Student Troubles

I have a student who I never see...in fact, he could probably be off an IEP. He has all A's and B's, does all his work (in fact is slightly obsessed with his grades) and has lofty goals. Recently, however, he's been struggling with depression and over the weekend, he had to be admitted to Children's Hospital (he was on the absence list yesterday and it made me wonder because he NEVER misses). It just makes me so sad. Kids have so much to deal with and often times no one sees it because if they're getting good grades and doing all their work and they're putting on a happy face, they must be fine. But, lo and behold, it's all a mask. And boys are the worst because they don't talk about their feelings. Thankfully, the parents of this kid seem to be very on top of it. When they discovered he was struggling, they immediately sought professional help and contacted me and the school counselor. I just hope this kid gets the help he needs and finds someone and/or something that can help with his depression. I can only imagine the despair someone suffering like this must be going through.

Another student, who is a former student of mine (off an IEP) and a senior, is, I believe, at the starting point of throwing his life away. I believe he's dealing drugs, as well as doing them and I don't feel like there is a big rush to deal with this. I've told the administration about my beliefs (he carries a WAD of cash around) as has another adult and the kids talk about it ALL the time. The parents, though they care and want to figure out a way to help their kid, don't know how and I think they stick their head in the sand most of the time. It's so frustrating. He's a nice kid and smart but he has no direction and doesn't seem to have anyone he can look to for motivation.

I'm sure a LOT of people had similar thoughts about me when I was in high school (I screwed around more than you can imagine) and I don't know what it was that put me back on track. Maybe it was Maggie always being there to hound me about the correct path (that's a compliment) or a built-in knowledge that I couldn't continue down that path but thank God I figured it out.

Oh, just saw my neighbor on the news. Mason wrestling coach who coached a Patriot on the Superbowl winning team.  Funny.

Okay - I'm now done with my melancholy post. It's just important to remember these kids are teenagers and their brains aren't fully developed yet and often make REALLY stupid decisions and adults to need to at least try and put a stop to that.

K - Happy Tuesday! Later!