{{Gris}} So rough. I agree with what the others have said, and I hope that the town meeting goes well.

I'm really surprised at how many teachers make it past the first year.

It's sad how many don't, though. People who would be good teachers, too.

eta: Cash is wise.

Moebius-strip shoes

Cool!

{{Gris}} I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate dedicated teachers. You rock. I am amazed on a daily basis by teachers. It is a very tough job. Don't know why any of you last more than the first year.

I feel this way about my kids many days. This morning I didn't bring Brendon to school at 7 because the project that he was up working on until 2 this morning was such crap I wouldn't let him turn it in. So he didn't get to school until 9 because I made him do it over. And today is his birthday, but instead of having a fun morning his dad and I had to deal with his minimalist crap homework.

Also, 15 years ago today I gave birth to my first child. Parenting often sucks.

{{{Laura}}}

Happy Giving Birth Day, anyhow.

Ben is getting into the minimalist crap homework phase. It's driving me nuts.

{{{Laura}}} You're a good mom.

I'd like to see No Child Left Behind applied to families and communities, rather than skewering teachers for so much that is beyond their control.

Amen. Amen. Amen.

Gris, I'm so sorry, and so humbled by the difficulties you face as a teacher. I couldn't do it and I can't support you enough in finding ways to take care of yourself so that you CAN do it with less wear and tear on yourself.

Recently, I borrowed the audiobook of Frank McCourt's Teacher Man, read by the author. I highly recommend it. Rather than a stirring To Sir With Love sort of vibe, he speaks bluntly about what it was like to teach in the NYC schools for 30 years. The occasional wins, the losses and all the ordinary in between.

Much peace ~ma to you as you navigate this difficult day.

You know, I honestly think most boys could use a Wanderjahr around age 14. They're too restless from the hormone cocktail in their system to pay attention in school or even have the desire to be there. Let them take a year off, work in two or three different places as interns, see how their high school and college education can make a difference. Get them to understand that a slacker attitude does nothing for them in the real world and then send them back to school, perhaps with a little more incentive to succeed.

That's an awesome idea Sail.

tensions were very high, and two of our more crazy girls nearly had a fight in the hallway after one of them accused friends of the other one

er...you either need to watch this last season of the Wire as soon as possible or avoid it at all costs.

I wish I had some good (or any) advice, Gris. My dad was a public school teacher for for 30 years and I knew I'd never have the fortitude to do what he did. I know it's frustrating and depressing as hell now but your kids are lucky to have someone who cares so much. I hope you're able to stick with it.

{{Gris}} Ditto what everyone else said. I'm so sorry this is so hard on you, and I admire you so much for even wanting to do this, and for trying so hard. Caring so much, that makes you a good teacher, right there.

Sail, that's a good idea. Girls could use one around age 16, too, I think.