Does it surprise anyone to know that I'm not a very scary teacher? I'm generally extremely cheerful in the classroom. Although I'm organized and controlled (IMO), one of my students recently told me I am her least strict teacher.

Anyway, I made some boys stay after a class today for a talking-to.

"Listen," I finally said. "I'm sorry to be so harsh."

"Wait," said one fellow, "you're being harsh right now?"

Another stifled a giggle.

Still, I'm confident my message of seriousness came through. There won't be eye-rolling and under-the-breath comments after Winter Break.