School Pranks (13 page)

1. Touch: to make Contact
   

General contact was minimal.  Emotional and professional contact was much less.  Without the use of this sense, barriers were built between you and your evaluators by means of ridicule sarcasm, and loathing.  All of this is reflected in their evaluation which they
documented
.

1. Taste: Identifies what is proper, correct, and excellent. 
   

The dismissal of a Grade A certified teacher, who performed while in the classroom on that level is evidence those administrators had no inkling of what their assigned duty was about.  They failed to change their decision when more than 1800 citizens signed a petition in protest.

Then Sir Goodson solemnly reviewed his findings.  “The reasoning ability of your evaluators is opposite normality, as is with all who are possessed with envy, jealously, prejudice, and hate” said Sir Goodson.

Miss Forest could understand the connection more clearly now.  Those evaluators were able to improve our fairyland if only they had that understanding too.  But, would they give it a try? 

     The two of them meditated another while.  None of the educators against Miss Forest had regrets on her firing.  Seventeen co-workers resigned in protest stating “If they can do that to Miss Forest they can do it to anybody.”

     Sir Goodson broke the silence again. “What is witnessed here in your situation, Miss Forest, is a type of gang-play against you.  Their act was bold and non-disguised.  These acts became more careless, and sloppier with time.  It was obvious that with all of the laughter, hilarity, and the like they were considering those pranks acts of success.  They had no idea that what they considered success was actually failure!”  A light suddenly burst on inside her reasoning mechanism.  Sir Goodson perceived that knowledge.  Then the two of them nodded at each other in acknowledgement of that information.

     “Fellow Citizens admire you for the firm stand taken against this misunderstanding.  Some of your admirers were also threatened, and intimidated because they refused to retire when ordered.  Like you, these teachers enjoyed the students and the role of teaching.  When given the ultimatum “retire or be publicly fired” – chose retirement, reluctantly in order to prevent embarrassment and humiliation.  When the time came for the group to tackle you, Miss Forest, many thought you would relent; they reasoned circumstances demanded it.  But the opposite happened.  They were more determined than ever to get rid of you.  While fellow citizens admire your attitude in this situation, I was extremely proud of you.  You were forced to endure much, needlessly.  Yet you rated on the level of your teaching certificate and your classroom performance was commendable.  “Miss Forest gave Sir Goodson her most sincere thanks.”  “The faculty was with you – all the way – you were aware of that, though.”  “Yes” replied Miss Forest.  “They supported me in every area.  Their support of me was indispensable.  From them I realized another dimension of love, caring, concern, and the like.  Imagine!  Some of those teachers will be forced into retirement.  Is the policy going to continue to be “retire or be fired”?  Troubled students need teachers like those co-workers who supported me.  Not the jail house said Miss Forest.

     Sir Goodson thought much had been accomplished.  Both were pleased with results.  How fast the time had passed!  It was now time for one of the daily repasts – the luncheon.  Miss Forest was ready, so was Sir Goodson.  Before leaving the conference room he let her in on a secret which would be announced at the luncheon table.  She was aware of the national affair she and her friends were invited to attend; considered the “secret” was related to national improvement, or the like. 

     Then, the countenance of Sir Goodson changed – showing expressions of tenderness and strength, power and love, and the like.  Escorts were summoned.  Before the silencing of the bell, in walked seven regal escorts. Sir Goodson assigned all seven to escort Miss Forest to Hall of Feast, site of the luncheon.  Their pageantry toward her was royal, perfect.  They had done much practice for it to be perfect!  After three measures of fairy time hymn were completed, in strolls Sir Goodson, escorted by three of the seven escorts who had done Miss Forest the honors.  Four escorts were assigned to serve Miss Forest throughout the lunch.  An announcement of Sir Goodson’s presence was made with a trumpet fanfare.  That was the signal for all to stand except Miss Forest.  Every chair at the table was occupied.  All were seated following the ritual used for luncheons.  Oh, how rich!  Describing highlights of that room and events which occurred only give a hint into the quality of this gathering of fairybeings.  The word splendor gives a peek at the atmosphere of the House of Time at present.  That’s as close as mortals could get in picturing that scene.

