I am participating in the March Slice of Life Challenge: A slice a day for all of March.  You should do it too!  Thank you, Two Writing Teachers! Readers, check out their site, and start slicing!

Dear Students, 

My head is in my hands. It’s true. I can’t believe that some of you are having such a hard time not distracting yourself and others. You are bickering! Stealing silly objects from each other. It’s annoying, and the rest of the class is having a hard time concentrating. I am having a hard time concentrating and helping students. 

What do I need to do? I’ve already asked nicely, had a few heart to hearts, moved your seats, told everyone it is silent work time, and let you know that continuing will mean an office referral. 

“She’s actually mad.” I hear one of you say. 

And I realize that’s not really true. I’m not mad. 

The class is distracted for sure, but it is 15 minutes until the last class bell on a Friday. The atmosphere here is not heavy with defiance. It’s just odd. 

A few of you are still working, but most of you are watching your classmates who are acting up and me. You are wondering, I guess, what I wil do. 

“Her patience is running out, guys.” I hear someone say. 

This isn’t really true either. Although patience isn’t exactly my best quality.

Something strikes me in this moment where I am rubbing my eyebrows and trying to figure out what my next step is.

I realize that I really do love all of you. 

“I love you all,” I say, “And I’m so glad it’s Friday.” 

“You’re just saying that because it helps you get through the year with us.” One of you counters. 

“No. She does. I believe her.” Someone argues. 

“It’s true.” I say. And I look all around so you all know that I’m talking about you. 

“Would you risk your life for us?” You ask. 

“Yes.”

I know you know I love you. Yesterday when asked who an ally is, I heard you say “Students, teachers…especially Ms. Feinberg. ” 

I wrote that down on a little post it note. I’ll take it out later when I’m having a bad day. 

This is not a bad day. 

Now I look around, I smile at you, and ask you once again to get back to work. 

There are 14 more minutes of class left, and we have work to get done. 

Love,

Ms. Feinberg