Thank heavens I had been a substitute teacher at our school for a few months before I began teaching full-time. It seemed like every time a new situation arose, I panicked. Fortunately, I teach high school seniors who know the drill for most things. But I certainly don't recommend relying on students to tell you what school policy is! I finally had my husband quiz me on the school handbook---just like I was preparing to take my driver's license test. But it helped me to clarify the information and get it straight in my mind before I was in the middle of a tough situation.                              Denise, 8-year veteran teacher