the east side is for sophomores and the lower level is for seniors.  Yesterday afternoon was the homecoming queen coronation assembly.  My duty station is on the stairs on the east side.

Halfway through a fight broke out in the junior section.  It turned into a big fight.  Security and teachers swarmed the area.  About the time they got that under control another fight broke out in the sophomore section.  My duty partner and I headed into that melee.  A kid took a swing at me and I defended myself.  A quick jab, a head-lock and a body slam.  Before we re-gained control there were 6 or 7 other fights that broke out.  1600+ kids with 92 teachers and 4 campus cops, we were pretty outnumbered.  It was ugly.

It turns out most of the student body saw my altercation.  The word is out, Mr. W don’t take no crap, he’ll take you out.  Some of my hard-ass kids looked at me a little different.  I hope it was a bit more respect, and not trying to size up their chances.

I’m told it was captured on cell phones and is on youtube.  If you happen to see it, I’m the big bald guy in the red shirt…

Just when you think…

I’ve got a student in class who is really getting on my nerves.  Every day I have to remind him to get out his notebook.  Where’s your pencil?  Wake up.  Open your textbook and do some work.  You get the idea.

At least every other day we make a trip out to the hall. 

You’re smart enough to do this.  Make an effort.  You don’t want to fail. 
Why are you always on my ass?  When am I gonna use this in real life?
C’mon man, you’re not dumb.  You can do this.
Man, this is whack.

I’ve called home.  His parents aren’t a lot of help.  He plays football.  I’ve talked to the coach. 

He’s failing.  He is smart enough to do this.  He drives me nuts.  How can I reach this kid?

On football game days the players give their jerseys to a staff member; teacher, custodian, lunch worker, principal.  It’s an honor to get a kid’s jersey. 

Today this kid comes up to me and hands me his jersey.

“Mr. W, all my other teachers let me sleep in class.  Nobody else care’s if I pass or not.  Will you wear my jersey today?”

I’ll wear that jersey, damn straight.  And I’m smooth enough to wipe my eyes as I pulled it over my head.