Respect? This is Just Getting Ridiculous. And Dangerous.

Okay, so if you read my last article about Respect, you know that I have been having some issues with students who vandalize my house in "innocent" yet annoying ways.

Well, it happened again tonight. Today was the last day of school before spring break. At 11:30 pm, my boyfriend and I were both asleep, planning on leaving early tomorrow morning. We heard the huge bang again and went running.

There was a bag full of flaming dog crap on our front step, centimeters away from a rubber mat. Quick thinking, Chris went and grabbed a cup of water to put the flames out. The kid went running and a car took off in the other direction, and I'm sure they met up around the block.

I called the cops again. The lady at the dispatch knew the sound of my voice. She didn't even need to ask my address. She asked about the details and if I wanted a cop to come over. I said yes. It was the one who came the FIRST time, and he remembered it all and had read over the notes from last Friday's incident.

He said that because the bag was on fire, they had just upped their punishment big time. This is beginning to get serious. Apparently there were three or four other calls from town around the same time, too. Those were keyed cars and broken windows, though. So the cop took our statements, promised to watch the house while we are gone over Easter, and decided to patrol around.

We couldn't sleep so we went for a drive. There was a car parked in the CLOSED gas station with one of my students sitting in it. Two cop cars pulled up to question him and we saw a third drive by. Now keep in mind, I live in a VERY small town. We don't usually see one cop in a week, let alone three at once.  Anyway, they were questioning the student, and his car happens to match the description that I have given twice now, and his name has been mentioned on police reports. Of course, we just drove by and didn't see if anything happened with it or not.

I emailed my principal who still seems to think "kids are being kids." I let him know about the student who was out driving around after midnight and that the cops were questioning him. I also emailed my landlord, another teacher, to let him know about the seriousness of the situation. I told him that I didn't want the house to burn down while we were gone. Knowing these kids, it could be worse. I almost don't want to leave, but I HAVE to get out of here. I can't take it anymore.

I've already decided that I will not be teaching here next year. I am moving. And if I happen to find a job teaching somewhere else, fine. But I will be living in an apartment building and I am going to get a car alarm. Nobody should have to put up with this. I have the right to feel safe in my own home.