Zero Week

Was it in college that the first week of class for the school year was called "Zero Week"?

Anywho, I just completed my first week back on the job! It's good to be back for 1) the paycheck and 2) the familiarity. I can still remember last year -- new job, new setting, new people, new students, new everything. Fortunately for me, the procedures haven't changed much so I was able to work pretty efficiently on the beginning of the year stuff. I even got some enthusiastic welcome-backs from the SPED teachers, psych, and autism specialist. I guess I didn't mar too many professional relationships last year. Phew!

It's only the 3rd day of school for the kiddos, but I already have some "friends" that are trying to claim my room as their new hang-out. It's pretty funny to me. Since I moved into a new mofo'n awesome room, I am now literally next door to the SDC-Basic Skills Class (as the teacher explains, her class is "lower than RSP but higher than Severely Handicap." That was much better than my explanation of "they're the lowest short of the SH population."). This year, the teacher said that she will no longer allow her students to hang out in her room during lunch -- only b/c she has them ALL day except for one period (P.E.), so to allow them to stay during lunch was too much. Well, now that they're kicked out for lunch, they've filtered into my room!

Yesterday, I made the "mistake" of letting this one kid, Big D, come in. I like this kid and know him although he isn't on my caseload. He is this kid that completely towers over me and looks intimidating but probably couldn't even hurt a flower. Last year, he used to ask me all the time when I went to pick up his classmates, "Can I go with you?" "How come you don't call me?" (For whatever reason, the SDC-BSC always think going to speech is fun.) I am constantly amazed at how well-mannered, courteous, and polite Big D is. I wish all of my kids were as polite as him. With that being said, I didn't have the heart to kick him out since he was sweating up a storm and didn't want to stand outside in the 90 degree heat -- all of which I can totally relate to -- so I let him hang out in my room for like 15 minutes. I asked if he had met any of the new 6th graders in his class and he said, "Yeah! I was the first and only one to go up to them. I introduced myself and even shook their hands!" I was so impressed even moreso b/c I had asked my girls and the most social one said, "NO! I don't want to. They annoy me anyways." I said to Big D, "That's so nice of you! You're a great role model." He hung out until the bell rang. I thought he didn't hear it so I continued chatting with him to see what would happen. I asked him another question so he answered and then said, "Well, um, I think I better go b/c the bell just rang and I don't want to be late." For whatever reason, I thought that was really funny but also a very polite and responsible way of excusing himself...vs. some of my other kids who act like robots on a timer. Once they hear the bell ring, they stop mid-sentence and run out the door.

Well, today, 3 of my SDC-BSC girls came by to say hello and ask when I would start seeing them. I told them next week and the biggest female trouble-maker on my caseload asked, "are you going to keep us all day?" Imagining having her all day flashed in my mind for a brief second and I practically yelled out, "Oh, [hayal] no!" Instead of letting them hang out, I told them, "Okay, well, see you next week!" Fortunately, their pragmatics are typically developing so they got the hint and left. I walked out to use the Ladies' Room.

When I got back, my new CFY lady who is helping me on Tuesdays and Fridays told me that Big D stopped by.

Big D: Hi.
CF: Hi. Can I help you?
Big D: Yes.
[Awkward silence.]
CF:...okay?
Big D: I was here yesterday and [yours truly] let me stay for my lunch. Can I stay again?
CF: Um, I was not aware of this so I'm sorry but I don't think you can stay.
Big D: Okay. Bye.

When I got back and CF told me, I was like, Oh no! The pattern is developing! I better break it now! I didn't have to turn any other kids away today, but I may do the passive-aggressive thing of locking my door and hiding behind the partition for my lunch breaks.

Other than that relatively sedated experience, nothing too crazy has happened this week. I saw my kiddos with severe autism yesterday, which always gives me a good healthy laugh b/c I have a lot of fun with them during snack time.

Next week is when I hit the floor running and start seeing my kids as regularly as possible. I'm sure I'll have some great stories then...

My goals this year are to:

1. hold my end of the year IEPs earlier.
2. participate more in school activities.
3. get all of my kids to say my name right!