Comment from Mabaker12

Exceptional

Jan I had to find you and read your story and it's intriguing, thank you. Just for the record could you enclose the countries you talk of. I worked out it is a colored school but where. I'm Australian and my knowledge of other countries isn't great. Keep well. Blessings Anne.

 Comment Written 12-Jun-2021

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reply by the author on 13-Jun-2021

Anne: The school is in Virginia in the United States. It was a predominantly Caucasian school that had a fairly good-sized influx of African-American students rezoned to our school. There were some tense moments, but the teachers took the lead in showing that everyone was welcome in our school. Thanks, again, for this exceptional rating. Jan

reply by Mabaker12 on 13-Jun-2021

One thing I am Jan is curious so I ask questions please don't be offended when I ask 'why' sincerely Anne. And we don't have 'problems' with coloured students. Sincerely Anne.

Comment from blondie560

Exceptional

That was a great way to get the boy to take the test. Every athlete knows they can't play on game day if their average isn't at the minimum GPA. And that is worst than taking away their cell phone today. If it was true that the other high school did allow athletes to skip tests on game day, I hope they were investigated to stop that practice. Talk about being entitled! Take care! Sally

 Comment Written 18-May-2021

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reply by the author on 09-Jun-2021

oh, Sally, the messes I had to clean up when I became assistant principal and later as an assistant superintendent - hopefully you will get to read about it later. Thanks for the exceptional rating. Jan

Comment from royowen

Excellent

I like your adventures in the classroom Jan with your students. My two daughters were different from one another, the younger just did enough to get by, but the elder worked really hard and obtained a music degree and an education degree to be a double barrelled teacher, she now teachers visual arts, but the younger is a supervisor in young educational, both are successful, but diverse in their talents, the elder an "over achiever" and the younger an "under achiever" but very close to one another. Both gifted but so, so different. I love your sharing, my "kids", like my wife, are likewise, educators. Beautifully written, blessings Roy

 Comment Written 17-May-2021

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reply by the author on 09-Jun-2021

Thanks so much, Roy. Even now, I call them my kids. Jan

reply by royowen on 09-Jun-2021

Me too.

Comment from Judy Lawless

Excellent

Jan, I'm really enjoying these stories from your teaching days. You've shown that you had a way of getting through to the students without the use of force, and you gained good relationships with them. Beautiful story, and well written.

 Comment Written 16-May-2021

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reply by the author on 09-Jun-2021

Thank you so much, Judy. I must admit that I absolutely love teaching. Jan

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

So true, so many schools don't make these stars do work and it only hurts the students. Very few kids make it to pro status, so they need to learn. Thank you for sharing.

 Comment Written 16-May-2021

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reply by the author on 09-Jun-2021

Absolutely, barbara. And too many pros get taken advantage of because they do not have the skills to take care of their own business. Jan

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

Your system is so different to ours - that's why I find your school stories so interesting. I like the way you handled Ashton - very glad he did well on your test, but he needed that for his self-esteem and confidence too. Enjoyable read.

 Comment Written 16-May-2021

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reply by the author on 09-Jun-2021

Thanks, Wendy. He actually became one of my favorite students, actually. Jan

Comment from Jannypan (Jan)

Excellent

You did a great job recounting this 'dilemma,' Jan. I enjoyed reading it. This reminded me of our 'no pass, no play' rule. All grades had to be 70 or above. Athletes had to learn that education was first s for something to fall back on. I'm thrilled that Ashton say the significance and learned and played well, too.
I appreciate your time reading, reviewing, and commenting on my presentation. Thank you for all.
Respectfully, Jan

 Comment Written 15-May-2021

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reply by the author on 15-May-2021

Thank you, too, Jan. I think we have a mutual admiration club. Jan

Comment from keimosobie

Excellent

You have spoken like a true professional. I don't think
I could do as well in similar circumstances. I have trouble engaging
in school activities and would have trouble engaging someone else.
You seem to have a knack for it. 1974 was a long time ago. I cant even imagine what it was like to be a teacher back then. I was only seven

 Comment Written 15-May-2021

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reply by the author on 15-May-2021

I think I was born to be a teacher. I absolutely love it. Jan

Comment from equestrik

Excellent

I love this-of course, as a fellow teacher, I can relate to this story as well. You have chosen a good picture to go with your write. All the best to you in the contest.

 Comment Written 15-May-2021

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reply by the author on 15-May-2021

Thanks, equestrik. Rdfrdmom2

Comment from tfawcus

Excellent

This is a great anecdote about how you handled the situation with Ashton. A skilled piece of classroom management, if ever I heard of one! Holding firm without confrontation is a real skill.

 Comment Written 15-May-2021

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reply by the author on 15-May-2021

Thanks so much, tfawcus. Jan