VOL. XIX, NO. 9
MARCH 23, 1978
Horror of Tardiness Can Turn
Into Safety of Spring Vacation
Into Safety of Spring Vacation
BY STEVE HINES
Next Monday‑rising out of your sleep, you turn over and peer at your clock. Mickey Mouse's hands bring you to your senses with a start. The big hand points ominously to the 11; the little one is slowly creeping up on the 8.
Terrible visions leap before your eyes. You recall the last time Mickey had failed to wake you. You vividly picture your last visit with the dean. "One more unexcused tardiness will result in a three‑day suspension," he had said. "I'll never let it happen again," you had pleaded. But it had!
In an attempt to avoid the doom which was approaching, you spring into action. It's so late, even the Post Toasties would have be be ignored. Nothing could be carried. Your lunch, homework, and books will all be left behind. Nothing can stop you from getting to school.
You strike off for the edifice of learning at a spring. Two minutes separate you and a three‑day suspension. With that reward goading you on, nothing can stop you. Your hurried flight down Thacker Street causes quite a bit of confusion. Why would anyone wear mismatched socks, striped blue pants, and a green plaid shirt? Not this or anything else can keep you from homeroom. Except that train.
Next Monday‑rising out of your sleep, you turn over and peer at your clock. Mickey Mouse's hands bring you to your senses with a start. The big hand points ominously to the 11; the little one is slowly creeping up on the 8.
Terrible visions leap before your eyes. You recall the last time Mickey had failed to wake you. You vividly picture your last visit with the dean. "One more unexcused tardiness will result in a three‑day suspension," he had said. "I'll never let it happen again," you had pleaded. But it had!
In an attempt to avoid the doom which was approaching, you spring into action. It's so late, even the Post Toasties would have be be ignored. Nothing could be carried. Your lunch, homework, and books will all be left behind. Nothing can stop you from getting to school.
You strike off for the edifice of learning at a spring. Two minutes separate you and a three‑day suspension. With that reward goading you on, nothing can stop you. Your hurried flight down Thacker Street causes quite a bit of confusion. Why would anyone wear mismatched socks, striped blue pants, and a green plaid shirt? Not this or anything else can keep you from homeroom. Except that train.
The train was traveling fast enough to prevent jumping on. But it was travelling slow enough to keep you from getting to school on time. What can be done to prevent an undeserved suspension? Maybe you can sneak past Mr. Barnes, Dr. Gould, and the dozen or so other teachers who guard the halls during homeroom. If that attempt fails, look for a club member. A quick grasp of his club pass, and you are home free.
The sight of the freight's caboose stirs you into action. The rest of your hurried journey is hectic. By the time you reach the school, a mob of worried and slightly bruised pedestrians follow you. They all have one question. "What in the world is that kid doing?" Never turning to the left or the right, you rush into the front entrance. Looking about frantically, you see no one. An assembly! Saved! Confident of survival you rush up to the auditorium. Yanking at the doors you find them to be locked. "I must be later than I thought. It must be first period already."
Frantically you head for your first class. A commanding voice stops your progress. "Where are you going?" You whirl around; your fate is sealed. But it was only a janitor. "What are you doing here during spring vacation?" he asked. Then it dawns on you. Spring vacation! You had been looking forward to it for weeks. You slink away from the school and head for home.
The sight of the freight's caboose stirs you into action. The rest of your hurried journey is hectic. By the time you reach the school, a mob of worried and slightly bruised pedestrians follow you. They all have one question. "What in the world is that kid doing?" Never turning to the left or the right, you rush into the front entrance. Looking about frantically, you see no one. An assembly! Saved! Confident of survival you rush up to the auditorium. Yanking at the doors you find them to be locked. "I must be later than I thought. It must be first period already."
Frantically you head for your first class. A commanding voice stops your progress. "Where are you going?" You whirl around; your fate is sealed. But it was only a janitor. "What are you doing here during spring vacation?" he asked. Then it dawns on you. Spring vacation! You had been looking forward to it for weeks. You slink away from the school and head for home.
