"Imma punch you in the MFeffin face"

So if the title of this post doesn't clue you into the nature of this post....


For the very first time in my career, I had a student threaten to hit me. Which, in all honesty, is a surprise. I definitely would have expected this sooner and from my older students. So here's how it went down. One of my teammates was out and he had a sub. The sub was having difficulties with the one kid most subs have difficulties with from our kids. Naturally, being the disciplinarian on my team, he was brought to me. Now I have dealt with this student all year and he typically responds well to me. I have a general philosophy that I let my kids have their own due process. Ill hear your side, the opposing sides, then make consequences based on how the stories match. Well I guess this day, he was really in his feelings and when I try to talk to him he is ignoring me and walking away. I HATE when kids do that to me. So I catch him by the arm and ask him what's going on. He says "if you don't get your hands off me, im gonna punch in the motherfucking face". Mind you this is in front of the class that I'm teaching. I have warned them on several occasions of three things: 1. I am crazy 2. Don't show out in front of people because I do it better 3. Don't come at me crazy because of number 1. So without hesitation, I switch from Mr. Stanley to Charles and respond "oh you gonna hit me in my face....WELL LETS GO THEN." I walk his little self right into the hallway and here's what happened


ME: OK so you gonna hit me in the face. Let's go. You have plenty of space and opportunity. You can hit me right now but you better make it a good one because I am definitely pressing charges and having you sent to jail. You doing all this extra for no reason but if you are that bad you can do it but I will toss you little boy. So you have two options: you can tell me whats going on or you can hit me. Which one are you gonna choose?

he pauses and thinks about this.

So he goes to explain this whole thing was about him losing his research for his project. When I tell you I went off! I was like, you mean to tell me all of this was about a piece of paper you wrote some information down on. You really threatened to hit me of all people over a sheet of paper?? I then go on to tell him that he needed to get his life together (one of my most used sayings in class) because he is not the only one who has had a troubled life and who has gone through things. I also told him not to underestimate me. Don't let the expensive shoes and ties fool you. I have been through my own struggles and I'm stronger than I look. I also told him that he needed to reevaluate the way he makes choices because he came close to making the wrong one. He then apologizes and says "You're right Mr. Stanley. I'm sorry. I love you. I was just mad. I wasn't going to hit you." I responded "I know, you ain't that crazy."