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I arrived at the high school an hour early for the graphic novels course I'd be teaching for the week. Something inside me nudged me to be a little early. Good thing.
The secretary addressed me on the intercom. Graphic novels? I don't know anything about it.
She let me in, and she made some calls. Not too may people knew anything about it.
After a few conversations, key people learned about it, as well as the circuits class that was also scheduled to run at the high school, so she guided me through a hallway maze to a classroom near the gym and music room. Brian the custodian met us and showed me a room. How's this? he asked.
Perfect, I said. I explained that I needed to haul in a lot of stuff from my car, and he agreed to unlock the gym entrance and keep it unlocked for the class time. I was surprised, but whatever. Security can be lighter during the summer, I guess.
By the time I wheeled my materials to the classroom door on the Brian-provided dolly, there were several circuit boxes in what had been deemed my classroom.
The circuit gentleman also needed a room, Brian said.
I had a quick internal debate of how to handle the situation as the clock ticked closer and closer to 9. I decided on humor.
My stress button has been pushed, I said. I'm working hard to find the off button. But I have eleven children I've never met showing up for a three-hour writing class at nine, and I don't have a place for them.
Brian must have appreciated my smile, humor, or stress because he led me to the music room and pronounced it mine. He also called in his troops, and Brian, Mike, and Dave helped me ready the room, moving furniture, removing wall art, and setting up tables and chairs.
By 8:52, I was outside greeting kids. The room wasn't perfect, but it was good enough.
And the kids? They were awesome!
Humor always seems to soften a situation; I am impressed that you found it amidst the stress of this whole thing! Glad you were able to establish your space and greet the kids with minutes to spare!!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate. When that happened to me I didn’t find a custodian. You should always find the custodian! All I had was a very busy and distracted secretary. I made it work, but it was not ideal. I’m glad the class went well despite the confusion about your space.
ReplyDeleteI often think that it is the custodians who really make the difference! They quietly help behind the scenes. So glad they helped and you could honor them today in this slice. I hope you slice about the class, too! Lucky kids!! So many years ago we learned together in the Graphic Novel Institute! One of the best. So glad you are passing on all you know about reading and writing graphic novels.
ReplyDeleteHumor was the way to go! But of so stressful to start the week that way! Hope the rest of the time is just fun writing! and drawing for graphic novels! Sounds like a perfect summer week.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a real life in schools moment. You captured how a master teacher and planner handles the changes, distractions, and unknowns with grace. I have told many an aspiring teacher that having a foundation in educational theories, a bag of tricks to tame the masses, and a sense of humor are the foundation of master teachers.
ReplyDeleteThis reads like one of my before-the-first-day-of-school anxiety dreams! Good reminder to get there WAY early.
ReplyDeleteAs for maintenance staff, most are great and some are just gems. I recently found out our Mr A, same age as me but not retired, is ill and on dialysis. I can’t stop thinking about his faithful work and patience over so many years.
Grace and humor always, always save the day, and lucky kids getting to learn with you this summer. Sounds like they found you and a sorta feel like a music room would bring good vibes for a graphic novel class. And thank you for shouting out building staff. They always find a way to save the day!
ReplyDeleteHumor goes a long way! Glad it worked out even when it was not quite ideal!
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