Good day all,

I had hoped that my middlings would return from the Thanksgiving break... more teachable.  No such luck!  Fights continue, had 3 youngsters removed from campus in bracelets, one teacher  bruised and scratched up, I caught 2 youngsters pulling chairs out from underneath their lab partner... I suspect 2 others of the same but didn't see the deed so I can't write it up.  So far no one has been badly hurt, but it is just a matter of time.  We've also had a spate of false accusations, which once disproved are just dropped.  I fear they will continue until the youngsters, and possibly their parents, are held accountable.  Mid-quarter progress reports went out Friday and things are looking bleak... average grades are down across the board.  Now if it were only a class or 2, or specific teachers you could blame the teacher, but this is systemic... the solution lies with more than just the classroom teachers... but no one listens to teachers.

My original plan had me returning home at the end of this year.  Then I decided I would put it off until after I'd completed my national board certification, now I'm just not sure.  Plus the economy is such that walking away from a good job is not necessarily wise.   Who knows what will happen.  One thing I am sure of is that I will not be driven out.  I will stand and fight these misguided children.  I just hope I don't stroke out first!  

Then there is the issue of a personal life... who has time!  I can't even manage to get to the gym or cook a meal.  And with the way things are shaping up, fighting form would be an excellent idea... or at least the ability to sprint the length of the building!  But then at 200 pounds if I fall on you, ya ain't goin' nowhere! 

New Oz movie is starting and I've been waiting to see this.  Enjoy dear friends.

be well