Probable Cause

A few days ago I had to search a child's book bag.  I received a complaint from a 5th grade girl that she had been threatened by another 5th grade girl who had also been hiiting her and told her that if she told she would beat her up and kill her with her pocket knife.  I summoned the two girls to my office and took their statements.  I then talked to the girls separetely and then together.  For the sake of clarity I will call the accuser, child 1, and the one being accused child 2.  Child 1 repeated her story saying that child 2 had actually hit her in the back several times and then threatned her if she told.  Child 2 said she was just playing when she kept pushing child 1.  She also stated that she di in fact threaten the other girl but agains said she was only playing. She said she threatend to beat her up and kill, but never used the word pocket knife.  I asked her did she have a cpocket knife.  She said no.  I went to her classroom and got her bookbag and took her outside the class, but also called the teacher to be a witness.  I had her dump the contents of her book bag and empty her pockets.  There was no pocket knife.  I asked the girl, why did she say these things and agains she stated she was just playing.  I knew this was untrue.  My hwole point for this blog is to talk about probable cause, which is the reason I conducted the search.  Because child one had actually made a threat to child 2 and there was mention of a pocketknife, I had probable cause.  It became my duty to ensure the safety of  child 2, as well as the safety of the enitre school.  Even thought no weapaon was found, I still had to make sure thare was no weapon on the premises.  I learned a alot that day, but it was my principal who helped me to see things clearly, when I later informed her about the incident.  She said I had done a good job but she asked me what led me to conduct the search.  I had been given probable cause and had to ensure the safety of all.  In the end student 2, apologized to student 1, who said she felt threatend and the fear of retaliation.  I assured her that this would eb the end of things because student 2 did not realized the seriousness of what she had done.  The principal later talked with both girls.  I neve knew 5th grade girls were becoming so agressive and violent.  It was a mentoring moment for me. 

Torn Between Two Lovers

If you're in my age group, you'll remember the song and understand why I've chosen this title for this blog.  As an intern I am trying so hard to make sure I do all that I am asked to do while on the job and still get all of my internship experiences that I am required to get to graduate.  Sometimes I feel lile I don't know if I am coming or going.  Each week I have a class and an assignment due, but the things that I am doing at work at often not related to anything on my internship experience list of tasks.  Somehow I thought it would all jibe but that is not the case and from what I'm hearing, the same is true for others.  I want to enjoy this internship, but more importantly I want to graduate on time in May without any hindrances.  I don't know if I'm getting it all done.  The written comps is coming up in two weeks and I feel like I need a day off to prepare for that, but it's not written into my program.  As a NCPrinicpal Fellow students I am required to work a 40 hour week even though I have to attend class one day per week. Despite the fact I drive from Winston-Salem to Durham each week, I still manage to get my time in, but there's no time for anything else.  It would really be nice if the internship was four days a week, leaving me at least one full day for class and or other school related things.  Somebody should've thought of that, especially for those of us who are working full-time internships.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm not __itching, I'm just venting because if I dont get some of this stuff off my chest, I'll explode and that's not something I want to do.  I sometimes feel overwhelmed and as if I don't actually know what I'm doing.  Each day at work is a constant variable.  I expect to go in and do one thing and beofre I can log onto my computer somebody comes along with something totally different for me to do.  I love the job and I love workign with the kids but there are so many things on that list, I feel like I may never get them all in.  I want to be a good AP intern, because I want to be a good AP and principal.  So I need a little help.  Wanting to do good and be good at something is not a bad thing.  I would just liek to know that I am doing the right things.  I've gotten a great deal of experience with things like bus duty, cafeteria duty, and some marginal experiences with discipline, but there are many other things on that list that I need to do and know.  I don't want to be like some who have simply gotten thrown in to the wolves and as expected, they were devoured.  Has anybody learned how to balance all this?  Balance can sometimes be a four letter word in this profession.  I remember last year when we awere at a NCPF conference, we were advised by some veteran principals to find balance, especially in your professional and personal life.  Another good friend of mine who used to be my principal told me to make sure that I go home for dinner with my family each day and then return if I needed to.  Well I am a divorcee whoe lives alone and don't have a family, so people think I don't have a life outside of school.  They stay until 7 through 9 pm most nights and because I don't, it makes me look bad, although I can assure you, I don't feel bad.  Anybody got any advice?  Well I guess I've ranted and raved for long enough; it's time for me to shut up and listen to some good, sound advice.  Yoo hoo?  Anybody there?  If so, I'm listening.  Holla back.