I walked into school today just as the principal was ushering Marco Antonio towards his final passage through the door; he was kicked out of school. This year he was repeating his first year, since he had failed the first time around and would have been kicked out of the school earlier because of his behavior, but this year was given a second. After about the first month of this school year, Marco Antonio was moved from Group 1B to 1C – thinking that would help – it didn’t. Instead, Group 1B became the best of the three first year groups and Group 1C became the worst. I do feel terribly for Marco Antonio but it wasn’t fair that the other twenty-five students in his group weren’t able to learn. Also, his experience will serve as an example to the other students of the serious consequences that do exist. As he left I shook his hand and wished him “Buena suerte” (good luck). I know that he will need luck now as he faces a neighborhood full of temptation to make money as a kidnapper or drug dealer.
Yesterday’s experience with Marco Antonio’s Group 1C was the worst I have had so far. I left their group in the classroom on the third floor to seek help to control the group. I looked out over the balcony and didn’t see anyone so I continued downstairs in search of a “prefecto”. I did see the “prefecta” in her office but decided I needed more help than she could offer; I was entirely sick of going through this same routine of having to search for help to control the six students who do nothing except for trip, hit, call out and interrupt the class or bother the others and then when I ask them to leave they refuse. So while I stood in the doorway to the principal’s office I exasperatingly said, “Tengo ganas de regresar a los Estados Unidos” (I feel like going back to the United States). I didn’t realize the extent to which that comment would be taken, but am enormously satisfied that it did make an impact that began today, Wednesday.
After Marco Antonio was escorted out of school, I sat with the principal and waited for two other students and their caretakers. I really felt exhausted, as if I had gone to battle yesterday. Subsequently, Robby entered with his mom and joined Cristian, who was already there and had come with his uncle; his dad isn’t in his life and his mom works. We spoke with them for quite a while and the boys said they would make a true effort to improve their classroom behavior. When they left, the principal told me that they will be suspended for three days the next time they cause a problem.
A bit later, Karina arrived and we sat and talked with the principal some time. Her support was extremely important and helped to drive home the point that my situation needs to change. I asked that the “prefectos” stop by my room every once in a while so that if I need them I don’t have to go searching. I explained that “servicio” is too much with having to manage (I won’t even venture to call it “teach”) another group during the day and especially students who I don’t know. So I no longer have “servicio,” instead I will use the time to observe other teachers’ classes, including their classroom management styles, so I can see what works or doesn’t work for them.
I began my two classes today by letting the students know one of their classmates had been kicked out of school. I emphasized that now they need to decide how they want to behave themselves or face the consequences.