     After the completion of formality (ritual), Sir Goodson made an announcement.  It seemed all were aware of what was about to be announced except Miss Forest and her friends, for all eyes were on them, including Sir Goodson, who stated the following proclamation:

Members of this Fairyhood:

          “You were summoned on this day to the Great Kingdom of Grande` to witness the result of a decision of mine.  Joining you on this event are generations of spirits of fore-fairybeings who felt as you do that the great name of our dear Grande` has been tarnished.  To prevent recurrences of prankism, and the like, I have resorted to recognize and appreciate those victims.  Today we honor Miss Dora Forest, one of our best teachers.  We apologize to her and offer evidence of this fact by giving her the following gifts:

    1. First, Miss Forest and friends will be invited annually to its National Education Banquet.

     2. Second, Miss Forest, for her dedication to education and her excellence shown in the classroom for which she was highly underpaid –will receive, as long as she desires – a salary equal to the yearly budget of the school system the last three years she was employed at Dromedary High School.  Let the word go forth from my heart to your heart to every heart throughout this Fairy Kingdom.” 

     All fairies stood in an expression of special honor to Miss Forest and her friends.  Each fairy had a different expression.  Then, an assistant fairy to Sir Goodson (Chief of Protocol) gave a fourteen (14) minute speech.  In it he highlighted the purpose of the generosity of this educational investment.

     What a lavish gift!  Miss Forest had envisioned such an achievement throughout her career.  Now, at last, its fruition had come to pass.

     After giving a brief, emotional, thankful speech – straight from her grateful heart, Miss Forest sat a few moments – to regain her composure, for she was literally “swept off her feet!  She promised their gifts were going to be used for less fortunate fairybeings – those who live in big houses on down to the ones who live in tiny houses.  Her plan was completed.  Every fairybeing was due the best in education – that promise was sealed with a firm handshake. Not only did Miss Forest and friends live happily from that day forward, but all the fairybeings who had high respect for education lived happily also!

STUDENT EVALUATIONS

STUDENT EVALUATIONS

5-29-87

1.      
   This year is the year that I’ve had Miss Forest for Social Studies.  She’s a teacher who knows her history and really have the facts down packed.  The work that she does is unique from any teacher that I’ve seen and had.  The thing that I really like about her is her personality and her sense of humor.  Also, she knows when there’s a time for joking and a time to be serious.  Another thing that makes Miss Forest unique is the way students look up to her.  The reason for that is because she’s a strong lady.  Really, she’s the backbone of Dromedary High School.  I don’t think there’s no other teacher that gets the recognition of Miss Forest.  She’s the best.  Miss Forest is one teacher in a class by herself.
   

1.      
   I thoroughly enjoyed this class.  I have learned many facts about Grande` that I never knew.  Grande’s history is not one of my favorite subjects, but the way that Miss Forest presented the information made me eager to learn more.  The open discussions were the most rewarding.  Not only were they a strong point of the class, but they were very interesting.  The views of others seem to contribute to my knowledge of a topic.
   

1.      
   I think Miss Forest is a very intelligent instructor.  She makes Grande` History exciting and enjoyable for me.  She is one of the most intelligent teachers I have.  She makes the class look at issues that are happening today because someday they’re going to be history and we should know all about it.  I enjoy going to Grande` History every day.
   

1.      
   Well to start off, I really have to say Miss Forest is a very good teacher.  She is very intelligent and teaches 4
   th
   period Grande` History.  I am very sure she could be the President of Grande`… that is why this class is so interesting.  It’s like having a President of Grande` to teach us.  All her beliefs and opinions are very interesting and she lets us students disagree.  But it is hard to disagree because she is
   right
   on all her opinions and issues she talks about.  I really enjoyed this class and Miss Forest is a good teacher.
   

1.      
   Miss Forest was an excellent teacher this year.  I think she did very well.  We didn’t have to do anything this year that I didn’t like.  I like the memory work; it gave me something to think about.  I can’t say that I didn’t learn anything this year because I did.  I learned a lot.  She pushed us to do our best every day.  She always said, “I wouldn’t stay in nobody’s class two years.”  She said that because she wants to see us achieve our goals.  I think she is doing a good job and I hope she keeps up the good work that she is doing with other classes to come.  If somebody comes in at the first of the year not getting his or her lesson out, by the end of the year they will come out of that class a lady or a gentleman and they will have their lesson out, too!
   

