kris_bay_tfa -

back to Mercedes, which I didn't really discuss to begin with. A foster child, who may have been sexually abused in the past, is in my class this year. She suffers from ADD/ADHD (not completely diagnosed and not receiving any medication for). Her foster parent, as of late, told me about this. She is a low performing student, has low math skills, obviously as a result of her inability to focus, and as a result acts out in class. She is known as a "drama queen," has an eating disorder (cause for concern of anorexia) and causes the class and my girls to act differently (caddy, more middle school). It's almost psychological warfare for her in our class, as she's really psychologically mature/advanced for her age. She was not in school last Friday and I was told she may not be coming back, but moving away. She didn't show up Monday and I hate to say this, but a part of me wondered what the class would be like without her there. In some ways, it would be better. The kids are more calm. On the days (which as of late are a lot) that my class is "out of control," she is like the eye of the storm. Then again, if she left and went somewhere else, it'd be in a way, like giving up on her. Even though its not up to me where she lives, etc. ... it's honestly out of my control. But in some way, I'd see it as giving up/a failure that I couldn't reach her.

So I come to school today, told that she may be moving away (by Ashley, her friend in our class). Gloria, Mercedes' foster sister at the foster house was taken out of Illa's 4th grade class yesterday to leave with a social worker. Who shows up to school today? Mercedes. Nancy in the office told me that she would be taken off my class roster if she missed another day. Anywho, she comes in and Nancy warns me before I see M at the beginning of the day. Nancy tells me the social worker (male) dropped her off at the front of school and M stormed off, slammed the door with lots of attitude. I cringe at hearing this. This is not going to be a good day, or so I thought.

Long story short, 10 minutes later a knock comes from my door in my classroom (I'm working inside). The knock is on the recess/playground side (as I have 2 doors to my room). It's 4 other 5th grade girls in other classes (DeRyke and Marney-Petix). They're like "Ms. Boerner, we have a surprise for you." Seriously all smiles, out pops Mercedes and she BEAR HUGS ME around my stomach. wow. Here, I didn't think she liked me much. lol She told me "I missed you so much." Honestly, this kid needs consistency in her life. And Cureton has provided her that, even if not perfect, she has been at our school since 1st grade. 4 years of consistency for a kid my heart breaks for. Nancy and I both agree she can be a drama queen and is not perfect, but is definitely needy and has a great heart.

I feel bad my thoughts sort of went to "what would my classroom become... " if she weren't there. Yes I have ups and downs on days with Raul, Mercedes, Jesse, Jose, and sometimes Anayeli. These are my main concerns, really the first 4.

And our new seating chart has Jose with Lili and Anayeli with Ana. That seems to be working great. *crossing fingers*

I've also, with the help of Kim Sweeney (APEX) after our second SJSU seminar recently and with Kay Brailler's help, have now placed my student desks in rows. It is going MUCH better. Wow, having them face forward, instead of in a U shape is so great. Kay has been teaching in my class for 3 times now.. and has told me "Kristin, I really have to work hard to teach your class. They are fidgety and talkative." Most 5th graders can sit still. So today, I noticed they were extra crazy coming in from morning recess and I had them run a lap before we started math. Wow, did that make them sit down and relax. I like this idea. I may have them do this everyday. muhaha I need to fit the 50 minutes of P.E. in somewhere. :)

So Mercedes is back, things seem to be going well.

Sara at SJSU, who teaches in Palo Alto told me that her students (about 5% of them) have issues like what I've described- low income, no insurance, etc. Rather its the opposite problem in Palo Alto. A lot of Asians and a lot of 1st, 2nd, 3rd graders already with what Sara describes as "nervous ticks" and nervousness on so much pressure from parents, even at such a young age, to perform high. Here is the old issue again TFA: low vs. high expectations, Alum Rock vs. Palo Alto.

Sara has an extra room in Palo Alto I may be able to rent next year, for like $650. Otherwise places go for sale in Palo Alto for like $1600 for a one bedroom. And thats SOUTH Palo Alto, that's not even near Stanford. Scary expensive.

Alrighty, I'm off to read a bit, input some student data, call Shawn, and get to bed.

Goodnight.