April 5, 2018

Death of a Pencil Sharpener

When you have a substitute, teachers usually appreciate a note letting them know how the day went. We might not always like what we read, but at least we have some feedback. This week we had a sub who not only left a note, but an entertaining one at that. 


Death of a Pencil Sharpener
By David Whitehead
    




 My day started like any other except the teacher had a sub today. He seemed like a nice guy, going around checking the classroom for what he needed to start the day. When he got to me, he open me and emptied the shavings from the day before.  He then left the room.
     Before I knew it, the students were entering the classroom to begin the day. They seemed a little noisy today, but everything settled down as the announcements started.
     The sub then reviewed the agenda with them, making sure they understood the assignment. He did have to correct one student who got up their seat to try and use me while he was talking.
     He the had the students begin the assignment and... that's when the chaos began. The room got loud and the students were all against the wall like they were being punished. as I looked closer, I could see they were reading and writing something. I got distracted for awhile because all at once everyone wanted to use me. But hey, that's what I'm here for.
     All seemed to going well until boom! The next thing I knew I was on the floor. No one seemed to notice or care. They just kept kicking and stepping over me until...
     A great shadow was coming at me. What was it? I could not move! Then I felt the sharp pain of my plastic base shatter into pieces. My life as a pencil sharpener was over just because no one would pick me up and place me back on the table.
     The sub noticed me on the floor and picked me up. He looked at the students and stated "I guess that's why the electric sharpeners don't work." He told them he would leave me on the teachers desk so she might have a chance to tell me good bye and ask about my demise.
     As he started this note, a student approached the desk. I think her name was Brandi. She said she was sorry for stepping on me because she did not see me as she was working on her assignment. It was nice to hear her words but alas, it does me no good. My days are over.

Mr. Whitehead has shown that learning to write is not just necessary to pass a test. It's a vital way of communicating information. Even if the news is bad, the writing doesn't have to be!

e at that.