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Wednesday, January 18, 2017 – The Breakfast Club and J. L. McCullough High School -1976-1980

Posted on January 18, 2017 | Leave a comment

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 – The Breakfast Club and J. L. McCullough High School -1976-1980

Let’s get in the Way Back Machine and get our plaid on and go back to the REALLY bright and colorful halls of J. L. McCullough High School during the 1970’s. Stay calm, there will not be photographs.

I usually do not like movies about public schools because they tend to be unrealistic. Of course with Bad Teacher being an exception. I love the movie The Breakfast Club directed by the great John Hughes. It reminds me of every student who attended McC. It also reminds me of the first time I saw the movie with so many McC teachers who screamed “Karl” when the AP appears in his leisure suit – except it was not lime green.

Actually the movie reminds me of every student then and now and how many are forgotten for so many reasons.

Dear Mr. Vernon, We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it is we did wrong, but we think you’re crazy for making us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us, in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out, is that each one of us is a

brain, and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, The Breakfast Club

Bonus Question: Who sang Don’t You Forget About Me?

Answer: Simple Minds.

Speaking of simple minds, I wonder if the proposed Secretary of Education has ever seen The Breakfast Club?

Tuesday, May 3, 2016 – Happy Teachers’ Day – Who Do You Think You Are?

Posted on May 3, 2016 | 4 comments

Tuesday, May 3, 2016 – Happy Teachers’ Day – Who Do You Think You Are?

“Write a 1000 word paper telling me ‘Who Do You Think You Are’” Can you name the movie in which that was the assignment? Hint: a movie from the 1980’s.

While you are thinking, here are some remembered education quotes from teachers, friends and colleagues from years past. I am only attributing one quote to one teacher – my major advisor, dissertation advisor Dr. Frances E. Clark, who went to the Big Classroom in the Sky last week. For you, Dr. C. – Here!

From the Department of Redundancy Department – Dr. Frank Clark.

You can guess at the contributors for the rest.

The children are not negotiable.

You can lead a student to water, but you can’t make him think. But you can make him awfully thirsty.

You can take a good teacher and make them great, but you cannot take a bad teacher and make them a good one.

I am from the Texas Education Agency and I do not have anything to do with assessment or PEIMS or curriculum. (1989 – Present day)

From Conroe High (Conroe ISD) from the 1970’s – “Teachers, pardon this interruption. Will the following pupils report to the Vocational Building for the FFA yearbook picture…? The pupils participating in UIL events tomorrow will meet at 8:30 in the cafeteria.”

From J. L. McCullough High School (McC) (Conroe ISD) from the 1980’s – “Teachers, pardon this second interruption for the morning announcements … please review the Do Not Admit List and do not admit these students to your class until they have an excuse from their counselor. And don’t forget to keep looking for the pony.”

From Magnolia High School (Magnolia ISD) May 2, 2016 – “Teachers, pardon this interruption, the testing period has ended. You may now return your students’ cell phones.”

I bet you can add so many other quotes. Happy Teachers’ Day to all of us! Thank or think of one of your teachers. You can read this, can’t you? Then do it. It is because of us that you can!

And the assignment question?

“Saturday, March 24, 1984 Brian Johnson [although unknown at this point] Shermer High School Shermer, Illinois 60062

“Dear Mr. Vernon:

We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong, but we think you’re crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us… In the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain… …and an athlete… …and a basket case… …a princess… …and a criminal. Does that answer your question?

Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.