School Pranks (11 page)

The Courts

     Two courts were used in this case.  Both courts (A and B) upheld the decision made by the Education Board in spite of serious doubt.  The higher court (B) went in depth in showing how unprepared it was in the decision-making process.  From Part IV Court B admitted… we emphasize that our limited standard of review precludes fact-finding on our part…” admitted “…we emphasize that our limited standard of review precludes fact-finding on our part…”  This statement acknowledges the need of a tool the court did not have access to, the fact-finding apparatus.  Decision impossible if facts are withheld; such decision is prone to inaccuracy.  Acknowledging need for further investigation is appreciated.  Admission of negligence committed by one of the highest levels of democracy is a noble act, indeed.  But, knowing or being suspicious of the likelihood that facts had been omitted automatically hindered a just decision Miss Forest was not seeking consolation, only justice.

     Court B continued to add doubt to the validity of its decision-making process with this statement: “Forest essentially urges us to discredit the evidence relied upon by the board.”  “
Discredit the Evidence.
”  With Those words Court B has unmistakably discredited the evidence better than the ones who brought charges against Miss Forest.  They documented their fraudulent evidence; and Miss Forest pointed out fraud in each piece of their “evidence”.  No, Miss Forest could not have discredited the evidence presented against her nearly as well as they did it against themselves!  They did a good job!  The second statement of Court B clearly puts it in harmony with the education organ in Dromedary.  (Reread relative sections concerning Miss Forest and administrators.) 

          The purposes of this writing is to assist in the correction of a deliberate act carried out by persons who betrayed the trust of the public.  Assuming the administrators involved with this case possessed exemplary character is a gross error of both courts.  These administrators are opposite everything the word (exemplar) means.  Brought to light is the revelation of a huge credibility gap by Mr. Murphy and Miss Forest’s evaluators in a self-condemnation manner.  They documented that fact!  From the documentations they presented the absurdity of this case.  But the main question remains, Can public education tolerate other cases such as Miss Forest’s?

Conclusion

     With the completion of this gigantic task the group of representatives concluded recognition be paid to the bad fairybeing concerning their accomplishment.  After all, they reasoned, he inspired them to do that bold and daring deed.  How soon, then?  All thought this important information should be shared as quickly as possible.  A deed of this magnitude is rare: perhaps they were the only ones to carry out such prank.  Basking in the compliments each lavished on themselves, a discussion followed concerning how to contact the bad fairybeing.  Should contact be done in person or by telephone?  And when should contact be made?  That last question didn’t take any time to answer.  It would take place the next morning, all glibly announced.  What’s the use of waiting?  The quicker, the better!  The first question required reasoning.  The kind of reasoning they used was one-dimensional – the kind which lacks depth.  Two members of the group wanted a personal contact with the bad fairybeing.  They yearned to see the expression on the bad fairybeing’s face as they made known this unforgettable news story.  The majority thought a personal contact was not necessary. Using the telephone was more convenient.  Mr. Murphy’s office during regular school hours would be perfect.  Which plan would win?  The minority did a little clamoring, making the majority somewhat uneasy.  So the majority then joined the minority, expressing their desire to see face – to –face the bad fairybeing’s expression at this momentous event.  Each member of the group then hurriedly made preparation with aids and assistants for their absence the following day.  All were pleased.

     The next day all members of the group met in Mr. Murphy’s office at mid-morning for the drive to meet with the bad fairybeing.  That group was inept at planning.  They documented that fact with their scheduling of Miss Forest to an observation class outside the school area.  (Note: Review Mr. Murphy’s assignment to Miss Forest to an observation class outside the school area.) 

     This time, though, no plans were made at all.  They just went ahead unannounced.  The drive took about one hour and a half.  Finally, they thought, we are here.  Driving upon the premises of that estate brought delight to the face of each of those pranksters.  The keeper of the grounds came over to them and asked their reason for coming.  The spokesman, Mr. Murphy, made known the purpose for their presence.  The ground keeper notified the Guide of Visitation.  The guide came to their vehicle and asked whether the bad fairybeing was expecting them, saying to them, “you all are not on my schedule.” No, they had not made an appointment.  As with their usual action, they had forgotten to do it.  Mr. Murphy explained to the guide the reason this error was made.  But Mr. Murphy’s reason is not worth repeating here since he didn’t have it documented.  He lived by documentation.  Then the guide explained since they were not there since the last time, or three years ago, the bad fairybeing was busier than ever.  The group was told to wait outside the royal house and he, the guide, would try to arrange a meeting for them.  He departed and returned forty-five minutes later with good news.  The bad fairybeing was able to see them immediately.  Quickly, they were ushered into the Chambers of Visitors.  It was nice; though not very nice, but better than either of them had.  The bad fairybeing expressed pleasure in their thinking about him.  Greetings were exchanged.  Special honors were lavishly shown him.  Everybody was pleased.  Then it was time for their purpose to be voiced to the one they revered most sincerely.  Permission was granted them for their presentation.  They did their best to remain calm and collected and were successful at first; but after a while, they lost control all of it!  They just got head-over-heels with excitement.  The bad fairybeing joined in the jubilation with them, even though he had no idea what the laughter was about.  “Calm down, and tell me so I can truly celebrate as you all are doing,” he said.  So the chairman of the group began with this announcement: “The job has been accomplished!”  “Which job?” inquired the bad fairybeing?  Joyously continuing Mr. Murphy said, “The firing of Miss Dora Forest, that teacher many thought was impossible to get rid of.”  “Well, tell me all about it,” requested the bad fairybeing.  Scratching his head, grinning, slapping each other’s shoulders, and making other congratulatory gestures, he began.

