The students begin trickling into the room one by one. I hadn't had enough time to get ready for them and I am struggling to find my good mask. None of the kids have masks on, and I don't either as I struggle to find mine. I am firmly instructing them to put their masks on as more and more maskless middleschoolers file in. The class is packed and only a couple are wearing masks. I give up on the good mask and put on a few layers of other masks. I try to start the lesson while firmly telling the kids to all put on their masks. As I speak, I realize that mine isn't on correctly at all, and I'm afraid they'll point that out and call me a hypocrite. I run to the corner of the room and try to fix my mask. I take off the fitted blue mask, I take off the cloth mask underneath, I take off the surgical mask under that, and I find the problem. My mouth is full of paper towels! I remove the paper towels and throw them aside, thinking how horrifying that must be for the kids to see, especially with virus fears. I put my mask on correctly and try to continue on with the lesson. I ask a generic question to the class and one kid responds, "I don't fucking care, this is bullshit." I snap in response, "This is an ELECTIVE. Go to the office immediately and have the guidance counselor change your schedule! I'm not dealing with that kind of attitude and disrespect!" I instantly wonder if I am allowed to send kids to the office with the pandemic going on. I wake up.
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