There is little need for a weapon. The students are all bussed in, wanded, patted down, and have their shoes removed. We are talking about kids who are on parole, probation, house arrest, and have violent criminal records. There are "general population" kids, who are the average gangbangers, drug dealers, etc. Then there are the "self contained" kids, who are too much of a violent behavior risk to be put into the rotation with the other students, who are allowed to change classes and have less structured time. My students are the self contained kids, therefore, i teach them all day long, all year long, all subjects. they are mine. they stay with me. WHen things get out of hand, we go "hands on," which means they are removed from the classroom, forcibly, for a QT, or quiet training. This involves 2 staff members holding the wrist and tricep, and the students stands at attention on the wall until the behavior either ceases or escalates. If it escalates, then we go to a standing wrap, in which on staff applies a special restraint to the students arms, and the other staff stays put on one arm. (like a bear hug, but without constricting.) If this does not work, you go seated with the student, if not, you take them down and they "go prone." this involves all the manpower you need, and it gets rough. I have been hit with a chair, taken a few blows, but nothing of concern. One kid gave me a concussion, hit me from behind when i was unaware and bounced my head off a cinder block wall. I was furious, and, needless to say, he was on the ground for a while.
This is not an excuse to put kids down. The job is to teach, i am there to teach. I do not like touching a kid, especially when it is a kid that does not want to be touched. They respect me not for my size, but for my humor and the fact that i care about them. Needless to say, the kid that gave me the concussion apologized, and he is back in my class this year.
I only describe my job because i want it to be understood just what this forum means to me. This is my outlet. I have a wonderful family, and am blessed with a supportive wife and a son that lights up my life. I never fear for myself at work, not physically, of course. If it would not be for my size, i would still have the martial arts background, and the kids know it.
My goal for these kids is for them to trust. I want to be trusted, i want them to know that not all white people are racists, not all white people are out to get them. I want them to know that just because a man is large does not make him intimidating, but most of all, i never want them to mistake kindness for weakness. This is my creed, if anything. Do not mistake my kindness for weakness.
I come home, after a day with those young men and women, and am full of hate and full of hope at the same time, and it is like a furnace. I take it to the gym, and gut out the heaviest reps i can. You would be amazed, the testosterone that pumps through my veins from this sort of work. I will, however, only stay at my school for another year or so. I really want to get involved in teaching LD, (learning disabilities, I have a master's degree in Special Education, and a Master of Arts in Teaching) BD (behavior disorder) schools are not as effective as i would like to believe, and i do not want to be bringing this shit home with me for the sake of my son.
I also want to get involved in the Special Olympics, with some of the strength athletes. I hear that is an adventure.
Little to say about he workouts lately, the past few days have been a wash. Thats okay, i am feeling strong and have been eating well, despite the half of a German Chocolate birthday cake that i ate for my birthday!!!!!! If whey protein tasted like german chocolate, i wouldnt have to hold my breath while i chug it down.
Hi, I don't really know you, but I wanted to wish you a happy 28th b-day today. 
So I'm sure I could use some help. And HAPPY B-DAY!!!!!!! What did your wife say?
