At Least You Have Some Decency...

Yesterday as my fifth graders filed into the classroom from their measly little 10 minute afternoon recess (which isn't long enough to let them burn off any steam), Cindy said to me, "Bobby said F.U. to me as he walked past me!" What? "Did he say 'F.U.' or did he say the actual words?" I inquired further. "The actual words," Cindy replied. I sighed. Not a good word choice for Bobby. "OK," I said to Cindy. "Please go to your desk and write a statement." Then I used my Very Scarey Teacher Voice (one I seldom use, and when I do, the kids know I mean business...). "Bobby, get over here." Bobby, who is a bit odd anyway, a product of he genes, I think, meekly comes over. "Do you know what Cindy is writing down right now about you?" He looked blank, but since that is a normal look for him, I prodded further. "What did you say to her?" He hesitated. Then he said, "I can't say that to a teacher..." That's about all I needed for an admission right there. I marched him to the office. At least he had the decency to not say it to a teacher. Perhaps there is some hope for him.