the sad irony

[Grampa]

I'm getting my degree in child development and one of the classes requires me to make or purchase a multicultural persona doll.

So as Im driving all over town trying to find a classroom tool that's used to teach children the concept of acceptance and diversity I hear on the radio that three more students I've been involved with were found dead this weekend.



http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/3-found-shot-to-death-in-Delano-after-vehicle-crashed-into-a-fence-280457632.html




make the beast with two backs  make the beast with two backs  make the beast with two backs  

[Skybarney]

Sorry to hear it.   

Sucks to see them lose it so young.  Sounds like you are wanting to make a difference and that is what counts.  Kids need more people like you.   

[koko64]

What a waste. Sorry for the tragic news.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Sorry Joel. Hugs.

[ducpainter]

Don't stop caring because it hurts bro.

You're doing a good thing.

[Grampa]

It's a challenge. I sit in class and learn about all the wonderful teaching methods that are tailored around each child's learning strengths starting from preschool on.  Then reality hits you in the face when you step outside the classroom and see a world full negative influences that children have thrust upon them when they leave your care. It's like bailing water out of a boat with a hole in it the size of a VW bug, and the only tool you have at your disposal is a soup can.

Odds are probably I know the shooter/s as well.

[Grampa]

on a happier note... I made my doll.


bp plays with dolls

[Speeddog]

Don't stop caring because it hurts bro.

You're doing a good thing.

That's the important part.

------------------
And it's a dolly, not a doll. 

[Howie]

Don't stop caring because it hurts bro.

You're doing a good thing.

Wise words spoken here. 

[MendoDave]

Yeah sorry to hear. It must take a toll.

[triangleforge]

That's a hard one, Joel. The high school kids I teach face a lot of challenges as well, though an order of magnitude smaller than yours, and the bad choices they make tend to have (so far, knock on wood) lower consequences.

But I do know this: just by showing up every day and caring, you're making a difference. By learning more about your teaching practice and working at becoming a better teacher, you're making a bigger difference. You're handing out Golden Tickets every single day - those tickets don't come with any guarantee that they'll be used wisely or even used at all, but you're opening a door to a world that many of these kids otherwise would never have a chance to enter, and some of them - maybe even a lot of them - are going to walk through it. 

[Grampa]

Today should be interesting. Delano is north, McFarland is south, in gang terms. They are six miles apart. Apparently there were two shootings in McFarland over the weekend ( again kids), then three are killed in Delano in retaliation. Yesterday was a red day ( gang colors) at the campus ( staff separates the kids as best they can on alternative days) today is a blue day. Red north, blue south.

[MendoDave]

I'm so glad I never went to a school like that. Just your regular Bullies at my school, but no gangs.

[GK]

No real gang stuff here, but lots of bullies.

Earlier this year, I attended a funeral of one kid I'd worked with years ago. Suicide. Massive problem here. ðŸ'ŽðŸ'Ž

[GK]

Keep up your efforts Grandpa. We need more like you! ðŸ'ðŸ'