In the words of that great philosopher Kermit: “It isn’t being green.” Most elementary teachers use themes to enhance their rooms and build the sense of family. My first few years saw me use a frog and green theme. It was at this time that cell phones were starting to become more common. To join in with my theme I got a green phone cover. It made it look a little like a toy. I had it setting in my desk drawer and one day I didn’t find it in the drawer at the end of the day. I went into panic mode. I looked everywhere I could think of. I scoured the school and after a half an hour of panic someone mentioned the simple test of calling the phone. I called from my room hoping to hear something but after about 7 rings I heard a tentative “hello?” I asked who this was and where they found the phone. She said she got it from behind the dryer at her souse. I asked if she had a student at Montview. “Yeah, in second grade in Mr. Mills’ room.” I was a little flabbergasted but asked the parent to bring it to school that evening. She did and I got my phone back. On the way home I got a black cover for the phone. It taught me about trusting students. I still am very trusting and this story didn’t change my mind, Many years later, I would have another phone stolen, That is a story for my high school years.