     Starting with the school year of 1999 to present, Mr. Murphy told of every event mentioned in this writing.  With help from his co-workers, each prank they did was explained in detail and the annoyance it was intended to achieve.  Those reminisces continued until lunch.

     After lunch they continued with their business.  It was noticed by Mr. Murphy and the evaluators of Miss Forest, that the bad fairybeing was not as happy as they.  In fact, he was somewhat somber, sad; the mood was reflective.  When they asked what was troubling him, the bad fairybeing told them, without holding anything back.  He told them of his disappointment with them.  Not only was he disappointed with them, most of all they had embarrassed
him
. “But how?” they humbly inquired.  Answering them apologetically, the bad fairybeing said, “Understand me, now, I like what you did.  But you all were so clumsy and made too many blunders.  My followers are slick not slack; they are clever not clumsy; smart not silly.  They are also bright, alert, and quick-witted.” “Yes, sir; you are most certainly right,” the group admitted in unison.  Then, reviewing the pranks they felt so proud of and were so confident with themselves for performing, the bad fairybeing showed them an example in which they blundered; in which they were slack; in which some of the pranks were so carelessly carried out caused (much confusion.)  “You all were so careless, this is what concerns me” said the bad fairybeing.  “Didn’t it occur to any of you that Miss Forest might challenge these frivolous pranks?”  Answering his own question, the bad fairybeing said, “No, I guess not.”  “You all have damaged my reputation indeed.”  The pranks you all used on Miss Forest were child’s play.  Little intelligence was needed to see through those silly pranks carried out against her.  It seems you all never considered quality in forming those pranks.  You were harsh; anybody can be harsh.  But it takes thinking to be clever, and the like.  Yes, I like what you all did, you got Miss Forest out of there.  Remember this, though, your pranks have to match the person or the situation under attack.  I don’t see a clever prank yet.  Every problem you all used against her, she was able to tackle it head-on and resolve it.  Did you all not notice that trend?” asked the bad fairybeing.  Then answering his own question again said, No!  You all made too many blunders, were too careless and didn’t pay attention to detail since the decision was made before the beginning of school term 1999-2000 that she was going to be fired, no matter what.  I am embarrassed for you all for your elementary pranks, but I am most embarrassed for myself.  You misrepresented me!  I am a proud being!  You don’t have any pride.  You all must do better the next time something like this is tried or be disowned by me and my kingdom.  Just look at how far off the mark you all are: using pranks on the elementary level on a post graduate teacher.”  The bad fairybeing was mild in scolding them, yet it was his goal to show them how serious their duty was.  They began to faintly understand the information given.  Realizing their pranks had exposed and expounded themselves in the most uncomplimentary way while having the opposite effect on Miss Forest, they  became shamed, and rightly so.  A light had clicked on from inside themselves somehow, and they saw, for the first time, the impact these documented misdeeds had on their careers.  If it had not been for those documents they could have gotten away with everything.  It had worked for them before.  But, agreeing with the bad fairybeing these documented pranks are just about the shabbiest one’s ever recorded anywhere.

     Next, complete silence covered the room.  During the silence period which lasted thirty (30) minutes, their thoughts were on how easily they had been “found out.”  They were disgusted with themselves, felt disgraced for their failure.  Would this misdeed be overlooked?  It seemed the bad fairybeing had hinted they would be in good standing if their pranks met his approval the next time.  Well, well!  “All that work…,” they muttered.  Then, for different reasons everybody began bawling, mourning and wailing for forty-nine (49) minutes straight.  The meeting abruptly ended.  With handshakes and farewells; they vowed to keep in touch.  The bad fairybeing offered this last gift.  He thought they needed it badly; therefore a free remedial course in prankstering was assigned.  This course would be taught by the bad fairybeing, himself, after school three hours for three years.  “That’s similar to the assignment you all gave Miss Forest, isn’t it? He asked.  “Yes, it sure is,” they replied!  “Now, see how quickly I have learned?  You all can do just as well, can’t you:” they were asked?  They agreed and left the room.

     When they were safely inside their vehicle, and on their way back to Dromedary, all were pensive.  Now what?  A discussion got started on how to help the bad fairybeing regain his reputation.  Expressing deep, often melancholy thoughtfulness, they began to use words suggested by the bad fairybeing when demonstrating their pranks against others.  Then, one member of the group suggested a visit to the good fairybeing would be perfect since they were within less than an hour away.  Recalling to mind they did not follow his instructions the last time some were uneasy.  They didn’t want another disappointment like the one the bad fairybeing had given them.  The debate went on, and got a little deeper.  Reaching the consensus the good fairybeing is good indeed, and will continue to do well toward them, it was decided to “go for it.”  So within thirty minutes they were on the ground of the good fairybeing.

