1.  More students
2.  More heat

We had a staff meeting this morning in which we were told that for each failing student, the teacher must have documentation that she gave the student multiple opportunities to succeed, and additionally must contact the parent to discuss the grades, and Keep a Log of all parental contact.

On the surface, this seems fine.  At least, it's nothing new.  Teachers have always been expected to stay overtime (unpaid), beg, call home, do whatever possible to make sure the students pass.  When that doesn't happen and the student inevitably fails (It's just so hard to get those passing grades when you're expected to turn in the pesky work!  And if you do one assignment, they will just give you MORE! I mean, what kind of place is this?  Students just can't win at this school.), the punishment by the administration on the teachers is so incapacitating that the teacher will usually pass the student anyway. 

So, okay, I'll do all that.  Let's just go to the old gradebook, ok, generate failure report, yes let's do that, and OMFG.  ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE STUDENTS FAILING.  Christ are you kidding me?  I have to write interventions for and call the families of 125 kids?!?!?!!??!  Most teachers don't even have 125 kids total.  Out of mine that many are FAILING?

Yes.

While I stew in my own rage and slowly get cooked in my crock-pot of a classroom, I leave you with this:
It's picture day today and the kids are acting adorable and self-conscious, especially the trouble-makers.  Hehe.

p.s. We are candidates for the international baccalaureate program.  The only thing between us and the distinction as an "IB school" is a visit from the board of IB.  Can't wait til they visit my classroom and see this madness.