The students that we observed in the classroom were generally enthusiastic and attentive. We observed an abundance of interaction between the students and their peers, as well as the teacher. The activity was one that involved questions and answers which led to spontaneous responses by both female and male students. Student body language indicated a focus on the teacher. They were leaning forward with eyes on the teacher and waving hands for attention. Some students were yelling their answers to be noticed and wiggling their bodies naturally. In the interaction we observed a lot of laughing and joking among the students and the teacher.
At recess students were split up in small groups by gender. Students were wearing the latest fads. This included athletic gear, Nike shoes, saggy pants, shorts and dark colors. The conversations focused on mainly food, sports, and the opposite sex. The activity during this period of time was very active, with students walking around, hanging out together, and some were extremely boisterous, while others were quiet. At some point students that were engaged in physical activity became rowdy and it led to an administrator breaking it up.
Students at O'Farrell are interested in sports, friends, and receiving a good education. They feel safe and think that the teachers are nice. Students vary in their strengths from math to P.E. to English. It seems that through our personal interaction with the students here, this is a positive environment.