Teaching Elementary, My Dear Watson

45 - State Meet

45

State Meet

Monday, April 24

No sex, drugs, or rock n' roll, but still one of his best weekends ever. Kevin stayed home most of Sunday, smiling. The kids' performance at the track meet had him on a high. It was almost like Angela's attendance made all the difference, leading the team to success. Her help mattered.

Kevin asked in the office, and the principal told him that he could put the team victory banner by the parking entrance, then pointed out a couple of poles between which it could be tied. Kevin did so, beaming. Families were excited as they entered, kids pointing out the positive news. Lots of people said congratulations.

Smith spent part of the morning in Kevin's class doing an observation.

Perhaps he is in a better mood because of the positive public relations the victory had garnered for the school. Or maybe not. I don't care.

Track and field continued for one final week during P.E., helping several kids get ready for the upcoming state championship on Saturday.

Lunchtime was all about softball. He had an idea of who the team members would be from all his workouts with them in the past few weeks. But today he needed to finish making decisions. Games would begin May 8. He got the kids working out on the field, but it was hard for him to focus on softball because he was excited about next Saturday's state track meet.

After school, Kevin picked up his copy of the results of Smith's observation from the office. Kevin earned an evaluation of "proficient".

Above average, but with Smith that might be the highest I could ever earn. Amazing.

"Distinguished" seemed out of the question, so a mark of "proficient" felt almost as good as the track and field team victory.

Tuesday, April 25

During P.E., Kevin had the kids run mini-competitions daily, pitting the top competitors against the ones who would not participate Saturday, but he made sure all there knew they were helpful, and thus got the best kids to push themselves in the mock races and contests, congratulating all schoolmates for their efforts. For the different running events, Kevin had several kids begin with head starts, so Valerie and the others had one runner after another to overtake, giving them all short-term goals. But he still emphasized staying true to their pacing. "Don't change your style. Stay consistent. Your legs will carry you past the ones in front. Just focus on your breathing and form. Near the end, lift your knees a little more to pick up speed. Just a little more. You want to finish strong at the end, but not before the finish line. Remember how you passed some kids who slowed down too soon last Saturday." They nodded.

For the jumps, he not only reminded kids of their personal bests but also placed markers by the sandpit, showing them those distances, and giving them targets for where to land to reach those goals. They improved.

Wednesday, April 26

The staff meeting went better than usual. Kevin sat next to Angela and got her laughing. Smith praised Kevin and the team for their achievements last Saturday, and Kevin thanked the whole staff for their support during P.E. practice and more, making sure to single out those who helped on Saturday, including Angela.

*****

Later, Kevin planned to eat dinner with Jodi and Johnny before sitting in on band practice. Around five, his phone rang at home. It was Jodi.

"Hey, Kevin. Got a minute?"

"Sure, Jodi. What's up?"

"Maybe nothing. At least I hope it's nothing. I could use a trusted friend to watch Johnny a little more. Remember when I asked you once before? I'm afraid he may be using his opiates for pain a little too much."