Basketball

Billy Gillespie = 2%er

Spring Break

It is the last day of school before the much loved Spring Break, and as usual everyone is ready for a some time off. We are watching Born Free, the 1966 movie about a lion, filmed on location in Kenya. The kids watch it, without talking or sleeping. Who would think that 15 year old inner-city kids would like a 40 year old movie, but they do. I think they like it because of the live animals, and the story moves along pretty well. It's a compelling look at why we have wildlife, and national parks, and what it means to be free.
I have seen it many, many times over the years, but it hasn't gotten old yet.

Report Cards

This week was the start of a new six week grading period (the 5th of 6) so reports cards went out Friday. My kids did better this past six weeks than they have all year - less than 20% failing, and almost 20% As. I don't think I did anything significantly different this 6 weeks; the kids are just finally growing up and figuring out they need to do their work.
The first year I taught 9th graders my assistant principal told me just hang in there, they grow up over the Christmas break. He said, "when they come back for the spring semester they are different kids," and its been true every year. They start out not having any concept of what it takes to succeed in high school, and by this time of year they figure out they have to do their work and behave.
The only "bad" class I had was one of my Pre-AP classes, where several students didn't do their work or study for tests. I have had talks with them and with their parents, but the kids still aren't pulling their weight. Friday they have a major project due; we'll see if they come through.

Moving

Since I can't get on to my other blog I am moving here. Hope to post at least weekly.