     It was mid-afternoon when they reached the abode of the good fairybeing. A warm invitation was given them inside the palace walls.  The group was ushered directly to the Room of Guests.  Mr. Murphy and others were delighted.  The good fairybeing entered and took his designated seat.  Greetings were exchanged among them.  He was delighted with their visit.  He was aware of their disobedience of the advice given them on their last visit, three years ago.  Being the patient, calm, and understanding fairybeing he is, nothing entered his mind but the best way of helping others when needed.

     Then the business began.  “How may I help?  It seems you need plenty of it,” he said.  Fumbling and sputtering Mr. Murphy, the spokesman of the group asked “How did you know that?”  From rumors that are floating around the village,” they were told.  Explaining to them he considered those rumors were too silly to have happened, so he just brushed them aside.  Some of the rumors seemed so ridiculous that he refused to listen further.  Musing hypothetically, he said, “But suppose there is some truth to the rumors.  Is that what you are saying?” asked the good fairybeing.  “Yes, somewhat,” answered Mr. Murphy, with others bowing their heads in agreement.  “Well,” said the good fairybeing.  “The only parts of this answer that I can agree with is the yes and what part; and it would have to be with a question mark, thus reading yes?, what,? Said the good fairybeing.  “Some should not have been used – at all.  “What pushed you all to take such a plunge?” he asked.  They gave a detailed accounting of Miss Forest’s firing.  Beginning from 1999-2002 they reviewed events just as they had done for bad fairybeing.

     Near the end of their presentation they looked at the good fairybeing for his reaction.  Would he approve of their firing of Miss Forest?  They were doubtful.  So many bad things had happened while in the presence of the good fairybeing.  At the end of the presentation, the good fairybeing gave an understanding smile to each member of the group, and that smile made them relax.  He congratulated them for their presentation. “I have a better understanding of the firing of Miss Forest.” He said.  They leaned forward in their chairs toward the good fairybeing in readiness for his perfect answer.  The good fairybeing expressed his admiration for their seriousness in this matter, for they were dedicated to the task of firing Miss Forest.  But he saw something much more serious with them.  The root of the problem resulted from their immaturity. Upon hearing the good fairybeing’s opinion of the problem, they became speechless.  “How could that be,”? They silently thought.  “You seem surprised that you fit that category,” said the good fairybeing. They all admitted to him that he was correct, but they just were not thinking in that manner.  The good fairybeing continued, “I’ll give you all a verification test which is perfect for aiding in forming the best opinions.   Will you all cooperate”? Asked the good fairybeing.  All agreed. “Good,” said the good fairybeing.  “This test is the Golden Rule, Do unto other as you would have them do unto you.”  The origin of the test was given, showing its accuracy.  All were told to clear their thoughts for the test.  They were asked to imagine they were in Miss Forest’s position.  “Would you wish to be treated the way you treated her”? He asked.  Nobody said anything.  They were disappointed with themselves for being found out.  Finally admitting to the truth of the Golden Rule, they uneasily waited for the good fairybeing to continue.

     “From the presentation of the problem you gave concerning Miss Forest’s lack of teaching skill, admiration of her from all of you was discerned.  Her presence was enjoyed by you all.  It was noticed that you observed her classes often.  One reason for this regularity of visitation to her classes was the art she had of being in control of her students, without using threat.  You all were awestruck of her class discipline.  But others felt as you all about her work.  More than eighteen hundred citizens signed a petition objecting to her firing.  While expressing dissatisfaction to Miss Forest about her classroom performance, Mr. Murphy and evaluators in the meanwhile, played it “smart” and just “hung around,” hoping to “pick-up” valuable tips on discipline and teaching.  With your barrage of work you assigned to “improve” her teaching, she requested you all to come to her classes and demonstrate your expectations; but all of you declined.  Why?” asked the good fairybeing.  Silence, the group said nothing. “As I see,” continued the good fairybeing, “your declination of her request of a demonstration of the style you all had demanded of her indicated a feeling of threat; because you knew Miss Forest could have presented a lesson as good, as or better than you all,” announced the good fairybeing.  With that statement, they, Mr. Murphy and evaluators, objected in unison. “Well, then, why didn’t Mr. Murphy come and give a demonstration to Miss Forest?  After all he was a one-time Teacher of the Year winner in his area, a fact in deed.  But Mr. Murphy remained silent, “Therefore,” continued the good fairybeing, “Your assignment was not designed to accomplish good, only for stress,” said the good fairybeing.  To make this decision correct, the good fairybeing suggested they take the Golden Rule test to be sure, and sure enough the good fairybeing was right again.  Suggestions were made to Miss Forest by Mr. Murphy and evaluators which they knew were already in use.  They were aware of a daily review of current news.  Student news magazines were paid for through Mr. Murphy’s office.  “What was the purpose of assigning something that is done daily?”  The good fairybeing insisted on an answer.  Silence continued.  “So,” the good fairybeing said, “you all considered what Miss Forest did was of little importance.  You all were attempting to disrespect her – overlook, discount.