Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby by Leanne Dyck (Ch 12)

 chapter eleven: Aster's parent-teacher conference turned into a confrontation between teacher and parent. Who's responsible for providing the extra support students like Devin need--teachers or parents or the school or...?

photo by ldyck

Chapter twelve

Lately, in hushed voices, when they thought he wasn't listening, Devin's parents spoke about someone named Aster. By listening closely, Devin broke the code--Aster was Aster Stevens was Mrs. Stevens was his teacher. He didn't like what he heard--he didn't like his dad's heavy voice or the sadness in his mom's--and so when Aster said,  “Devin, please continue reading.” Devin's creative dyslexic brain played with the name. Aster. Aster? As... "Nah, I don't think so, Assburn."

The classroom fell silent. No one dared move, or breathe.

“My name is Mrs. Stevens, young man.”

“Assburn. Assburn. Assburn,” Devin chanted.

Aster sent Devin a glance as warm as ice. “Class, please place your heads on your desks.”

A sea of heads lowered like a wave onto their desks. Every head lowered but Devin’s. 

“You all look like a bunch of robot dorks,” he told them.

First, the boys raised their heads. Then much more slowly the girls’ backs straightened until they sat bolt-upright in their chairs. Elizabeth Joy was the only pupil whose head remained on her desk.

“Devin, do as you’ve been told.”

“Shut up, Assburn. I’m no dork.”

Other boys picked up the chant. “Assburn. Assburn. Assburn.”

Elizabeth Joy straightened her back, raised her head, and snickered.

Aster flew down the aisle to where Devin sat defiantly, teetering back in his chair. “I said put your head on your desk.” She grabbed his head and slammed it onto his desk. The sound of bone connecting with steel echoed down the hall.

***

The office door was open a crack. Aster leaned into the gap and squeaked, “You wished to see me, Principal Fraser.”

“Come in and close the door.” Crisp words. With a wave of his hand, he directed her to take a seat.

Most of what was said was a blur to Aster but she did hear him say, “I had great respect for you as a teacher but...” and “immediate suspension” and “termination”.

photo by ldyck

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby

Chapter thirteen

Aster's toxic relationship with Devin continued until Aster lost control of her classroom and herself and--and now she must deal with the aftermath.

The following was inspired by my friend artist Terrill Welch's Facebook post...

'selfie' March 20, 2023

sorry about the poor quality of this image

Me

Age: 60

I don't dye my hair or use makeup or wash my face with soap--I use skin creams. 

A poem to increase self-acceptance...

Regardless of what you wear or the colour and length of your hair,

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby by Leanne Dyck (Ch 11)

 Chapter ten: Unlike Bunny, Aster maintains a well-organized classroom. A classroom in which many students--such as Elizabeth Joy--thrive. But what should she do with students who refuse to learn, what should she do with Devin?

photo by ldyck

Chapter eleven

With the use of a fridge magnet, Aster posted her note. 

Kenneth James,

I have a parent-teacher conference. Your supper is in the fridge.

Aster

***

Those who had arrived early gathered around Aster eager to benefit from her years of experience. One topic of discussion homework led to others assignments which led to others bedtime routines and...

“Kayla won’t eat anything green.”

and...

“All Andrew wants is junk food.”

Aster advised, “You need to set a good example for your children.” and “Serve them a well-balanced diet.” and “The expectation must be that they eat everything on their plate.”

They just stood there staring at her and then they erupted with, “Really? It’s that easy, eh? Well... How many children do you have?”

She longed to tell someone that she had presumed that—. No, surely it was more than that. There was an unspoken promise that they would have children—yes, more than one—someday. Someday... Someday... Someday... It took her too many days, weeks, months, years to realize that someday would always be a day away. She wanted to tell someone but she knew someone couldn’t be any of the parents that surrounded her.

They continued to stare. They continued to wait for an answer. 

What could she say? She felt cornered. Her palms began to sweat. “No, I don’t have—. I’m not a—.” She gulped. “I have your children.” Her back straightened. “I am. Their. Teacher.”

“But?” and “What?” and “How?” and “Why?” Their questions exploded around her.

She looked for some means of escape and found—. “Well, Mrs. Morris, you came. I was concerned that you wouldn’t bother.”

“Wouldn’t bother. Why...wouldn’t...I—?”

“I’m glad you failed to find an excuse.”

Wendy Morris hurried away from Aster as fast as she could, as far as she could. But she didn't leave the classroom--she was determined to stay.

Other parents filed past Aster and she gave each a slight nod. When she judged it was time, she addressed her classroom of parents. “Welcome, please take a seat and we’ll begin.”

The group of mainly mothers surveyed the room and finding no other chairs, they were forced to squeeze into their children’s desks.

