It all began a few weeks ago at my common planning meeting with the seventh grades Social Studies department. We decided that we would design and make Roman shields with the seventh graders. We began to plan the project. Thanks to my niece who works at Sam's club, I got pallet sized pieces of cardboard donated and a trip to Michael's for some painting supplies, we were ready to begin. I cut the cardboard in half and made some samples for the teachers.
A few days later I got this brilliant idea to go to the party store and get Roman Soldier helmets for the teachers. I roamed around the store for a few minutes and I found an aisle with some leftover Halloween costumes. There were swords and shields and the like in the aisle. I hunted and searched through the merchandise to find what I was looking for, but to no avail. I went to find an employee and see if there were any Roman helmets somewhere else in the store. I cannot believe what he told me. He said," You are a week late. A women came in last week and bought all the Roman Helmets I had left for a school project." Honest, you can't make this stuff up. So I settled for plan b, Spartan Helmets. After all Greece and Rome have a similar culture. Plus the Spartan helmets are far more intimidating.
Ready for the Hijinks?
After lunch, I had an inkling for some impish behavior. I told the kids of my nefarious plan, wink wink, and they were game. I donned my Spartan helmet, had the kids make crumpled up paper ammo and lined them up in the phalanx. Now trying to keep a class of giggling seventh graders quiet for a surprise attack on another Social Studies class is no easy task. We marched down the hall in Phalanx formation, ammo in hand past the office, past the cafeteria during 8th grade lunch to the class. My principal, who is somewhat of an imp himself, followed us with a camera to capture the attack. Unfortunately, our attack did not happen. My colleague and his class were awol. After a few grumbles and groans of disappointment we decided to go upstairs and attack the other Social Studies class.
Still in Phalanx formation, minus my camera wielding principal, we somewhat stealthily, but very much giggly ascended the staircase and made our way down yet another hallway. This time our attack was somewhat successful, somewhat pitiful but very much impish and fun. This time our target class was outside in the hallway getting ready to paint their shields. Because they were in the hall, it was not quite a sneak attack, however when we got close enough the crumpled paper ammo was lobbing through the air. Paper balls where everywhere. Kids were laughing and a great time was had by all.
Oh yeah, I know there will be retaliation.