A Come to Jesus Meeting

It’s a phrase that my mom used when I was young. “We’re gonna have a Come to Jesus meeting when you get home about your grades in English.”

A balding preacher springs to my mindbwhite knuckles gripping the podiumbleaning toward the congregation and flecking the front row with frothy vengeance, screaming, bTurn from thy wicked ways!b

Thatbs certainly how I felt on Thursday with my iPad class.

On Wednesday, I got an email from one of the P.E. teachers describing her discontent with my students using their iPads to take pictures, play games, and dick around during P.E. class.

She probably didnbt say bdick aroundb. Thatbs an embellishment.

This emailbcopied to my administrators, of coursebgave voice to a sentiment that other teachers were probably feeling; I donbt know what to do with these things. Can I confiscate them? Can I discipline the students for taking them out?

I sent an email apologizing for the students and assuring that I would deal with it. I sent an email with the iPad policies to the whole staff, then cracked my knuckles and waited for the iPad class to stumble unwittingly into 3^rd period.

As they entered, I shook everyonebs hand (as I do every day) and said, bGood morning! Please put your iPad in the cart and have a seat.b

Then I came to my podium.

bTeachers have been complaining about this class. [dramatic pause] They say that you are taking your iPads out in other classes, taking pictures, playing games, and letting other students use them. [dramatic eye contact with the offenders] You all know what the expectations are; you signed a contract and so did your parents. You know what to do, and youbre making me look bad. So today, webre going to practice how to have a class without the iPad, so you know how your other classes should look. Clearly, you need some practice.b

Then I put on a smile and we went through the period. I thought they got the point.

The next day, I caught two different students playing games in my class. I directed them to put their iPads in the cart, and their responses were:

bWhat? Ibm done already.b
and bWhy?b

To the second student, I fixed him with my best teacher stare and asked in a low tone, bIs that a serious question?b

He wisely didnbt respond.

I quite enjoy Halloween. I love to put on a costume and be somebody different for a short while. Itbs not because I donbt like my usual self, but itbs just so fun to be somebody new for a little bit.

Thatbs why Ibm comfortable being a hardass in short installments. I like when everyone in my class is happy, but teachers will tell you that a teacher who is only happy will result in a class that is only unruly.

For those two students, I began taking deep breaths about 10 minutes before the period ended, preparing myself to instill the fear of the Lord in them.

When the class ended, I motioned for those two to wait, and the RSP teacher to also stick around. I brought them over to my desk and showed them a copy of the student/parent contract.

bThis is the contract that you and your parent signed. This bullet point says I will use the iPad for academic purposes during school hours in accordance with the rules set forth by MVUSD. You both were well aware of the rulesbespecially after our conversation yesterdayb but you chose to break them anyway. In this contract, the penalty is removal from this program and this class. We will have a meeting this weekend to see if you should be removed. Ibll let you know what we decide on Tuesday. Youbre dismissed.b

Two wide-eyed and trembling teens trudged out the door. Once it closed, I turned to the RSP teacher and asked, bToo much?b

Her eyes were also wide. bNo! That was awesome!b

Then I called their parents and gave them the same discussion. I predict two very remorseful students in my 3^rd period on Tuesday.

Furthermoreband this is the part that my wife doesnbt getbIbm buying myself an easier year by sacrificing these two little lambs on the altar. Because middle-school students gossip like two old church ladies at bridge club.

You can guarantee that every other student in the class will be terrified to use a game in class, which is exactly what I wanted. Thatbs why I was comfortable wearing the Red-Faced Preacher mask for a few minutes.

So that I can be Happy Math Teacher for the rest of the year.

UPDATE 2013 January 31st:
One of the aforementioned little lambs didn’t come to Jesus, and was removed from the course after his next offense a month later.

He probably hates Temple Run now.