FFBD

Well into my third year of teaching high school students, those identified with various academic, emotional and physical disabilities continued to be my charge. These darling misfits were not protected from following the school’s discipline policy. Many had their share of deviant, often senseless behavior referrals to the Dean’s office. I served as their negotiator, parent, and often, referee. Being a woman with an all male administration worked both ways. Today would be no exception.

First and foremost, I must introduce you to an ever-favorite student, Sammy. Soaking wet, Sammy likely weighed a mere 90 pounds. His height of just under 5 foot served him well. Saucer like crystal blue eyes, he was a blonde haired lad you couldn’t help but like. Often picked on, he stood up to any and everyone using his wit.

Called to the office via the school’s intercom, I made a mad dash to yet another crisis. Who, what, and why ran through my spinning head. Entering the Dean’s office, who should appear but Sammy, his counselor Mr. Burns, and Dean Hawthorne. No smiles but mine appeared as Sammy sat stiffly at attention.

“Mrs. Soandso, the reason you are called here is because of a little conflict caused by your student, Sammy. Isn’t that right, Sammy?” barked Mr. Hawthorne. My smile immediately left as sternness replaced my look. “Sammy, tell Mrs. Soandso why you are here. Go ahead, we will not interrupt.”

Sammy gazed sheepishly around the office. When we made eye contact, Sammy blushed while a nervous snicker popped. “Sammy, explain very clearly to Mrs. Soandso what brought you here today.” added Mr. Burns. “And don’t miss any details.”

Clearing his throat, Sammy began to sputter, “Welllllll, it kinda went like this. I was early to Algebra and took my seat, I’m good at bein late, but today I was on time. ‘Cool, I thought, Mrs. Cooke will be happy about that.’  Anyway, the guys around were teasin me about some of the girls as they walked in, you know, like guys like to do.” Sammy began to show a little anxiousness and stalled.

“Go on,” demanded Dean Hawthorne. “This is your story and you have to own it.” Looking over his glasses, he proceeded pat his ever-present paddle.

“Ah, well, ah, this girl like, walks in. I can’t remember her name but she’s not very pretty and she’s kinda full, ya know. Oh yeah, her name was Lulu.” Sammy sputtered. “Anyway, the guys dared me to talk to her, and I didn’t know what to say, so, so,,,,”

“Sammy, speak loud and clear so all of us can hear what you said to her. Come on now, what did you say?” interrupted Counselor Burns.

“Well, I didn’t say anything. I just………”

“You did what, Sammy?” asked Dean H. “Go ahead, share with Mrs. Soandso.”

“Oouwoooooooo, Oouwoooooo, that’s what I did Mrs. Soandso. Ya, I went like, Oouwooooooo. Yip, yip.”

“You, umm, you howled like a dog, Sammy?” I pensively inquired. I wanted to laugh, but the trio would not be joining me. Both men and Sammy sat there staring at me with sullen faces.

“Yes, Mrs. Soandso, I barked at Lulu and everybody laughed except Mrs. Cooke. She pulled me and Lulu in the hall and made me apologize. Lulu accepted and all was good. Then she gave me a referral slip. So here I am.”

Sammy’s head was nearly between his knees as he let out a sigh followed by a huge laugh! Dean Hawthorne and Counselor Burns joined in on the hilarity. I was had!

No harm done as these men made the attempt to humor my daily task of keeping my misfits in school and out of trouble. Peer pressure to fit in had given Sammy one more reason to use his humor as acceptance.

From that point on, Mr. Hawthorne and counselor Burns lovingly called me, “FFBD”. It would be just the three of us that shared my new pet name. The humor and love I received from peers and teens helped sustain my 36 years in the classroom. And, FFBD? What does that stand for you might ask?  Fran,Fran,Barking Dog!

Yes, lovingly,  FFBD is a constant reminder of the humor and love it took for me to survive everyday as a teacher and advocate of teenage undesirables. I chose not to see them as such.  These teens were and continue to be my true loves.

Lessons Learned

Love what you do and do what you love.  Need I say more?  I enjoyed many more up days than down. Ever grateful to make a difference with so many young minds. They certainly made a difference with mine!

Humor is good medicine.  If it were not for my sense of humor and that of my staff, many students would not have gotten the golden ticket, their diploma. Lightheartedness and laughter were and continue to be my best antidotes.

Thanks for reading!