1.      
   I have really enjoyed our history class this year.  I feel we have accomplished something that will stay with us throughout our lives.  We have had a very god year.  We learned how to criticize people about things in a mannerly way without fussing or getting mad at our friends and teachers.  Miss Forest you are a much admired person.  We understand the things you say and we get our point even though sometimes we still disagree.  That’s the one good thing.  We are able to give you our point-of-view without you getting mad and start disliking us.  You always go into detail just to make sure we understand something fully.  I think you made a good decision about the news magazine.  Speaking for myself, they (news magazine) have really helped me.  I feel like this year our little class has really become stronger.  Everyone seemed to get along.  We had our little debates here and there, but they were able to bring us down or cause conflict between us to ease.  I couldn’t have asked for a better history teacher.  Thanks for everything!
   

1.      
   Miss Forest was my history teacher.  She was very efficient in all she did.  When a problem arose she always handled it in a professional way.  She was always in total control of her classes.  Things never got out of hand.  Everyone highly respects her for who she is and the great knowledge she has.  I greatly respect you for all that you have taught me about the history of our nation and for the encouragement you have given me in keeping up with current affairs.  Keep up the super job! Thanks for all you’ve done for me!
   

1.      
   I have really enjoyed Grande` History class this year.  I have learned three times more information…than I did last year…although I have disagreed with Miss Forest on a couple of issues, I have admired her all year and now that the year has come to an end, I admire her even more.  She is a remarkable woman.  She has conducted our class with such style and class.  I would like to thank her for the part she has contributed to my education.  I only wish she would still be teaching thirty (30) years from now when my children are in high school.
   

1.      
   This year’s history class is full of excitement.  I felt that Miss Forest was a teacher of many qualities.  She is a pusher of current events.  She emphasized doing work neatly, organized, and promptly.  I felt the songs that were memorized were very important to us as citizens of Grande`.  I felt that Miss Forest did as great as my Grande` history teacher…thanks again for the nomination of the academic all Grande` student.
   

1. I have really enjoyed my first period Grande` History Class this year because I have learned a lot….my classmates were supporting and understanding to me.  I learned the different ways of speaking my mind.  I learned something every day.  I learned about my country’s past, present and future.  Our teacher, Miss Forest, was and always will be a joy to work under.  I like the way she gives examples on the subject she is talking about.  So, we can understand her point of view.  In history class we learned to take responsibility for our actions.  History class was like a journey into a better life for myself.  I will help my children in the long run I can tell them what I’ve learned in Miss Forest’s first period history class.
   

1. Miss Forest, I have thoroughly enjoyed history this year.  I love to participate in your class because you teach more than history.  You teach about life itself.  I thank you very much for everything you’ve taught me and I hope your year has been very enjoyable.
   

1. I think this has been a wonderful class.  I enjoyed learning history under Miss Forest.  She did her job very good.  I learned how important it is to watch the news.  I don’t think I would have changed anything in this class.  The most enjoyable thing in this class was listening to Miss Forest’s opinions.  I think very highly of her opinions because there are explanations and facts behind everyone of them.  The one thing I did not like about this class was having to write a notebook.  But I got used to having to write one.
   

1. I think Miss Forest taught us everything we needed to know.  At first I didn’t like having to learn songs.  But now, since I’ve said them, I’m glad I had to.  I think she wanted us to have a perfect notebook.  Everything in it was for our own good.  She didn’t ever give us too hard or too much homework.  Out of all my classes I think I learned the most out of her third period history class.
   

1. I think this school year has gone really well.  Miss Forest has been a great teacher. I really believe that she has done much more than is expected of her.  I have no complaints of anything this year.  I have learned a lot of valuable things from Miss Forest.  One thing I especially enjoyed was when we all talked about news stories and other things aloud in class.  It helped me be more informed of things happening around me.
   

1. I feel our history class has been helpful.  Miss Forest, I’d like to take this time to commend you on your teaching skills.  I honestly feel you are a wonderful teacher who knows how to get her point across, as well as an outgoing person.  I hope one day in the future my children are lucky enough to be taught under you!
   