“I’m looking forward to a productive evening. I view us as team players in the education of the children—my students. We’ll discuss their progress.” Aster printed ‘success’ on one half of the board. “Some of you have gifted your children with keen eyes and a quick brain.” She beamed at Victoria Hall. “We’ll discuss the less fortunate ones.” She printed ‘failure’ on the other half of the board. She adjusted her glasses and looked down her nose at Wendy Morris. “Others of you unfortunately are lacking in natural inheritance and don’t have the time or the ability. Or perhaps you simply don’t care enough to give your children the necessary tools. And so, it falls on us—all of us—to develop strategies to compensate for what you failed to bestow upon them.” Eyes followed her down the aisle to the desk Wendy Morris occupied. “Mrs. Morris, why don’t you begin. Tell us about Devin’s academic struggles. Explain why you think he doesn’t try. Offer suggestions for how we may begin to help him. That is if you have any idea. We know these are difficult questions for you to answer and will assist when necessary. We are waiting. Please begin.”

There was a pregnant pause as Wendy slowly exhaled. “My son Devin is smart, he can learn and he does try. He’s the captain of his hockey t—.”

“Skating? Skating isn’t equivalent to academic success, Mrs. Morris.”

Wendy’s face was void of emotion, her voice controlled. “Mrs. Stevens, I won’t deny that Devin has challenges—as we all do. And I’ll be happy to discuss how best to help him address these challenges.” She wiggled out of the desk. “Privately.” She stood and faced the teacher. “You have my contact information.” Head held high, shoulders back, Wendy strode up the aisle—forcing Aster back. “Phone to set up an appointment.” That said, she left the classroom.

Aster took a few sips of water from her ‘World’s Best Teacher’ mug. “Now do you see what I’m up against? There’s just no helping some people.”

photo by ldyck

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby

Chapter twelve

photo by ldyck

I celebrated St. Patrick's Day by taking my first ferry trip in about two years. I was 

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby by Leanne Dyck (Ch 10)

Chapter nine: Arriving early for work, school teacher Aster checks in on the neighbouring classroom. What she finds truly upsets her. She leaves in a hurry heading to...? If you were Aster where would you go?

photo by ldyck

Chapter ten

Reaching her classroom, Aster took a moment to calm herself. She leaned against the door frame as she beheld the peace, the order, and the oasis of good teaching. A small clay pot containing a Germanium with bright blood-red petals was on the left corner of her teacher's desk. To the right of the flower was an empty rectangular wicker basket there to collect homework. The centre of the desk was covered by a beige mat bordered by a print of multicoloured flowers. The placemat was clear of any clutter. A ‘World’s Best Teacher’ mug occupied pride of place on the far right corner. It was a gift from this year’s teacher’s pet Elizabeth Joy Hall.

Shrines to Elizabeth Joy adorned the walls. Her artwork and math assignments were framed with construction paper and tacked to the bulletin board. She had accumulated the most stars on the reading chart.

Elizabeth Joy wasn’t the only student who had benefited from Aster’s instruction. Every year Aster’s students outshone all the others. During every assembly, her students were the best behaved. At the year-end evaluation, her class obtained the best grade point average. Year after year, Aster’s record was unblemished.

The sun’s rays poured in through the window at the back of the room. Aster marched down the aisle. She seized the strings and turned the slats first one way and then the other. Sun successfully blocked, victory achieved, Aster claimed her teacher’s chair at the head of the classroom. Aster opened a drawer and pulled out today’s lesson plans. A quick review was all that was required. After so many years, she knew the lesson plans by heart. 

As usual, the first student to arrive was Elizabeth Joy. She and her mother Victoria wore matching mother-daughter sailor dresses but their hair ribbons were contrasting—Elizabeth Joy’s was pink and Victoria wore red.

If Elizabeth Joy were my daughter, Aster thought--not for the first time, she wouldn't wear such a silly getup. She needs to be recognized as the smart, capable individual that she is not be mistaken for some...some carbon copy.

“Good morning, Mrs. Stevens.” They showered Aster with sunshine. “Thank you for sending arithmetic homework home with Elizabeth Joy. We enjoyed working on it together.” Victoria put the sheet of paper in the basket.

“Together? I trust you didn’t complete the work for her.” Aster cautioned.

Victoria’s cheeks reddened. “No, of course not. I would never. You know I would never do something like that.” Victoria straightened Elizabeth Joy’s hair ribbon and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek before she left the classroom.

Elizabeth Joy made a bee-line for her desk, pulled out a textbook, and silently read as she waited for the buzzer to sound.

When the buzzer sounded, Aster’s students filed in regimentally. They folded their hands on their desk and waited for Mrs. Stevens to begin their day.

“Good morning, class,” Aster greeted them.

“Good morning, Mrs. Stevens,” they sang in unison.

Roll call began. “Andrew.”

“Present,” each child replied in turn.

Her students knew without being told that reading followed roll call. They opened their books.

“Elizabeth Joy, please begin reading where we left off yesterday.”

The girl cradled the book in her hands and read with skill.

Aster’s heart swelled with pride.

A loud noise broke through the wall from Bunny’s classroom. Elizabeth Joy stopped reading. Worried faces studied Aster.

