october, the doomed month

I  writing finally at the end of October to say that the past month, and especially the past week have been the most difficult since I've started teaching. 

I have a child, Clifford, whose mother was removed from his home by ACS after he came to school with burns on his body. 

I have a child who regularly hits, scratches, bites, and slaps. 

I have a child who, at 6 years old, is doing kindergarten again. Last week he told me he was trying to pull his teeth out because he wants to die. 

I am just completely spent. My colleagues are supportive. My school has lots of resources. I'm thankful for where I work. But. I. Am. Exhausted. 

Here's to a new month, and hopefully a new era in Wellesley.