I have discovered that I have Harry Houdini reincarnate in my homeroom at school. Now I have never been one to "buy into" the teaching of reincarnation, but I have no other explanation for this student.
Earlier in the school year this student would come in with a pass to go to the computer lab every day during homeroom. I was suspicious of this, but the passes always turned out to be legit. I started getting reports that he was showing up in the year book class because there was a girl in there he wanted to visit with. He got out of that mistake because the pass said "computer lab" but didn't specify which computer lab! I did clarify with the student that he could use the 3rd floor lab (by my room) only. Definitely not one that had a class going on.
He then started coming in with passes from another teacher. That petered out so a third teacher was employed to help him in his diabolic scheme of driving me crazy. Finally he came in with a pass from a teacher under the guise he "needed to take a test". A few minutes after he left, I went to the office to have them call that teacher's room. He did not show up! Not only that, there was no test to be taken! The office did an "all call" where they paged for him throughout the school. "Houdini had left the building!" I had him dead to right! (I know! I know! I should have been utilizing my time more effectively, but I just couldn't stand the idea that he was getting away with something on my watch!) The next day he was suspended for skipping and put on "lock-down" in homeroom. He would not be allowed to leave anymore under any circumstances unless the principal himself escorted him!
Everything went along well for a few weeks. Then one day I got a page from the office to send "Houdini" down. Now I knew "Houdini" was in class because I had taken attendance and saw him, but when I turned to his seat to send him down he was gone! I checked the sign out sheet, nothing. I asked the other students (maybe I was going crazy). Nope, he was there at attendance but now he was gone. Did anyone see him leave? No! Did anyone hear him leave? No! (My door is very noisy so this was quite a feat!) The office did an all call. No "Houdini"! He had simply disappeared!
He then started coming in with passes from another teacher. That petered out so a third teacher was employed to help him in his diabolic scheme of driving me crazy. Finally he came in with a pass from a teacher under the guise he "needed to take a test". A few minutes after he left, I went to the office to have them call that teacher's room. He did not show up! Not only that, there was no test to be taken! The office did an "all call" where they paged for him throughout the school. "Houdini had left the building!" I had him dead to right! (I know! I know! I should have been utilizing my time more effectively, but I just couldn't stand the idea that he was getting away with something on my watch!) The next day he was suspended for skipping and put on "lock-down" in homeroom. He would not be allowed to leave anymore under any circumstances unless the principal himself escorted him!
Everything went along well for a few weeks. Then one day I got a page from the office to send "Houdini" down. Now I knew "Houdini" was in class because I had taken attendance and saw him, but when I turned to his seat to send him down he was gone! I checked the sign out sheet, nothing. I asked the other students (maybe I was going crazy). Nope, he was there at attendance but now he was gone. Did anyone see him leave? No! Did anyone hear him leave? No! (My door is very noisy so this was quite a feat!) The office did an all call. No "Houdini"! He had simply disappeared!
This is my 14th year of teaching and I have taught in some pretty rough schools, but I had never lost a student! In fact I have a reputation for being tough when it comes to discipline. Admittedly, I was embarrassed, but no one ever taught me in college that I would have to deal with magicians!
9 comments:
I had a coworker that must be related to that boy.
He now has to sit beside me at the front of the room. I don't think his disappearing days are over yet!
At the risk of being skinned alive, I am going to tell everyone... Libby is not the most observant person. I scare her probably 4 or 5 times a week because I walk up on her and when I speak, she jumps out of her skin. I have gotten to where I intentionally make noise to alert her to the fact I am coming, but to no avail. She is off in her own zone of the planet. She is like this in many areas. If she is watching television, forget it, she is not going to hear you. The house could be on fire and the firemen here, but she would not take her eyes off the set.
I love you hon... but an elephant could sneak out of your room without being noticed if you are engrossed in something else.
I won't deny what you are saying outside of school, but there I realize I have to be "on my toes". Kids don't generally get away with things without my knowing.
[QUOTE]Kids don't generally get away with things without my knowing.[/QUOTE]
Or....maybe they do and you don't know it.
The funny thing is they think that they are getting away with things and just as they think they have pulled the wool over my eyes I drop subtle hints letting them know I know what is going on. I generally don't let them know it until I need to make a point.
Libby, has anyone else seen this person other than you?
Yes, but not this week. I bequeathed him to another teacher for the week.
I remeber in my senior year there was a new substitute taking over my geography class for the last few months of the school year. She was the nicest but we always played tricks on her. I remeber this guy Larry jumped out of the window when she wasn't looking and came around to the door and knocked on it, it was VERY funny. OH to be young again...sigh....
Post a Comment