Fifth Grade Dilemma

      In 1955, schools were a little different than they are now. The students in schools in 2010 have a much

better scholastic opportunity now. The teachers were not in government's gun sites then as they are now. If I

did a punishable act, I was punished, and if I complained about it, my parents were informed and I got

another punishment at home. Teachers were feared but totally respected. I remember my fifth grade teacher

counseling the entire class of boys at one time one day.

     "Girls, during the first few minutes of recess today, I need for you to go play together right outside the

classroom where I can see you from my class windows. I will be able to see you from here; so, do not stray

from in front of my windows. Thank you. Class dismissed. You girls are excused." Mrs. McDermott, fifth

grade teacher at Club Boulevard Elementary School, smiled and ushered the girls out the door,down the hall,

and out onto the playground.

       When she walked into the classroom, she softly closed the door, turned to us boys, took off her horn

rimmed glasses, and stared ahead---apparently in thought. We wanted to giggle because we had never seen

her at such a loss for words. She lowered her head, put her glasses back on, and continued to stare at the

floor.

      After a moment, she looked up and her eyes were just like the picture of Jesus in my living room at

home. Without moving her eyes she seemed to follow my every look and I am sure all of us felt the same as

she said, "I am so hurt and disappointd this week. I heard something earlier this week and I could not believe

my ears. So, I have paid special attention this week and have had the hall monitors check for me this week.

      "You ten year old boys have a lot of responsibility. You have all been blessed with loving parents living

around the NorthgatePark neighborhood where safety, security, and education are freely available to you.

Your fathers all work hard all week to buy you the clothes, food, toys, and bikes you need. You all have

loving mothers who meet you at home every day after school, provide snacks, and give you a worry-free

place to play and study."

       "None of your parents mistreat you or make you do without. If so, I would know it. You all probably

have chores to do, but if you don't do them, your parents do them for you. Everything is as it should be for

ten year old kids!"

       "Why do you feel like you have to say bad words and curse? Do you not realize that every tme you say

a bad work you are telling me that you don't respect me? Every time you curse you are telling your parents

that you don't trust them! Every time you do that you are even spitting in the face of God!!He did not intend

for this world to have children who would not honor their parents!  He forgives you every time you say an

ugly word, but it still hurts Him deeply!"

        "You have a responsibility to me, your parents, and God. I will not bring this up again. I leave it up to

you. The next time I tell anyone it will be when you go to Principal Ridenhour's office and he calls your

parents. Think about respect for yourself and for all of us; there is no reason for fear--just respect. Go on out

to recess now and come back prepared to study and learn. Class dismissed."

       I still think about "Mrs. McDevil" a lot when I am confronted with a choice. Do I mouth off or do I

respond maturely? Her lesson made a lasting impression on all of us that day because no one wanted to hurt

her or their parents.We just thought cussing was cool and mature.

        Then I look at what kids today face in schools.  Teachers with no parental support, threatening laws

and regulations, forced curriculum, and mutual co-worker distrust. We have police roaming the halls and

grounds, birth control pill giveaway programs, no punishment, bullying, smoking and drug usage, knives and

guns in book bags, and daily fights to keep tension high and learning expectations low.

         Once again each of us has a choice to make, Do we just let things go on the way they are, or do we

seek respect for our teachers, administrators, and even our own children?  I know what Mrs. McDevitt

would do. She would take off her glasses,lower her head, weep, and then talk to the problem.