Court

Remember the fight during the science fair? I had to go to court yesterday because of it. Not really all that bad. I brought enough personal business for three to four hours. Didn't even have to take a sick or personal day. Court--school business.

The girl in mind went for the plea bargain--a year supervision, anger management, conflict resolution classes, mandatory school attendance, community service.

OK. Mandatory school attendance. This on a girl who ditches school, fights, curses, SPITS IN A COPS FACE, hits another girl in the jaw when she's being restrained by another cop, etc. etc. etc.

But I was back at my desk in two hours.

So today we passed out report cards. Another interesting moment. Children all over glad to get a C.

In my household an A is absolutely excellent, B is beautiful, C means confused, D is a dummy and an F--a failing fool.

I'm confused myself. Court cases. Children happy to get C's. (One seventh grader was so jubilant, he hugged me.) Parents waiting at the door for conferences. (I go to school on Wednesdays, but they have my phone number.)

Another day tomorrow.

Oh, and by the way, the court girl was in school today--doing her work. Quietly. All day long.

She's really quite bright, you know, so we're not giving up on her. But how do you stop someone from giving up on them self?