Praying for snow...

The sky looks heavy and the weather channel says we *might* have rain and ice tonight. In the South, an ice storm can be crippling, and if it's bad enough, school will be canceled. Today we had a schoolwide writing assessment from 8:45-12:00, so needless to say to anyone who knows anything about middle schoolers, by the end of the day, we teachers were sick to death of our kids. :X While I would not normally pray for snow -- we have to make up snow days by losing scheduled vacation days -- I am doing a little snow dance tonight because I really need a break. I have my blue and white snowflake mug full of hot cocoa right now, and I'm sending out the snow energy. Maybe Karen can work her magick.

I spent some time talking to Julio today. Julio is one of my students who, despite all of the trouble he causes, has wormed his way into my heart. I truly love this kid and want to help him, but I don't know that he isn't already beyond help. He's 13, bright, and very likeable. He is also a chronic behavior problem, is failing every subject, and is hanging out with gang-bangers. I actually stopped him from getting into a fight today, and gave him some quality time while the rest of the class was watching a movie. He has dreams of going to college, having a career, raising a family, etc. , but doesn't seem to believe that he could do any of these things. He calls himself "dumb" or a "loser," and acts like the world isn't giving him any choices. I tell him we all have choices, and not making a choice IS a choice. You can't just let life happen to you; you have to make life happen. Sigh. He makes me sad. Kids like him are probably what will keep me at my school despite all my frustrations; they need me and I love to be needed.

OK, a happier topic. If you are a SCRABBLE buff like me, I can suggest a great online place to play: http://www.isc.ro. It's an international server that I discovered in November, and I've met lots of fun, interesting people there. My SCRABBLE name is LizLSB, so if you see me, match me. Just remember I am a ruthless SCRABBLE player who loves to win. :)