We are dealing with sophomores, i.e., 10th graders. As for religious pictures I was offered the job in the full knowledge that I am undeclared when it comes to religion. We start each class with prayer and I have assigned the students to do that job.

Susan, you are right about the Internet part but you are a few years too late. Teachers and school administrators recognize the beneficial side of the 'net. We all know we have to be careful and 'net safety is one of those side lessons we all teach, or are supposed to teach. Actually these kids are more savvy than people give them credit for. I started my year with a discussion of honesty and being honest with each other. Later we got into a discussion on drugs and they asked the question. I admitted I did drugs at one time and went on to say that meant I knew what I was talking about when I said they should not go there. It helps.

As for sex, the kids are fully aware. I would guess less than half of my students (remember these kids are 14 and 15 years old) are virgins. I overheard one girl advising another on the best condom to use. I have talked about safe sex in the classroom, being careful to use general terms and no specific suggestions. They already know it. They do not seem to have any embarrassment about it.

To get back to the topic at hand, I am not just putting stuff up for its entertainment value. As I see it the stuff in my classroom has to do two things. It needs to personalize the room and it needs to have some educational value even if it is subliminal.

Oh, and as for this being a Catholic school. Times have changed, ladies and gentlemen. The administration knows these are children on the cusp of adulthood. They do not try to hide too much from them. The religion does form the basis of the school's philosophy and mission yet the education takes center stage. The administration is secular though the owners are the School Sisters of Notre Dame based out of Germany. The regional headquarters are in Milwaukee.

What got me started on this thread was the problem Sinsull has been having with little nuns appearing in her house. It seemed like a good idea to do something like that if I could find a good supply of tiny nuns that I could hide in and around the classroom.