Up The Down Staircase

* * *

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE

CITY OF NEW YORK

DEAR SIR OR MADAM:

APPARENTLY YOU WERE SENT THE WRONG FORM. THE FORM YOU WERE SENT IS A RETIREMENT FORM. YOU NEED A RESIGNATION FORM.

BUREAU OF APPOINTMENTS AND RECORDS

* * *

Dear Sylvia,

The Teachers' Interest Com. (they've stuck me with that too!) want to know if and when you are leaving, so that we can start collecting money for your going away gift and farewell tea.

I've been meaning to visit you, but the work has been piling up so high I have to take it home every day to get it in on time. I wish I could just lie down someplace like you!

Mary

* * *

BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

DEAR SIR OR MADAM:

IN ANSWER TO YOUR REQUEST FOR A RETIREMENT FORM, YOU WERE SENT THE OLD RETIREMENT FORM INSTEAD OF THE NEW RETIREMENT FORM.

BUREAU OF APPOINTMENTS AND RECORDS

* * *

Dear Miss Barrett,

Due before 3: All items on the enclosed circular #134 are to be checked off. See also Addenda to the Circular.

I'm sorry you've been getting the wrong forms from the Board. You must apply for the correct form to the Division of Appointments and Records.

Sadie Finch

Chief Clerk

* * *

Dear Miss Barrett,

I recall a lesson on 'The Road Not Taken,' and a fruitful discussion on choices. I hope you've made the right one; though whichever it is, as you yourself pointed out, it is bound to be charged with regret.

With best wishes for a speedy recovery—

Samuel Bester

* * *

Dear Miss Barrett,

No matter how I add up my marks my average is still 61%! Well, well! Here's hoping that one more Extra Credit will pick me up to 65%! I have no more books I read but will try to read some more if I pass!

Odyssus

Odyssus left Troy after killing a couple of million people and with his men were going home. But these giants at an island they stoped at smashed Odyssus men to pieces! After that they went to the Cyclopes who ate them gradually, but Odyssus stuck something in his eye blinding the Cyclope and which resulted in the Cyclope not being able to see. After that they went to Circe who changed the men into pigs but Odyssus changed them back! Finally they went to the island of the sun and ate up all the sun's cattle. But Zeus killed all the men except Odyssus since he was the hero. By now all the men are dead! Odyssus lands in Ogygia and stays there for 7 years. Finally he comes home.

Even if I don't pass I hope you come back! Because you know you can't get along without us, Ha-ha!

(I laugh a lot but mostly I don't mean it)

Lou Martin

PART XII

58. Hi, Pupe!

Is this 304?

Hey, she's back!

You out of the hospital?

Hurray, we got Barrett!

How's your foot?

Let's give her a round of clap!

Thank you for the applause, but that's enough. That's enough, thank you. I'm glad to see you again too. And now, please fill out these Delaney cards while I call the roll—

What's the date?

February first, you moron!

There's not enough seats!

Hey, we got a lot of new kids here!

I'm not late—the bell is early.

You gonna be our English too?

Is Lou Martin here? Oh, there you are.

Who, me? I didn't do it! Honest—cross my—