School Evacuation and a Glimpse into the Chaos

Yep, we had to evacuate our school today at 11:00, and nope, not a fire. When we got to school at 7 am this morning we realized the water did not work. That meant toilets couldn't flush and no one could wash their hands - a pretty big problem for a school full of kids ages 3 - 12. They can't go without a bathroom for too long. Our principal spent the morning on the phone trying to get it fixed, but I guess a big water line busted and it was not going to be fixed soon enough. Our whole school ended up having to walk about 5 blocks to another elementary school. They doubled up 2 of their classes to a classroom and then gave us the other classrooms to use for the afternoon. We had three classes in the one we used. With all the chaos and the crowded room, there was no way any teaching could take place, so my class spent the afternoon coloring, drawing in their journals, and reading (mostly coloring) - not the most productive day and definitely a crazy one (which is not that abnormal for my school).

Other crazy happenings at my school over the past week (a glimpse into the chaos):
*One of my students hit the art teacher after hitting several of my students and throwing things across the room.
*A first grader in the other class tried to choke a girl in her class, tackled (literally) 2 of my kids in the hallway and tried to choke one, stripped naked in her classroom, and slapped her teacher in the face - all in the same day.
*chairs thrown across the room on 3 different days
*one of my students cussed out the computer teacher and my entire class during specials - repeatedly and loudly

I often go home thinking "Wow, did all of that really happen today? Do I really work at this place?"

There are good things that happen too and good students, but everything above is actually pretty normal. Hopefully I can help to change some of this and introduce my students to a more positive and cooperative culture. I definitely have my work cut out for me this year!