Today marks the 100th day of the school year. It’s only appropriate we celebrate with a 100 Grand.
When I student taught, teaching third and fourth grade, on the 100th day of the school year I created every lesson involving the number 100. It was so much fun. Kids at that age are so cute, nice, want to please, & enjoy being at school. Students in a middle school can be known a little differently. They definitely still enjoy a 100 Grand.
Today, I learned what it means to be a completely different type of educator.
At the end of the school day, an announcement on the loud speaker stated we were moving into a ‘code yellow’ lockdown drill – teachers lock & shut their doors, students stay in the room, but class resumes as normal. My 8th graders and I continued to dive into our Scope Magazine article, [should kids continue to play football because of concussions, etc…], but a second announcement followed, telling staff to check their emails.
We were to keep students in our classrooms after the final bell because a man suspected to be involved in a police shooting had moved into the area. Whoa. He was considered armed and dangerous. Double whoa.
I had a couple upset 8th grade wrestlers, but my students were kept in my room after the bell, and eventually moved into the gymnasium. Buses weren’t going out to protect the safety of students & parents were notified to come pick students up from school by signing them out of the office. Cue chaotic middle schoolers & frantic parents.
Myself and my colleagues had to spring into action. A handful helped in the office, a few of us spread out by the front door to guide parents in the right direction, some played hall monitor, others grouped students in clusters in the gym, etc… I found myself in the gym, keeping order.
Of course when something like this happens, students are on their phones & rumors start. I overheard an 8th grade boy tell his friend there “was a shooter on main street killing people” sending a small, 5th grade girl into hysterics. I had to play counselor and remind the 8th grade boys to stop spreading rumors, and reassure the little 5th grader she was safe, & her parents would be there to get her home soon.
Next, I found myself with a stowaway in the hall; a sobbing 7th grade girl. She was telling me she couldn’t handle being in the gym ‘with all those crazy kids’ and she just wanted some piece and quiet.
My job constantly reminds me I am more then I thought. I am a guardian. I am a friend. I am a counselor. I am a shoulder, an ear, a hand. I am a teacher. Today made me proud to say I am a part of a profession that is much more then the name.