Week one is complete and I made it through.  With a new discipline policy and several students who have turned 18, I knew it would be a tough start.  I made certain that students were clear on the expectations of the year as well as the consequences.  I learned a lot last year, and wanted to start this year with clear expectations.  We had some heated discussions, especially about rights and rules when one is 18.  Some students believed that at age 18 they should be allowed to have their cigarettes on them at school.  I explained that if I brought cigarettes in my purse I would also receive a fine and get in trouble.  It simply is not allowed on school grounds whether a person is 8, 18, or 80.  I hope they heed my warning and follow the rules.

I have five students this year  that are at high risk of not graduating.  I teach in a small school, with less than 100 students per class.  If five students do not graduate, that will put a big ding on the school record which has been 99-100% graduation for years.  But, more important, it would mean five students that won't be able to get a job, who may end up in jail, on welfare, homeless...the consequences of not graduating high school are endless.  Some students realize this, but others can only see today, and cannot comprehend the consequences of not graduating, because life is fine today.  I talk to them a lot about their dreams, and what they'd like to do in life.  Helping them see a future is crucial in helping them complete school.  I had four students that did not make it to school everyday, in just the first week.  I texted those that I had phone numbers for, called one's mom, and I stopped at the work place of the other.  They have to know that I care, and I notice.  I have put out an incentive of a pizza party if they all graduate.

During an all school assembly one of my students responded to the choir teacher's request to stand up by simply saying, "no."  Its amazing how much power that word can have.  The choir teacher does not accept that, nor do I.  The choir teacher informed me of the situation and her plan to speak to her.  I greatly appreciated her information and warning of a possible melt down.  The student held her composure, but wants to drop choir.  I am going to let her drop it.  I want her to graduate, and choir is an elective.  It may even help her to drop the class as she will have an open hour to work on credit recovery.  

I also had one student arrested on a warrant on Friday.  The student is not on my caseload, but a friend of many that are, and he comes to talk to me often.  The worst part is that he was arrested during an all school assembly.  They were discreet, and I didn't actually see it.  However, I was also not notified of who it was.  This set off several of my students that were upset about the situation.  I wish I had known, before I had to deal with the anger of other students.    

In addition to academic support classes and transition activities during class I am also supporting an English 11 class.  The class has several students that have challenging behavior issues.  In addition, there are students that simply struggle with English.  The English teacher has not been known for having compassion with these students in the past.  I was looking forward to teaching with her to help model how to work with difficult students.  The first week has been great.  I have already seen a change in the teacher from last year.  She is positive and engaging the students.  I have praised students for their work as I move around the classroom.  There are three teachers in this supported class, which I think is helping students to complete their work.    

This week I set clear expectations and consequences, and continued to establish relationships of trust and respect with my students.  I calmed some first week anger, changed schedules, and followed up on attendance issues, and gave praise for completing work in the first week.  I hope this sets the tone for the year.    The first week is down, the year is off and running.