“Class, that noise is none of our concern,” she told them. “Who would like to read next?”

Rows and rows of hands reached for the ceiling but Devin Morris’ hand remained on his desk as he slouched in his chair.

“Devin, please continue.”

He used his book as a shield and moved his lips but didn’t make a sound.

“Devin, lower the book and read loudly, clearly. Your classmates want to hear you.”

He stumbled from word to word as the classroom filled with laughter.

“Oh, Devin, we’ve gone over and over those words. Sound them out—as least try.”

10 Ways to Support Learners with Dyslexia

photo by ldyck

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby

Chapter eleven

Unlike Bunny, Aster maintains a well-organized classroom. A classroom in which many students--such as Elizabeth Joy--thrive. But what should she do with students who refuse to learn, what should she do with Devin?

photo by ldyck

Marie Elliot's author talk was...

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby by Leanne Dyck (Ch 9)

 Chapter eight: Do you believe that Kenneth James is making unreasonable demands on Aster? Do you think that it's healthy for couples to have separate interests? Do you believe that Aster's marriage is in trouble? And if it is, what do you think should be done to repair it? Do you believe that their marriage is worth repairing? Who's responsible for repairing it?

photo by ldyck

Chapter nine

A raindrop landed on Aster’s shoulder as she left the bus stop and headed to the school. She climbed the stairs, pushed on the push bar, and crossed the threshold into her domain. Tap, tap, tap the heels of her flats beat a quick tattoo on the tile floor as she strode down the corridor. Before stepping into her own classroom, she peeked in on her neighbour. She usually diverted her eyes but today she was feeling magnanimous.“Good morning,” she called but the room was vacant of any warm bodies.

And what a state the room was in. Books were scattered like autumn leaves around the classroom. Some... Well, some appeared to have been tossed. Tossing books? She couldn’t imagine what would have caused someone to be in that much of a hurry, to mistreat books so badly. And on the walls...? Paper hung askew like peeling tar paper. Why the desks weren’t even in straight rows. She’d assumed that the room was ill-kept but had had no idea it was in this sorry state. She felt sorry for the students who were expected to learn in such chaos. Her nostril’s caught an unpleasant odour. Mouldy bread? For the sake of the children, she had to take action. No one else had. It was up to her. She began to straighten books but the smell persisted and grew worse. She needed to find the source. Like a knight doing battle with a dragon, she boldly stepped up to the first desk in the first row and began to search. Her stomach flipped. Feeling nauseous, she braced herself and reached her hand into the dark cavernous compartment under the desktop.

“Hey? Ah, what are you doing?”

Aster straightened to face a young woman who wore a flowing skirt and bangles around her wrists. “Good morning, Bonnie.”

“Bun-ny,” said clearly, with emphasizes. “Can I help you, Aster?” The voice was calm—only edged with steel.

“I’m looking for the source of the stench,” Aster explained. “I’m surprised that the janitor didn’t take care of it.”

“Take care of what?” Bunny set the cardboard box she’d been carrying on her desk and then headed down the aisle to Aster.

“The stench.” Aster moved to the next desk in the row. “Surely you can smell it.” She pulled out a binder and flipped through the pages.

Bunny took the binder out of Aster's hands. “Everything is fine. Thank you but I don’t need your help.”

“Oh, yes. I assure you do. If you aren’t aware of the stench, you most assuredly do need my help.” Aster cackled and moved to the next desk. One hand on the chair and another on the desktop, she leaned in and then back. A bank of shelves that stood against the wall caught her eye. The shelving unit was full to overflowing with a variety of items. Aster was appalled at what she identified as a mess.

Bunny rushed over and picked up a lid that rested beside a green plastic box.

The closer Aster grew to the box the more she knew she was right. “That box is the source of the stench.”

Bunny covered the box with the lid.

“What are you attempting to hide?”

“Nothing.” Bunny removed the lid. “Go ahead, look.”

Black, pebbly sludge, mould, rotten apples—food in all stages of decay.

“That—! That is unhygienic and should never— Never! Be in a classroom,” Aster declared with the full force of her conviction.

Observing more closely, Aster noticed something pink crawling through the muck. Was that...? Was that a wor--?

Bunny quickly replaced the lid. “It’s compost—one of our science experiments. The kids find it fascinating.”

“A science experiment? You can’t be serious.” Aster grew silent but only for a second. “I have half a mind to report you.”

“It’s okay, Aster. There’s nothing to get upset about. The principal knows and approves.”

“Well, I never,” Aster huffed. “Imagine expecting students to learn in such squalor. It’s disgusting. Truly disgusting.” She wasted no time in leaving Bunny’s classroom.

photo by ldyck

Mrs. Kenneth James Stevens Wants A Baby

Chapter ten

Arriving early for work, school teacher Aster checks in on the neighbouring classroom. What she finds truly upsets her. She leaves in a hurry heading to...? If you were Aster where would you go?

photo by ldyck

On Mayne Island, March came in like a lion. It started snowing on Tuesday, February 28. It