Lesson Plans

They came roaring out of every possible exit, not stopping for anything in front of them.  The door was thrown open and allowed to slam in the next person’s face.  It was two-thirty and the end of another school day but the beginning of relief for one person in particular.  There were three more days until spring break and then one more month of putting up with this torture.

Lauren Shepardson sat at her desk grading the paragraphs each of her classes had written that day.  The topic was “If Only”.  The quality of writing and mechanics of these paragraphs was poor, but the message each contained was clear.  Every child had hopes and dreams to become wealthy or to better the world.

Lauren’s grading is interrupted as a comment drifts up from below.  “You won’t wake up for three days if this fist cracks you in the face.”

“At least I got a face.”

Jerome and Keith are right below Lauren’s window having a less-than-friendly sounding discussion.

Next to the boys stand a couple of girls gossiping about what happened in gym class.  They are minding their own business, but Jerome decides to remedy that situation.

“You old retarded bitch,” he yells to one of the girls from about fifteen feet.

“Boy, who you think you talking to?”  The young girl interrupts.

“I’m talking to you.” 

Lauren slowly got up from her desk that was right next to the third story windows.  She leaned out of the window directly above Jerome.   He began sauntering over toward the girls who both began to stand up as this bully approached.   These girls would tear this half-wit apart if he got any closer.  Lauren began to intervene.

“Ahem.”  She cleared her throat so loudly that it ached. 

Four little eager faces looked up at the intruder and all spoke together.  “Oh, hi Ms. Shepardson.”  Jerome then added.  “We didn’t know you was still there.”

“Were still there.  Obviously you didn’t by what I’ve been hearing out here.”  Lauren watched the entire group as they lowered their eyes to the ground.

“You all behave, at least until I’m gone.  Jerome, come on up here and let my windows down.  I need some muscles this late in the day.”

Jerome smiled triumphantly as he looked at the girls, then ran through the door.  “Yes ma’am!”

It was the end of another school day.