The kids were mean to me at school today mommy...

I don't remember saying this during my school days, but I'm sure I did at some point. I got a nice, friendly reminder of what that feels like today. During the first hour of my school day I I teach 2nd graders math. Three boys, in particular were a treat today. Let's call them Student A, Student B, and Student C.

Student A has been frequently arriving to class late. I asked his homeroom teacher about it and she was surprised that he was getting to my class late because he is one of the first ones to drop off his stuff in her room and leave. Today, when he came late again, I asked him if he came straight to my room, and he said no, he went to the bathroom and took a long time because he didn't want to go to class. I told him this was not acceptable and if he continued to be late and not get his work done, he would do it during recess.

Now, math class is over and I see the three students' homeroom teacher take them to the principals office. She explains later that another 2nd grade girl told her they were saying bad things about me and she couldn't even repeat what she had heard. 20 minutes later, students A, B, and C come to my class with letters that the principal had written. I thanked them and asked them what things they had said. Student B just happens to be the son of our principal, he wouldn't tell me what things he said. "My dad will tell you after school, I need to get back to class" I told all 3 boys that they needed to tell me, because part of doing something wrong is making it right with that person. They sort of explained that they said something about me using a funny toilet or something and that I dance around it, and every time I turn around I hit another student, something about being fat. Oh, little boys and the potty humor. We had a chat.

Later, the principal told me about his chat with A, B, and C. He said that at first, student A just had a big smirk on his face (this is consistent with Student A's behavior). Principal also said that he was so unglued and upset that he had to leave. Sounds like when he returned, the boys were pretty humbled and hopefully learned a lesson. I, of course, am not upset about what the boys said, but it's good to know that the principal's got my back!