6th Grade Logic...

Today I had my first true challenge with a student. Popkid came in today in a decent mood. I was in a good mood too, as I was glad to be back at school today.

So we were sitting in our first group and out of nowhere, Popkid asks if Cell Phones are allowed at school. I told him it was ridiculous to have a phone at school, as we have phones in the office that he can call home with, so no, they're not allowed. He asked if he could have it in his backpack. I told him that if it didn't disturb class, then I guess so. I told him it would be best though if he just left it at home. He followed by saying it was at home, and it was turned off at home. I said, "Great." Then I turned to take care of another student. A little while later, my next group came in and Popkid had a boy look under the table because he wanted to show him something. Yep, you guessed it, it was a cell phone. I was pretty surprised. I didn't take this kid to be one to lie to me. I told him to put it up and get to work. I told him we would talk later. (Using Mr. C.'s "Don't worry about it" method of surprise)

I waited until the end of the day and pulled him in the hall to talk to him. He knew why I was pulling him in the hall, and admitted to lying to a teacher last year. I just looked at him and said a silent prayer. He's lied once to an adult and now he lied to me, and had no fear of doing it. I just looked at him and gave him my little speech on being lied to and how much I HATE THAT. I didn't really care about the cell phone part of it, it was the fact the little guy lied to me. I told him that part had injured my trust in him and that he would have to earn it back. Then I walked away.

After school I spoke with his teacher about it who told me that he had already been caught with the phone and had been told that if it was found again it would be taken away from him. He also informed me that district policy is to take it to the office and the parents have to come get it. (I winced at that, if I had known that I would have done that. My previous district wasn't like that.) So, I see his teacher having another talk with him and I will do the same.

I tell ya, I hate it when they lie. Period.

I'll keep ya posted.

Life.
Is.
Still.
Good.

Even when 6th grade logic frustrates me!