It is lunchtime. I'm escorting my class to lunch. I walk my group to the line and stand there impatiently (though I don't know why; I've forgotten my lunch again). An administrator walks over to me and points to two of my GATITs (Grown Ass Thugs In Training). "Ms. M. Your boys? They have earphones in."
....umm................k?
Thanks for letting me know. But don't you run this school? Didn't you just leave their sides? Couldn't you have taken up their earphones and been done with it? Do you want me to leave my entire class and go over there to do your dirty work?
Then it hits me. Maybe, just maybe she recognizes that they might not if she asks. I glance over at the culprits. They are twice her size, sauntering around pants to the ground like they own the place. Maybe she was worried that if she attempted to take their stuff they'd cuss her out and refuse to comply. Leave her looking stupid in front of the whole cafeteria. I look at her for a moment, then nod.
"Chris. Fred. You know how you hate it when you get blamed for something someone else did?" I ask the boys.
They did.
"Well, that's my boss over there, and she just got on to me for not having my class together. It's because you have your earphones in. How are you going to do me like that??"
The earphones disappear immediately, as do the cocky expressions.
2nd glimpse.
After getting back from lunch, my class was wilin' out so much that Mr. E next door called to my room. "Are you okay?? Are they trying to kill you over there, M?! Do you need help?"
Yes, I need help. But the supernatural kind.
3rd glimpse.
I give out candy in 3rd block. But not to Marcus. He is pissed. "What about me? What about me?"
I ignore him. But keep him in my periphery.
"Bitch." he mutters under his breath.
"EXCUSE ME!?" I say. No one has cursed at me this year. And it's been the kind of day where I'd kind of enjoy showing out.
"Aww man, you trynna be slick an' she heard you bruh!" Malik laughs beside him.
Marcus looks at me innocently. "What?"
That's what I thought. But I'm not done.
"I don't give you a 15 cent Dum-Dum and I'm a BITCH!? Really?"
"I didn't call you a--"
"I'm sure you didn't. I'm sure you called me an 'itch' or a 'pitch.' My thing is, if you want to call me a bitch, don't mutter it under your breath--just SAY IT! I don't have time for PUNKS. Call me a bitch and I'll SHOW you a bitch, because TRUST. You haven't seen one yet!!!"
I'm being ridiculous and I know it. Malik is getting fired up with me. "Yeah you ain't gon' sit there and call MY teacher a bitch! Imma beat the shit outta you for dat. Ms. M you want me to hit him?"
I pause long enough for Marcus to get nervous. "No, Malik." Malik weighs 220 pounds, easy.
"OMG! I can't believe he'd call Ms. M that!!" Daymier, my hilarious gay student exclaims dramatically.
"Yeah sorry bruh," Leontay addresses Marcus. "I'm with Ms. M an' Malik on this one. Imma haf to hit you too if it comes to choosin' sides. I GOTCHYO BACK MS. M!!!"
Classroom or live taping of Maury? It's anyone's guess at this point.
Marcus comes up to me after class and apologizes profusely, still claiming his innocence. Whatevs. I'm over it. After all, today's giant blow out was last year's daily occurence.
OMG I LOVE THIS STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know it is so hard, but it has to make you smile and feel good to know how far you have come and how much these boys love you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt just warms my heart.
When people start knocking the education system or teachers, I always snap back with your stories. The constraints put on teachers not to teach, but to babysit, punish behavior, etc is ridiculous. But look at you! Earning respect, making a difference, BEING AWESOME.
I wish there were more people like you in the world.
Personally, I think you have made more of an impact than you think. This has not been time wasted. It has been time well spent. Where would these boys be now if not for you? This may be your calling. (Don't hit me!) I am very impressed with your handling of all your situations. Thanks for the updates.
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