|
A lesson in silence When I started my first job as Davie County High School librarian, I didn’t know I would inherit homeroom responsibilities. They were good kids, but not much younger than I. All went well until the first reporting period when pupils returned for report cards. Until students cleared their library account, teachers would hold their report cards. My homeroom group fidgeted while I attended to a long line of protesting students with outstanding debts and overdue books. Soon my students felt free to talk with blow horn voices. I warned them several times to quiet down, but they continued. As the line dwindled, I turned my angry attention to them. I would make sure this wouldn’t happen again. I wouldn’t release them to catch their bus. We all heard bus engines revving. Their eyes rolled, they squirmed, but no noise. I held firm. We watched others dashing for their busses, but my class sat still. I didn’t care if I had to drive everyone home. They weren’t going to do that to me again. Bus noises grew louder. Worry showed on faces. Believing I had made my point, I said, “You can go.” They ran like Olympians. Had I held them too long? I waited, knowing I might have to drive 24 students home. I waited. Silence never sounded so good. Gail C. Johnson, Minnesott Beach |
|
