AmyFuji

AmyFuji
Location
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Birthday
December 29
Title
teacher
Company
Chicago Public Schools
Bio
I'm a high school English teacher who teaches on the South Side of Chicago. I'm from Arkansas. I'm a white lady whose last name is Japanese (thanks to my Japanese Yankee husband). My brother in law says I'm a sitcom waiting to happen. I'm married and have a little girl who is three and a half, and a baby boy who is nineteen months old. I have lost 76 pounds in the last year and a half, and barefoot running is my new obsession. So much to share!

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OCTOBER 16, 2009 3:15PM

Need to Think Happy Thoughts

Rate: 6 Flag
This student was in my division a couple of years ago for about a month before getting moved into the football division. He always seemed like a nice young man. I would say hi to him in the hallway. I never got any sort of negative vibe from him, but that doesn't mean anything.

I first heard about it yesterday during my 10th period. My students were all freaked out about one of their classmates being arrested and charged with such a terrible thing.

Of course they wanted to talk about it. And I let them, because I think it's important to acknowledge this kind of thing. Especially when it's a student from our school. But it's so depressing the things the kids have said.

One student told the class that the girl must have asked for it. I try not to interject too much during discussions, but I had to jump in at that point. I explained to the students that seven year old girls cannot "ask for it" and are incapable of consenting. And that if the allegations are true, then Remonse is seriously screwed up and will hopefully get some help.

I just cannot imagine this happening to my child. I don't know what I would do.

Today my third and sixth period senior classes wanted to talk about it. More disturbing comments were made. It's very distressing and upsetting.

I could talk more about the situation and how my students are reacting, but it's too disturbing. So I'm going to think happy thoughts. It's a good thing it's Friday.

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Oh, dear. How difficult it must be to be such a caring teacher and to have to deal with situations as desperate as this must be. Hope your weekend is calm and happy.
Oh god, Amy! This is so, so sad. How horrible! I don't know how you handle this issue as a teacher. You're so brave!
Oh man Amy.. . . .sending all the happy thoughts I have your way. That is brutal.
Hi Amy, I work with pediatrics, the things that people do to kids are unthinkable. I hope you take care of yourself today, make some tea or whatever it is that calms you. These things creep up on you. Thoughts,
Should be work "in" peds....need more coffee
God bless you for doing a very difficult job. Sounds like you do it well as much as you can. I'm sure those kids need you, some sane voice to save them from drowning in misconceptions. Ach, so difficult! I hope you have a lot of support.