I don’t know exactly what phenomenon has taken place over the summer, but I’m not questioning it. I’ll just “go with it.” For some reason, this year my students are more friendly, more polite, more conscientious, more interested, and more respectful than ever before. Thus far I have only had real issues with one student…and one out of 150 “ain’t” bad. (Even an English teacher knows that sometimes you can use slang for emphasis if not just for fun! Grandma would be appalled!) It is extremely encouraging to enter a classroom each period and look at students who are ready and willing to learn. I’m certainly not bashing all of the wonderful darlings who have come before these; I’m just saying there is a noticeable difference!!

Maybe it is because I started the year just a little more strict than usual. I have quickly found that (former teacher) Grandma was right when she said, “You can always get nicer, but it’s mighty hard to crack down after everyone’s run-a-muck!” So true grams! I keep telling everyone that I’m loving this year’s students, and their response has been, “Yeah but it’s only week three…just wait…” But I don’t know – you doubting public! These students have not let me down yet, and certainly hope they don’t start anytime soon.