Restoring Voice through...
So last Friday after the situation, I had a chance to check in with one of my girls from class. I had asked her to step out into the hallway just before the other situation rose with the other student who was sent to the Dean's office. I had a very real and honest conversation with this young lady, trying to get at her behavior and general disposition in school which had altered in the past week. She shared how stressed she felt with classes and how for the first time she was not doing well and that it was too much to handle, with stuff at home and all. We went on to brainstorm ways I can support her so that it doesn't get to the point where she takes her frustration out in our English classroom.
And the one thing she asked for...a hug. A hug to start her day off on a positive note because she often comes to school not on a positive note, but she likes hugs. Today was our first day. A hug. A quick check in. And off to advisory. Day 1, check.
Seems like such a simple request, but i must admit, as much as i adore this student, without that conversation, i wouldnt have known.
On another note, something I am still digesting is knowledge i learned about the student i sent to the dean's office. i spent a little but of time processing with our school social worker and i was informed that she was shocked that it was the first time this particular student was sent out. that she takes on the role of the mean girl. instigates, etc. but i dont want to take this as the final word on her. after all, i havent seen much of this side in class...so maybe there was something in the air, or maybe i did something...
or maybe it is about having a real, straightforward, no BS conversation with her as i did with the other girl who was asked to step outside...
after all, there are always 2 sides to the story. and to silence one side is to perpetuate much of the injustice that has plagued our history...
And the one thing she asked for...a hug. A hug to start her day off on a positive note because she often comes to school not on a positive note, but she likes hugs. Today was our first day. A hug. A quick check in. And off to advisory. Day 1, check.
Seems like such a simple request, but i must admit, as much as i adore this student, without that conversation, i wouldnt have known.
On another note, something I am still digesting is knowledge i learned about the student i sent to the dean's office. i spent a little but of time processing with our school social worker and i was informed that she was shocked that it was the first time this particular student was sent out. that she takes on the role of the mean girl. instigates, etc. but i dont want to take this as the final word on her. after all, i havent seen much of this side in class...so maybe there was something in the air, or maybe i did something...
or maybe it is about having a real, straightforward, no BS conversation with her as i did with the other girl who was asked to step outside...
after all, there are always 2 sides to the story. and to silence one side is to perpetuate much of the injustice that has plagued our history...
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