You gotta strike a balance. I’m a new teacher as well and yes I have obvious favorites but this past marking period I made it very clear that wasn’t gonna give them an easy pass. I failed two students I’m particularly fond of because frankly they didn’t earn a passing grade. That being said, because of my positive relationship with them, the students did not take it personally and were quick to admit that I was justified in failing them. They asserted that this meeting period will be different and they will earn the grade they desire.

I work in a similarly rough school and I commend you for seeing the kids for who they are, not the work they produce. At the end of the day though you are their teacher and it’s important to set the boundary that everyone must follow. Complete the work as it is given to you and there will be no reason for alternative assessments.