Gnatterings

MORE AMAZING POETRY...this comes from one of my students who misses her homeland every day. She told me today (after she presented this poem to me) that she hopes she doesn't fail the state tests so she can go visit her real friends this summer.

Lebanon
I hear...
Ahhhh-Ahhhh
Chick-Chick
Pick-Pick
Click-Click
Clothing for Sale-Clothing for Sale
Beep-Beep

Lebanon
I see...
Buildings
Fruit
Kids Playing
Rose Picking
Clothing Sales
Cars
People are Running in Circles

Lebanon
I feel...
Special
Relaxed
Calm
Playful
Funny
Not Lonely

Lebanon
Lot of animals and plants
Enough food
Ball catching every day
A lot of people
Never unfun places
On time- always
Never going back they say

Police at school today...

Last week I got into it with a second grader who called one of my kids a bitch. I confronted him, made him apologize, and ratted him out to the assistant principal. Teachers who witnessed the exchange told me to back off because the child's father is an abusive man who regularly threatens teachers. Of course I freaked out. After being bullied by a parent my first year at the school, I know these types of parents exist. I asked around and found out this parent called one teacher a "fucking bitch" when she took the child's marker away (after he was caught drawing on the stairs) and threatening another teacher when the child was close to being held back. I talked to the guidance counselor about it and she told me this parent is on a 9-1-1 status (anytime he becomes aggressive or hostile at the school, the school dials 9-1-1 immediately). The parent is also a well known gang member in the neighborhood and is assumed to abuse some sort of drug. Now I really freaked out....but after a few days with no incidence, forgot all about it...until after school today.

Apparently this parent assaulted one of the regular substitutes we use at the school. Grabbed the man by his shirt collars and shook him outside the school while he was dismissing the class. The security guard had to step in and separate the two men. The sub was visibly shocked and the parent went into a tirade in the office. After about a half an hour of this parent going wild in the office, the police came to escort him out of the school. He is now banned from entering the school at all. However, what happens to us when we leave the building? I had one parent wait for me outside (sometimes even by my car) to bully me about his child. What would stop this parent from doing the same thing?

What happened to safety for teachers?

More Third Grade Poetry...

What is Green?
Green is the money
That you get from the bank.
Green is the little thing that is called a tank.
Green is grass that goes under the trash.
Green is a tree that is a home for the bee.
M.P.

What is Red?
Red is a cherry
Just like a fairy
Twinkle Twinkle
Red is an apple
Just like Snapple
Gulp Gulp
Red is an umbrella
Just like Stella
Hi Hello
Red is a rose
Just like a rose
AHAHAHAH-CHOOOO
Red is jam
Just like Sam
Very cool!
K.A.

What is Orange?
Orange is an orange
Freshly picked and very shiny
"Munch Munch"
Orange is a flower
Made with love and care
Seeds from a plant store
"Swishy Swishy"
Orange is a mango
With a very delicious taste
Like you are taking a trip to paradise
"Mmmmm-Mmmm!"
"Tweet Tweet"
Like a very cute bird singing
A joyful song at your window
T.D.

Letters I have received from my students in the last few weeks...Seriously, how can I not love my job? This class I have had this year is probably THE best class I have ever taught...

Dear Ms. M****,
We love you so much we wish we could see theo. Tell him we love him too.
Love, K & T

Dear Ms. M****,
We think you are a lovely teacher. Very lovely. We both love you as a teacher. And we both love you almost like a mommy.
Love, K & T

Dear Ms. M****,
We both think that you are a wonderful teacher. We were wondering when is theo coming to visit. Is it tomorrow or did K & I just dream that. We really want to meet your gorgeous husband.
Love, T & K

Dear Ms. M****,
You are the best teacher. I wish you could be my teacher of college.
From, A.Q.

I love you Ms. M****!
You are quiet and the best teacher in the world. You are nice and very beautiful. I love you! Love, A.M.

Interesting article about a student I had last year...

Alan, Alien

Poetry Writing in Third Grade...My students continue to amaze and excite me:

Birds
Cute, Blue
Jumps, Flies, Eats
Happy when it eats worms.
Feels soft and furry.
Blue Jays

Tiger
Hunts, Eats
Claws, Furry, Stripes
Likes to hunt animals.
Happy when it eats animals.
Cat

Snakes
Long, Scaley
Slithers, Climbs, Glides
Feels very scaley.
Poisonous when it bites you.
Serpent

AND MY FAVORITE:
Boy
Cute, Big
Drummer, Married, Actor
Makes fun of Ms. M****.
Good at making commercials.
Theo