(no subject)
My heart broke today for one of my students. He was causing trouble, sure, but that's what these kids do. It's how they get the attention of the adults around them and the respect of their peers.
Logically, I understand that if a student lights paper on fire and throws it into an overflowing trashcan, the program cannot risk allowing him to stay. But Steven's brilliant and unbelievably energetic. He wants to learn and loves playing with the rest of the kids in the class. The program was providing a positive outlet for his uncontrollable excitement for life. He's going to lose that.
I can't control him. I wouldn't be able to promise that such activity would not happen again, and neither could he. I don't think he realized that what he did was dangerous. He only understood that it made many adults very angry. I wish I'd had a chance to talk to him. To tell him I cared and that I'd miss him.
When he fessed up to starting the fire, he made an effort to relieve every other student in the class of any blame. I'm sure he egged on by his friends, so I was surprised and impressed by this gesture. He's a sweet boy with integrity by the the boatload.
Seeing one of my kids run into trouble like this, ruining his immediate chance for building a better future is like having a cold water dumped on top of me. I know this is what happens. A high percentage of my students' fathers are in jail, trapped by the "cycle of poverty and crime." I've discussed and analyzed the hopelessness of this cycle tirelessly in class and out of class. And I know that elementary school trouble-making is only the beginning. Watching one of my students, one who I consider bright, loving and, as such, filled with potential, slip so easily, so seamlessly that the adults in his life do not even pause to consider the consequences, into delinquency depresses me to tears.
I ask you to pray for Steven, that he is able to find his way out. He's only eight. Hopefully this expulsion isn't the start of a pattern. Hopefully Steven is smart enough, strong enough, and motivated enough to pull himself up to his full potential.
I have pictures, but no way as of yet to get them off my camera and onto my computer. Finding a mini usb cable is part of my next action plan. Also, tomorrow I am going to the aquarium! I'm really excited. I love field trip Fridays!