1. Miss Forest, I think you are an excellent teacher considering the way you have your student’s think, instead of just giving the students the answer… the only thing I think should be enforced more is students get more involved in current events.  If you don’t know what’s going on in the world, then you don’t know anything.  I think if somebody’s footsteps to follow in, they should consider you.  I’ve really enjoyed being in your class.
   

1. I sincerely think that Miss Forest is a great teacher.  She has respect for the students and students respect her.  She’s an intelligent woman that knows what her expectations are.  In class, she’s trying to direct her students toward thinking about different situations that come about in the news and from the books.  She wants her students to understand what’s going on outside by thinking and then doing something about it.  In a difficult situation, she asks the opinion of her students.
   

1. I enjoy history because we discuss current events.  I enjoy the student input Miss Forest allows.  I find it interesting to hear my peers views and beliefs.  I feel student participation is a strong point in our class.  I also enjoy Miss Forest’s good sense of humor and awareness to political and social happenings.
   

Student Evaluations: 6-1-87

1. I think you are a very good teacher and I do not dispute any of your teaching methods.  Daily news is an especially good tool in your history class.  The memorization of songs and speeches is also important.  I appreciate all you’ve done for me as a teacher, thank you.
   
2. I really enjoyed history class.  Miss Forest had a way of teaching different from anyone else.  She brought both sides of an issue, the good, and the bad.  This made the lesson easier to understand.  As far as I am concerned, Miss Forest is a great teacher.
   

1. To me, this class is the best class I have had all day.  I’m not just saying this because I’m in this class because I think that it is really an honor to be in her class.  I think once you get out of here if no one don’t learn anything there is just no help for them at all.  I’ll admit that I didn’t really think I would get along with her, but now I really love to be in her presence.  And this year she has taught me even more than she taught me last year.
   

1. I haven’t found any faults yet.  If I come back next year, which I hope I don’t because I want to pass, I may find a tiny flaw in her.  I doubt it though.  Oh yeah, another thing, whatever you say to her, or if you disagree with her it doesn’t affect your grade.  That’s what I call equal opportunity.  Miss Forest, I know I haven’t been a great student, but you’re the best!
   

Student Evaluations: 3-11-02

1. Miss Forest’s teaching is very good.  When I participate in this class, I see that your teaching is very blunt and to the point, and I like that.  This way of teaching makes it easier to understand from the student’s point of view.  Instead of “beating around the bush” teaching, you get a high learning.  I’ve understood more in this class and your teaching makes it easier for people like me to understand because of the reality of it.  It doesn’t get you confused because of how it applies to our life as well as others.  The topics stay strong and firm so that there is no misunderstanding.  I think this generation gap between the class and the teacher is what we need, so we can realize what we were really blessed with.  Considering the fact that all of us are young doesn’t mean that we can’t do anything about our society.  Miss Forest lets us know in this world we don’t have to always agree.
   

1. Miss Forest treats all students the same.  She tries to guide you in a good manner, giving you examples from the past.  Miss Forest can be seen as anybody’s mother rather than a teacher.  I would vote her “teacher of the year” and “mother of the year”.  When a teacher like Miss Forest teaches education, manners, and life living, you have a special teacher who will always be in your heart.
   

1. My history teacher is nice.  My history teacher is smart.  She helps you understand your work.  If you don’t understand you can ask her a question and she won’t get mad.  She asks you questions to see if you were paying attention and to see if you have done what you were supposed to do.  If I had to grade her on a scale from one to ten, she’d be a ten (10) because she is outspoken, she keeps the class interesting, and she keeps you laughing.  My history teacher is Miss Forest.
   

1. This class is very interesting.  It is the most exciting class I have.  History is learning about everything that happened in the past that got us where we are today.  We talk about a lot of interesting subjects in this class.  Our teacher teaches like no other teacher in this school.  Miss Forest lets us know how important it is to know about your history.  We have a test every Monday, and we have the rest of the week to go over the next chapter.  I can do a lot better in this class, but I have to concentrate more.  This class is very exciting.  I have a lot of fun in this class.