READING Inside the Bell Top cafeteria, at lunchtime, Jimmy Delaney sits across from Mark. Jimmy’s sister, Patty, sits by his side. On a piece of paper is scrawled “10-1.” It sits beside each boy’s recently read “Harlem Globetrotters” paperbacks. Jimmy has just finished eating. He takes forth a dime and awards it to his victorious friend. Then something strange…Jimmy returns his used, brown paper, lunch bag to his pocket. Mark slides back the dime. “As you can see–Mark did consistently well in reading–all B’s.” “That’s good. He hit up his father for all sorts of money for the book club–I think I saw him read one book.” “Well, I guess it paid off…” MATH Miss Monsour continues, “…in math, he did excellent. He worked at a high level and put forth maximum effort.” “He’s always liked math.” Miss Monsour notes, “Straight A’s in English, Spelling, and the other core subjects…” PHYSICAL EDUCATION At the Bell Top playground, Mark plays kickball. In the outfield, he makes a spectacular diving catch. He throws the red ball a great distance, striking and “doubling-off” a runner. His teacher watches the action. She continues, “…He did outstanding in Phys. Ed. Both his gym teacher and I have seen he’s a real leader out there. You know yourself, Dottie, how well he did at our field days.” Dottie remarks, “Sports seem to be his life.” SPELLING Inside the Bell Top nurse’s office, the school nurse vanishes behind a partition. Jerelyn Fiacco, a round-faced, longhaired, pretty Italian classmate; sits on a bench. Upon entering, Mark sneaks-a-peek at the eye chart. He sits beside his friend. Having completed his vision exam, Mark sends an unsuspecting Jerelyn to a position by the illuminated chart. Covering his eye, he recites the most minute letter line. Mark reads, “P…E…Z…O…” He covers both eyes! “…C…F…T…D.” Absolutely correct! Jerelyn screams, “Wow!” Me ‘thinks’ she’s been had. But, she’ll know now! WORK AND STUDY HABITS Miss Monsour notes, “Ah, his work and study habits are also excellent. Although he did have trouble getting long-term assignments in on time, his day-to-day work was always done. He tried constantly to improve. As far as attitude, I noted how very responsible and dependable he was–again, a leader–all in all, a very popular boy.”
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