Teaching in the "Creek"

I feel it is important to explore the differences and challenges between teaching at Ellicott and teaching at the "Creek." (Yes, the students and teachers call Cave Creek, the Creek.)

At any rate, it's official: I'm admitting it and not ashamed. I miss Ellicott. Sure, I'd be forced to do awful things that would drive anyone crazy at Ellicott, but I miss the teachers I loved and my students. It' s so hard to be at a school and have to earn respect again. For example, at Ellicott, if I went into any class meeting, there was immediate silence, because they knew that they didn't want to make me angry, and that I had something to say. I'm just sad to have to fight for this again. Now, my three classes of seniors are pretty good...although my 4th period is a pretty chatty group. I think it's because the class is right before lunch.

As for my sophomores, they just piss me off. My 2nd period with them isn't a horrible group. They are pretty good, but 7th period will be the bane of my existence. I already hate them. Not all of them, but this one group is just awful. All they talk about is doing drugs and going to raves. They are freaking 15...when did this become okay? When was it okay for your parents to give you cocaine? Or your parents know you are doing coke at 15? Or going to raves to do Ecstasy. I just don't understand. I know that popping X was becoming the big thing at Ellicott, but here it's an epidemic. I can't understand. I hate that my students do it, and I hate that this one little Jessiee is a snot and I want to attack her. She's just a jerk and I know, already, that I'm going to have to write a referral. I hate referrals. Oh well. This class will be the bane of my existence. However, now I have a reason to push for a phone in my classroom....I'm going to need it to call for Security to come get the students and take them to the discipline office.

Ugh. I hate it. I just feel so exhausted. I can never catch up on my sleep and it seems like the longest week ever. I need to be better at leaving on time, because I can't stay as late as I have been for five days. I'll fall apart.

I'm sure this school will be better, but right now, I'm struggling. On a good note, I think I've written the best syllabus ever. Check it out on my website: http://ccusd93.org/education/staff/staff.php?sectionid=1718&sc_id=1218393275. Don't judge me based on it. I haven't had any time to make it better.

Oh...I totally have Olympic Fever and can't stop watching the Olympics. I hope I'm not alone. It's just so amazing and cool to me. :)