INTRASCHOOL COMMUNICATION
FROM: 508
TO: 304
Dear Syl—
The McHabes and the Finches exist in college too. There is no greener grass. Even in private high schools and so-called 'better' public high schools, there are many pressures: parental pressures for Ivy League colleges, School Board pressures, social pressures. The range of dull to bright kids is about the same, and if they drive their own cars to school, they—and their parents —tend to look down on the teacher's lack of money or status.
Besides, if you leave, with whom would I exchange these intraschool communiquйs to brighten my Lobby Duty period?
Besides, you're our catalyst, mascot, spokesman and in-fighter.
Besides, you laugh good, like a teacher should.
I'm not saying this to get a higher mark.
Stay!
INTRASCHOOL COMMUNICATION
FROM: 304
TO: 508
Thank you for the kind words; I need all I can get.
It may not even be my decision to make. After so many demerits, I expect a 'U' rating from Clarke.
What did I miss yesterday?
INTRASCHOOL COMMUNICATION
FROM: 508
TO: 304
Dear Syl—
Don't worry about your end-of-term rating. 'Principal's Estimate of Teacher's General Fitness'—for all its verbiage—is concerned with one thing only: 'Is she loony?' And—whatever else you are—you're not loony.
You missed the Dec. Faculty Conference, as you well know, at which all vital questions were postponed for lack of time. And at which:
2 new committees were formed.
It was decided to substitute folk songs for hymns in assembly.
McHabe took a stand vs. vandalism, obscenity, lateness, smoking, and the Faculty Show.
I know, because I had to write up the Minutes.
Paul spent the hour writing you verses.
I know, because he sat next to me.
Have you forgiven him?
INTRASCHOOL COMMUNICATION
FROM: 304
TO: 508
Dear Bea—
There’s nothing to forgive. He himself feels blameless.
He is—as the PRC puts it—'laying hard'; and he keeps dropping bait into my letter-box:
'A question to pursue and ponder:
Does abstinence make the heart grow fonder?'
Health Ed teacher just sent me cutting slip for Alice Blake. Apparently only today has someone bothered to take attendance in Gym. Apparently no one has as yet removed her name from Delaney Book.
I've kept in touch with her mother. Alice has been transferred to another hospital, she is in pain, she still refuses to have anyone from school visit her.
What's all the excitement about 'Teacher for a day'?
INTRASCHOOL COMMUNICATION
FROM: 508
TO: 304
Dear Syl—
That's the day kids turn the tables on us. It always takes place just before Xmas; it's the occasion for certain responsible seniors to run the school for one day. President of G.O. becomes principal, chosen seniors prepare a lesson to teach lower classes, and it's all very sound.
But by a series of mutations and deteriorations, it is becoming more fraught and frantic each year. The humor of teachers dressed as kids cavorting on the stage escapes me, but there is a strong faction in its favor. They call it 'the lighter side of education.'
Surely, Willowdale has nothing like it to show you!
What's wrong? You sound a bit fed up.
INTRASCHOOL COMMUNICATION
FROM: 304
TO: 508
Dear Bea—
I am—more than a bit fed up.
I once taught a lesson on 'A man's reach should exceed his grasp/Or what's a heaven for?' I'm no longer sure that this is so; the higher I reach, the flatter I fall on my face.
How do you manage to stand up?
INTRASCHOOL COMMUNICATION
FROM: 508
TO: 304
Dear Syl,
Look at the cherub who is delivering this note. Look closely. Did you ever see a lovelier smile? A prouder
