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Week 6 -- 02/11/2018 -- 02/15/2018

Good Afternoon West Community,


I am more than comfortable writing this post now then I was 1 week ago, for a variety of reasons. Last week was certainly one of the more confusing and uncomfortable scenarios that this community, this school district, and this city have seen in over 20-years. I am talking about the DCTA/DPS negotiations that endured for 3-days, which became the main talking point for many around the city. I was not above talking about it, as I fielded many questions from students, colleagues and family members. It is only human nature to want to know what is happening, and what will become of a dispute. I am very glad to report that both parties were able to come to an agreement, and they certainly got everyone's attention.

What I believe is the most fascinating topic to come out of the negotiations is the students themselves. All around the city, we saw students who expressed themselves in a variety of ways. From students throwing hallway parties due to lack of supervision, to students simply staying home as they didn't see the value in coming to school. From students simply being in school but not participating in anything that was provided to them, to students who participated in the strike itself by joining their teachers outside in the cold weather, the city's inhabitants were made aware that the issue of teacher's pay and respect is one that should be taken lightly. Their voices were heard. Does that mean that's it and everything is fine and dandy? No, it does not. It only means that they're are more issues that we as educators need to tackle, and the staff here at WLA is more than prepared to address all of the issues that our student's are facing.

I am incredibly blessed to work in a community that values its teachers, and work in a building where our administration, our staff, and our students all care for one another, and work with one another. We are united, plain and simple. 

Classroom Instruction:

My classes on Friday were able to finally finish up their anti-bullying posters for the school and this week we will be finishing up the lesson on Abuse and starting the lesson on Accountability.

Happy reading, y'all.

Cowboys, out.


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