Another One Moves
Everything has been going pretty well at school, aside from one thing. I started the year with 7 kids and already I'm down to 5. 2 of my students have transferred to another school because they had to move. The latest one to leave, Herbert, is especially disappointing for me. This past Sunday I called all of the kids parents to introduce myself, tell them a little more about the program and to see if they had any questions. When I talked to Herbert's dad, he was very excited to hear that Herbert was going to get some extra attention. The impression I got from his dad was that he thought this was a great opportunity for Herbert. Unfortunately, for reasons I'm unaware of, there family is moving and Herbert will be transferring schools.
I talked to Herbert a little bit about having to move and he didn't sound real excited. There might be some good that comes of moving though for him, because I think he's currently labeled by both teachers and students as kind of slacker. I'll admit that he doesn't always put forth the best effort, but when everyone thinks you're a slacker, I think you're much more likely to slack. When I worked with him on some of his work, I was surprised at his work. It was by know means perfect, but when we worked together he showed a lot of potential to succeed. He also has that characteristic that all the other kids like him. He doesn't show that he wants to be a leader, but I was hoping that by working with him this year that he would come to fill the role of a leader both in the classroom and outside of school.
Before he left yesterday, I took the time to write him a quick note to dispense my last bit of wisdom before he moves on. I really hope he takes my advice to heart and stays on the right path. It's amazing how in such a short time I've already felt that I'm at least planting the seed of change in some of these kids.
I guess I can only hope I don't lose any more, but that's hardly a guarantee. In the meantime, I'll be keeping my eye out for other possible "mentees" in the 6th grade, but I don't want to pick too quickly so it might be a couple of weeks before I find a new student.
I talked to Herbert a little bit about having to move and he didn't sound real excited. There might be some good that comes of moving though for him, because I think he's currently labeled by both teachers and students as kind of slacker. I'll admit that he doesn't always put forth the best effort, but when everyone thinks you're a slacker, I think you're much more likely to slack. When I worked with him on some of his work, I was surprised at his work. It was by know means perfect, but when we worked together he showed a lot of potential to succeed. He also has that characteristic that all the other kids like him. He doesn't show that he wants to be a leader, but I was hoping that by working with him this year that he would come to fill the role of a leader both in the classroom and outside of school.
Before he left yesterday, I took the time to write him a quick note to dispense my last bit of wisdom before he moves on. I really hope he takes my advice to heart and stays on the right path. It's amazing how in such a short time I've already felt that I'm at least planting the seed of change in some of these kids.
I guess I can only hope I don't lose any more, but that's hardly a guarantee. In the meantime, I'll be keeping my eye out for other possible "mentees" in the 6th grade, but I don't want to pick too quickly so it might be a couple of weeks before I find a new student.
posted by Tim Weiss at 8:12 AM
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