Date: November 19th, 2023
Polly answers the question: “I have been assigned to run an In School Suspension room. I’m having so many problems with this! The kids dismiss me, the staff walk in whenever they want to reprimand kids in my care, and the kids think the whole thing is a joke. Any advice?”
Date: October 25th, 2023
Date: September 10th, 2023
Polly answers the question: “When a kid gets so upset that they smash a window, are they aware of how out of control they are? And what’s a logical consequence?”
Date: September 3rd, 2023
Polly answers the question: “I have a high school kid who will not turn over her cell phone when I ask for it! It’s my policy and all the kids know it. I know her life is not that positive, and there isn’t a lot of room for learning in her brain right now, but I feel like I need to hold her accountable. It’s always a huge power struggle that results in administrative referral. How can I chip away at her refusal without it costing me our relationship?”
Date: July 9th, 2023
Polly answers the question: “I like to use timers to get the kids to move and get things done. Do you think this is helping or is it stressful?”
Date: March 29th, 2023
Accommodations are important, but they’re not enough. They need to be accompanied with skills and techniques so a kid knows what to do when they’re feeling a certain way.
Date: February 15th, 2023
Sometimes the best intervention is a non-directive cue. Don’t make the mistake of talking too much.
Date: January 29th, 2023
Polly answers the question: “Our middle school boys are very aggressive and ‘hands on’ with each other. I know horseplay is to be expected, but often things get out of hand at lunchtime or in the hallways. What can we do?”
Date: January 21st, 2023
Polly answers the question: “I have a situation of “mean girls.” These girls are ruthless! They find joy in making someone cry. Some days, I want to cry. I know I can’t make them be nice, but what can I do for the other kids who take the brunt of their meanness?”
Date: December 31st, 2022
Polly answers the question: “I have a student who cusses like you wouldn’t believe! I spend all day kicking him out and sending him down to the office only so he can return and say, “Well that was fun, the office sucks, too!” How should I respond and what’s the best consequence to stop this?”
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