Back to School...

After being away for two weeks, I was ready to start back today. It was even refreshing to be around the kids, well most of them anyways. They have so much energy, especially during days like today where they too havn't seen each other in a while.

It was interesting to see the reactions of the kids when they got their exams back. Some appeared to be really concerned while others had looks of indiferrence and disinterest. It's those kids you just have to wonder about...if everything is ok with them and their family, or if they are going through something serious at home? It's very easy to become so wrapped up in your lessons and daily activities and overlook kids who in many ways are crying out for either attention or help. Over the years, I've taught kids who have had to deal with close family deaths, pregnancies, drug and alcohol addiction, and suicide attempts. They don't really teach you how to handle and deal with these real life problems in college...but sadly, these kids may not have anyone else to turn to outside of a teacher or counselor at school.

I'm looking forward to having a good spring with them. We're starting the 2nd semester with Huck Finn (which can be challenging with the dialect and racial issues), but I've had an aweful lot of success with the book over the years, and I really think that it is one of "the masterpieces" of American Literature-a must read for every high school kid! We also have to get the kids ready to take their OGTs in the spring...which can also be a rather stressful time for both the kids and their parents. And off we go....