Pig Farmers?

I'm sorry I don't update too often. I definitely have something to write about every day, it's just a matter of finding the time to write. I enjoy writing and feel like sometimes it is therapy to me but there are days when a hot bubble bath is just more important.

Today I had an IEP meeting. This is, in basic terms, a meeting for a student who has special needs to discuss what should be done in the next year for the student. This is at least how they run at my school. I have had many of these meetings throughout the year and they have all been quite interesting but today's may have topped them all.

I have a student, we'll call him, Doug, who lives on a pig farm. I have driven past his house and it is quite run-down and looks very rustic. Doug often comes to school in stained or ripped clothing and with dirt under his fingernails and caked on his hands. There are many days when I have thought "How could you let your child come to school like this?"

Today I had a light bulb moment. His parents were him, but older. Dad was wearing overalls and a button-down plaid shirt. He was sunburned and had VERY dirty fingernails. Mom was wearing high-waisted boyish jeans with boots and a belt. She had a tank top on and a hat turned backwards. The most noticeable thing about her was the large wad of gum she was chewing with her brown, rotten teeth. Wow! I was shocked to say the least.

Once I talked to the parents I could tell that they really wanted the best for Doug. They wanted him to succeed and they cared and loved him but...

they probably had a similar IQ to Doug. This family is not blessed with natural smarts and therefore, Doug is growing up with parents who are lacking in this area. It's sad that he will probably grow up to be just like his parents. I want to believe that he will be greater. I know he can be greater but the odds are against him.

One last thing. Today in my school mailbox I had an EXTREMELY depressing poem about a child who felt like his teacher stunk and gave up on him. It was such a downer. My colleague and I were actually appalled that anyone would put such a negative poem in our mailboxes. With all the junk that is going on with education, I would expect people to try and encourage my fellow teachers and I.

Arg,
Teach