October 10, 2008 
Most of you know that I started working at a school in a south-side community of Chicago. It is located in a neighborhood that is known for wide spread drug abuse and gang activity. It is what I like to do….find the children who need the most help and do my best to help them. One of the fringe benefits of my job are the spontaneous conversations that happen when I least expect it. Today I stood silently at the front of the room holding my clipboard and pencil (ready to assign demerits) trying to decide who to give a demerit (they all needed one…no kidding), and the boy sitting in the front desk whispered to me…
He said, “Are you Ms. Howard’s sister?”
“No” I replied. “I work here. I am here to help the teachers.”
He said, “So, you are here to give demerits?”
I sighed, “Yes, but once you have learned the rules I will have time to help you with your work.”
He paused and then went on…
He said, “Do you like to trick-or-treat?”
I whispered back, “I’m a little old for that.”
He smiled, shook his head, and whispered again saying, “Nooo…I mean do you like giving candy to children at Halloween.”
I whispered back in my library voice, “Ooohhh YES, I look for children to give candy to on Halloween.”
He said (as if I had no idea what he was about to say), “That’s me! I love getting candy!”
I smiled and walked away.
So, who do you think got the demerit for “#32…not tracking the teacher” or “#21…talking out of turn?”
Neither of course…I had the clipboard. If you are going to break the rules, make sure you do it with the one in charge. It also helps if you are adorably honest and transparent when you do it. I can’t wait to make treat bags!!!
