Two Great Lessons and Handcuffs

I ended the week on a high note, having given two excellent lessons. The first consisted of an interactive activity where students were given post-its with a number on it, decided whether it was rational or irrational (conferring with a friend if necessary), and then stuck it in the appropriate rational or irrational circle. My Faculty Advisor asked me how I felt about them, and I shared with her that I thought they were my best days thus far, she nodded with encouragement.

Last week there was a big fight at school. During metal detector duty heads started turning towards the noise beginning to erupt from the gym downstairs. A police officer came in through our side of the metal detectors. Shortly after, he returned with a young man in handcuffs. As far as I heard, he was taken to the station and is now in jail. During the fight one teacher, a corps member, fled from the gym and proceeded to sing "Jesus Loves Me" with a dazed, holding-onto the-faith-of-a-greater-power look. We had various reactions, but this was certainly the most extreme.

Speaking of God; in one of our sessions this week we examined the case of a classroom of four TFA women. They had been talking about how rough the boys they had were, however I still had my doubts, assuming that they were merely exaggerating. However, as I sat in the back of their classroom this week observing, I realized I was wrong. The group never ceases to talk while the teacher talks; one boy got out of his chair, jumping off of a desk to reach a high shelf upon which he threw his shirt. The students attempt to out-disrespect one another and the teacher constantly. I truly admire how these teachers maintain a positive attitude.

Back to the session...the four teachers relayed that they refused to give up on one particular student in their class - the leader who encourages other students to refrain from keeping up a productive learning environment. After the group offered some suggestions, one gentleman raised his hand and offered, "Look, Jesus Christ came down and even he couldn't save everybody." True, perhaps, I thought; however, the uncomfortable silence led me to believe that he had struck a wrong cord among others in the room. Moving right along, the individual leading the discussion hastily moved forward without really addressing the comment, as I saw a note passed between two members in the audience reading, "Big Brother says (crossed out) RELIGION."

At our weekly school meeting yesterday afternoon, our school director noted "just one more thing" before we broke for the holiday weekend. She reminded us that while students will take their official re-test next Wednesday, many students may return on Thursday just to fight. One might first think that the fighting is gang related, with students clearly choosing to wear red or blue and the bloods or crips signs written around the school or being thrown up by students. However, it seems as though the conflict is more over middle schools than gangs. Hopefully next Thursday will go smoothly...

Aside from school, I attended a corps social event last night, followed by a trip into downtown ATL to catch some nightlife. We went to an edgy bar/restaurant called "The Vortex," enjoying some delicious hummus. For the 4th tonight, I headed to a friend's home for some grilling and small town fireworks. The food was delicious, the fireworks impressive, and most enjoyable of all, the dogs sweet and cuddly. Taking a day trip to visit my bro tomorrow!