keep it in the family

i wrote up one of my students - my "son" - today for fighting with his girlfriend outside of my classroom. as i was writing it up, some of my students protested. "nah, ms. faith, that's his baby's momma!" "ms. faith, that's between them." it was mildly frustrating, to say the least - a definite reminder that abuse is a systemic problem (especially here). i put a note on the form - "domestic dispute?" but i'm not sure how much good it will do.

there are certain student couples that i suspect live on the edge of physical abuse. this is twice in one week that i've had couples arguing to the point of physical violence outside my classroom. and none of the kids say ANYTHING.