The next Monday after lunch, the kids were kept in the cafeteria for an assembly. Principal Felder walked onto the stage, and they got quiet. There were only about 50 of them left at the school. “Good afternoon, children. I know y’all are itching to get outside so I won’t keep y’all long. The reason I called this assembly is to let y’all know how well y’all are doing. Attendance and grades are better than they’ve ever been!” she said, and they cheered.
“What? No way,” Cory Starks said, and everyone told him to shut up. He’s no dummy, Dessie thought.
“Because of your hard work and the hard work of your teachers, we’ve already finished all of the lessons for the year!” The kids looked at each other wide-eyed then went nuts. Felder paused and held out her hand, and Dessie smiled, giddy for
