do you want the bad news or the funny news?

Last Thursday I was stopped at the end of the day by SJ's flex teacher.  Flex teachers are special area teachers (art, computer, library, etc.) who help the classroom teachers work on skills with small groups of students.

He told me that they were working on math skills in the computer lab.  SJ has not been enjoying flex time.  He gets very frustrated and has trouble controlling his emotions.  

Mr. Chip is being very patient with him and I really appreciate his efforts.  He had a student observing him on Thursday.  SJ again got frustrated over the skill that they were working on.  He started crying and hitting the computer. Mr. Chip tried to settle him down, but he wasn't having any luck.  

The student offered to take him for a walk to settle him down.  He was able to calm him down and they returned to the computer lab. Mr. Chip said his frustration returned, but the student was able keep SJ somewhat calmer.  

The student was with Mr. Chip when he was telling me about SJ's behavior.  I thanked him for his kindness and he told me he has special needs siblings.  No wonder why he had so much empathy.  I told Mr. Chip that SJ would have a consequence and thanked him for his efforts.

On a funny note, the principal stopped me on my way to the office.  "Did the receptionist tell you what SJ said yesterday?," he asked me. "No," I replied.  He said that she had asked him if he was excited for Friday.  He just shrugged as if he didn't know.  She reminded him that it was the Valentines Day party.  He said, "No.  I don't have many romances in my life."  Many romances?  Hopefully at 11, he doesn't have any romances!