Subject: Friday, January 17
Date: Sat, 18 Jan 2003 13:14:44

Yesterday was a big day.

Before school started a number of students were waiting outside my classroom... some with cards, some with pictures... all saying goodbyes to me. During my prep I wandered down to Brenda's room (my union rep who's been the most helpful over the past month and a half), and asked briefly what the kids knew that we didn't. She said she'd make a couple of calls to find out.

My second period Algebra I class took their final exam. My third period Algebra II class had taken their's the day before, so Friday was just one last homework check and two kids made up tests from earlier in the quarter. The guys in the class asked if they could go out to get something out of their car, and came back with a present for me... a bean bag chair, because they know I do my best thinking on the floor. Other students dropped by with cards and thoughts during the day. At the end of third period, about half the students lagged behind to shake hands with me or hug me.

Fourth period (the last of the day on our block schedule) took their Algebra I final as well. About 2:30, a student assistant from the office brought down a note from the principal stating he'd like to meet with me at 2:55. When school was over at 2:45 my classroom was filled with students I'd taught over the past two and a half years. Some honor students whom I'd inspired, some low C and D students who'd applied themselves for the first time in my class. Two of them openly cried. At 2:53 the phone in my class rang, and the meeting was about to start.

It was short and blunt. Attending were the principal, district administrator, Brenda, and the union president of our district. I was told that the undated resignation I'd been forced to sign (or else be terminated) was indeed being dated for Friday, January 17. I was told that I'd have to clean out my classroom, turn in my keys, and never return to the building.

Knowing there were students waiting for me, I was given 15 minutes with them, then they'd have to leave. One grabbed a cell phone, dialed a number, and said, "Jones is gone," and burst into tears. Over the next few minutes I told them how proud I was of them, and how I wanted them to support the campus, the staff, and the administration... to carry on in the best traditions of the high school and to live up to my expectations of them.

More hugs and tears on the way out, then the assistant principal and both union reps waited in my classroom as I packed. Brenda helped with all the knick-knacks I'd got from Cathy and all my students during my tenure. The process took about an hour, then it was decided the best way to proceed was for me to get my car out of the faculty lot and park by the door outside my classroom. On my way down the hallway, the number of students outside had doubled. All had kind things to say about their time in my class and all the things they'd learned. This time I couldn't help it and my own tears began to fall.

Every student, male and female, seniors to freshmen that were there, either shook my hand or hugged me, and it was a very tearful goodbye. Then, they lined on either side of the hall and began applauding as I took my final walk down the 100 wing.

My car was loaded, and I was off to work for Harrah's.

In the meantime, thank you for your continued prayers and support. I'll keep in touch.