First Days of School

OK, I needed to tell this story, but it would be too hard to tell it with multiple tweets, so I will put it here.

This year, I am not doing inclusion. I won't be so consumed with state testing prep, although I will still be administering the tests every time. We operate on a 4x4 schedule, which means we have 4 classes a day that are 95 minutes. They take 4 classes in semester one and 4 classes in semester.

My first period class is called 'Comprehensive Reading and Math, and it was created for students with IEPs working on a regular diploma who might need a period with a tutor teacher to help them with homework, test reading, and things of that nature. That class is an INTERESTING mix of kids. I have about 8 kids in the class as of now. There is one student with hearing impairment. We shall call him *Matthew. He attends class with an interpreter. There is another student named *Donald. Donald has a genetic disorder. He is in a  wheelchair. His brain works fine, but his body doesn't work. Donald has a personal aide that attends class with him because he cannot write (hands wont let him), and he cannot get books out or things like that. Donald's aide is named *Carla.  There is another student who has autism. The rest just have learning disabilities. Only the student with autism is not on a regular diploma program.

Matthew also uses an FM System. He wears a receiver and I wear a transmitter. This is a battery pack type thing with a cord that goes around my neck and a microphone clipped to the top of my shirt. Matthew has never heard much at all, so he is sensitive, even though the FM system isn't loud.

On Thursday, the first day of school, Donald's aide stepped out to go to the restroom. No problem whatsoever. While I was reviewing the new bullying protocol, Donald raises his hand (just a little) and tells me he has a nosebleed. I walk over to move his other hand, and he has a GUSHER of a bleed, not a small one. So, I grabbed a wad of tissues and applied pressure. The interpreter came over to help me. She was holding the tissues to Donald's nose so I could get help. Meanwhile, the student with autism is FREAKING out. He was hopping around the room. He also got some tissue paper and wadded it up in little rolls. He walks over to Donald and tells him to stick it up his nose to stop the nosebleed.

I had gone to the door (didn't want to hit call button...yet) to see if Carla was on her way back. Sure enough, there she was. So (forgetting I was wearing the FM system!!!!!!), I YELL into the hallway, 'CARLA! DONALD'S NOSE IS BLEEDING!!! At this moment, Matthew is doubled up with his hands over his ears. Oops.

So, we finally got Donald's nose under control, cleaned up, and ready to go. Matthew has moved past hte loud sound he was not used to hearing. The student with autism had settled down. We were back to reading the handbook policies. At this time, our new principal got on the intercom to announce we were about to have our tornado drill. He told the kids what he told us...about with all the things that had happened weather wise this year, he didn't feel comfortable with anyone going one day without knowing what to do. He then adds that it isn't tornado season, but we were going to do it anyway.

So, we moved to tornado drill position in the hallway.  Right after we returned to the room, it was time for the bell to ring. That was yesterday, then last night we had the insane weather. It wasn't a tornado, but if someone looked at some of the damage, they would think it was a low-level tornado.

So, all of that happened between 7:55-9:00. Ahhh, so is life. :) Today was just as nutty, but we got through it!
** Names have been changed to protect the...well, protect people. :P

Christy