I went to school in New Milford CT where most kids were middle class and many were farm kids. When I was in school as a student there was never such a thing as weapons in school. I honestly didn’t even know that kids had access to weapons. Now as a teacher at a high needs school I see weapons as a normal thing. It is pretty scary to think about but today, a second loaded gun was found. The last one was found in 2015 by a 15 year old girl and it was a stolen gun. It really is insane. I have no idea why these two students brought guns to school but it is definitely not a comfortable feeling. We have yet to do a fire drill or a lock down drill and it is January 19th. I’m thinking the reason being, there would be too much chaos on the streets if we did a fire drill and as for the lock down drill- I feel like it would cause an actual issue, like we might have a real shooting.
I try to give each and every student the attention they need, but also the discipline they need and sometimes they don’t like it. Days like these with weapons found on campus are a bit scary. Who knows who this student was targeting. Whether it is a fellow gang member or a teacher who they don’t like. The other day I was told that I hate black people by a student who had his pants at his knees. The reason he said that was because I told him he had to deal with his pants before he could enter my classroom. The way these particular kids are raised and the way they treat adults and other students is crazy. Many of them are fight after and before school and many of them are involved in drug deals and stolen goods.
I want to be a part of the change, but sometimes safety takes precedent. Don’t you think?
Yes Meredith,
Safety takes precedence. No one can be productive when the basis necessity of safety is compromised. You have been describing a place that feels very unsafe and it is not clear that anyone is tending the farm. Can groups of teachers get together to effect some change–I would imagine everyone must be feeling similarly. Are there some small things that could be done that might result in positive change? Can we help you, even from far away?
Sandy
Meredith,
I know you wrote this a while ago, but I came upon it again today. It is chilling to know we have schools in this country where the kinds of behaviors you describe are commonplace. Physical safety is pretty low on Maslow’s hierarchy and pretty essential for a feeling of love and belonging, not to mention learning. I needed to read this again today. Thank you and stay safe!