Freewrite

It is very easy to become cynical about teaching in a high needs area.  Most of the time my kids are unmotivated, disrespectful, and incredibly confrontational.  However, with each day there are inevitably bright spots.  For instance, Mr. Mill and I (mostly Mill) have been sponsoring a very informal chess club.  We are actually starting to generate some excitement.  We now have about four somewhat legitimate student chess players coming to Mr. Mill's room after school.  We have two consistent participators and both kids are a pleasure to be around.  I cannot express how nice it is to be around kids who act like human beings and appreciate the game of chess.  The chess club that Mr. Mill has created has given these two kids an opportunity to escape the world of insanity that is North Panola High School.  It has allowed them to act like real kids, making geeky references to Star Wars and Spongebob Squarepants.  And these are not geeky kids.  They are legitimately funny, interesting people.  Unfortunately for them the environment at North Panola doesn't often provide an outlet for interesting people.  Our chess club provides a brief escape from the rough environment they must face every day.  Now perhaps I am not being too clear in this blog, but I think most teachers will know what I mean.