Fadedwords

On Monday I was in the Dean of Students’ office, helping him handle a situation with two girls that has been an on going problem for several weeks. All of a sudden we heard a commotion down the hall, and then we heard a teacher yelling for help. I was the closest to the door, so I ran out. The DoS wasn’t too far behind me. I saw two students fighting, and I knew both of them. By the time I reached where they were, one of them was being held back by a friend. I said the other one’s name and told him to come with me. I put my hand on his shoulder, he glanced at me, and started to back away and come? Then the other boy said something and my student became out of control again. He was cursing and lunging. I said his name again and told him to come with me, tightening my hold on him. He spun around, shoved me, and said, “Get the f*ck off of me.” Then he raised his fist to hit me. That’s when the DoS caught up and tackled him.

My wrist was hurt in this altercation. The principal knows. The student received 5 days home for this event. By “this event” I mean, the fight, for shoving me, and for cursing at the principal profusely for about fifteen minutes. Now, fighting is supposedly an “automatic 10-day suspension.” Then blatant verbal disrespect of a staff memeber (i.e.- cursing) is supposed to be 5 days the first time and then 10 the second. And a student putting their hands on a staff member violently is supposed to be an automatic 10-day suspension. The student got five days suspension.

Today the superintendant was at the school asking about this event. He asked the principal to speak to anyone who saw it. The principal had one teacher talk with him. I’m assuming that the super was not informed that I was shoved or that I was injured. I’m guessing that he wasn’t even told that I witnessed the fight and helped break it up.

And they wonder why they can’t keep a counselor or any first year teachers at this school.

On the bright side of things, I finally got brave and went to H & R Block to have my taxes done. I had W-2s from New York and from North Carolina, so I wasn’t really sure where to begin. I was very afraid that I would end up owing money, but as it turns out I am getting a substantial return. It is going to help a great deal.

My tattoo is healing nicely. I’m in the kinda’ gross phase of its evolution.? It’s starting to get dry and peel, which is normal but it feels disgusting. Only a few more days and it’ll be perfect.