BG - I left my old school in May due to declining enrollment after being there for four years. I was placed at another school as a "placeholder" until paperwork went through. It never went through because they lost kids too and did not have enough money to keep me. So, as I have a history of making progress with "difficult" (read hood kids with attitudes) kids, I was placed in another high needs/high risk school mid November. Yes, mid November. My largest class has 12 kids and I do intensive one on one as well as use computer programs to help with comprehension and reading speed. - end BG
Our grades were due today by 2:30. All week I have given kids a "last call" to get partial credit for late work. Normally I don't do this as they start to depend on being able to turn in late work, but with TG break and all, we haven't been together long enough for them to adjust to my teaching style. For most of these kids I am the third teacher so far this semester, so I am still dealing with some attitudes.
Anyway, I was packed, laptop bag over my shoulder, coat in arms, when I was approached by several students with folders and papers. Now, at this point it was about 3:30. No, I will not take your very late work. No, I will not be giving extra credit or adjusting your grade. No, you will not block me in, curse me, throw things at me (1 student did this, security took her out), or intimidate me into grading your work, or re-averaging not only your quarter grade but your semester average. There is a poster on the door with the deadline (yesterday), it's on the front board, you've had daily reminders, and it's on the class website. Also, at 3 grades were pulled and run and the system is offline for changes.
Do better next semester.
