Excuse Me, Are You My Teacher? and Fire Drills

Okay, now I know 6th grade is a huge difference, especially coming from the lower grades. It's different. I get that.

But still, how hard is it to find a classroom, labelled on a map, with the teacher standing outside, saying, "Looking for Room 620? It's here!"

And then, after I introduce myself, and take attendance, then ask if there is anyone whose name I didn't call. Then, 20 minutes later, one kid suddenly raises his hand and says, "Are you Ms. A? This is science, right?" Um, no. I introduced myself 20 minutes ago. Remember? Language Arts ring a bell? I called everyone's name and asked if there was anyone I missed. Apparently, I didn't call your name, because not only are you not in my class, you are not on my team!

Not on my team!

I wonder about these kids.

Then a kid goes to Geography 1st period, when he should have been with me, then comes to me 2nd period. When I tell him, after consulting his schedule, that he should be in Geography, he said, "But I've just done that!" Um, okay... but you were supposed to be here!

I really do wonder about these kids. When they don't hear their name, why do they not mention it??

All of that happened yesterday. The 2nd day.

Today we had a fire drill. Fire drills are always tons of fun, since we get to march all the way outside, into the amazingly hot outdoors, and stand, silently, while it sounds like there is an air raid going on.

They changed the route from last year, since where we went before was so close to the building, apparently, the 8th graders could touch the building while leaning against the fence.

So if there was a fire, they would burn... and I do think that is a problem.

So this year, we have to go across the street, through a tiny gap in the fence, which allows approximately 2 kids through at a time.

Since we have around 1400 kids, this takes a freakishly long time. And the traffic has to stop, and the drivers look very, very confused. (I guess if I saw 1400 kids migrating across the road I was trying to drive on, ushered by adults who look hot and grouchy, I'd be confused, too. Many of the drivers alternated staring at the school (looking for smoke?) and staring at the kids.)

Then we just stand there, trying to keep the kids together, even though I don't really remember which kids are mine yet, and wait to be allowed back in.

Ah... the joys of public school.