a day at Ridgemount High School

1:47pm.

- I don't get why she's making us do this assignment. Like she wants to punish us or something. 

- Whatever, I'm just gonna finish it as fast as I can to annoy her more. She'll be so pissed. You're hair is so red today...

- Yeah, I dyed it a little. Like, I don't understand. This morning she wasn't being such a bitch but then after recess, she was, like, totally punishing us or something. Gawd. Hey, I like your new earrings? 

-I forgot to msn you about them last night! My dad came and took me to dinner. My mom wasn't thrilled about the last minute announcement, but I gave her my puppy dog look and she backed off.

-I love it when my mom visits on the weekend and we go shopping. one of the fridge benefits.

-Fringe.

-What about it?

-Huh?

-What about Fringe? Do you watch the show too?

-No, no. You were, like, fridge benefits...but the word is fringe. My dad always talks about his fringe benefits at work. He gets a manicure! I don't even get a manicure! Gawd.

-My mom said she'd get us a spa package for Christmas...pedicures, manicures, the works. Fringe, huh? With an 'e' at the end?

12:20pm.

-I don't get what their problem is. First they want to be deadbeat parents with their kids' education and now all of a sudden they want their kids to have more homework. You're a great teacher, Jessica. Don't let Cook make you believe otherwise.

-And he's looking at me like I'm the idiot! Like I am not doing enough!

-I don't get it. I really don't get it.

-I don't get it either, Paul, but I'm so pissed right now. One of their parents did this. They won't be happy when I drop that assignment I've been keeping in the bottom drawer on their heads.

12:04pm.

-I don't get why I'm being forced to give these kids more homework. They have enough as it is. They have other classes, you know.

-I know that and you know that, but I have received some concerns from parents that their kids are not getting enough homework.

-Well, I don't believe in overwhelming them either. You know that. If I give them too much then I'll lose them later on...they'll be out of energy later in the year.

-Please, don't resist on this one. Just find something that you can give them that's more substantial.

-Substantial? So what are you saying? I'm giving them fluff? That my class is a bird class? You're insulting my method?

-I'm not insulting you, Jessica. Just work with me on this one. There's pressure on all of us.

-You think? Thanks for giving me more to deal with. Now if you'll excuse me, I have 20 minutes for lunch and I've got to give these kids more work to do.

9:22am.

-Mr. Dawson...I must be honest with you. We have never received any complaints about the class being...too easy, as you put it. I don't get why you are bringing these concerns up?

-I'm not a Global news watcher, Principal Cook. I don't complain when my kids have too much homework like other deadbeat parents. My child will be ready for the real world, and she'll have the habits that I grew up with and you grew up with that brought us to our respective places in life.

-I appreciate where you are coming from. I can give you some resources that you and your wife  and your wife can use to supplement the education that Ms. Leeson is providing the class.

-No. My time is better served helping my kid with his homework, not finding busy work for him to do. My time is better served running the PTA and the football fundraiser. Wouldn't you agree?

-Well...I talk to Ms. Leeson about it. I'll see what I can do. I won't promise anything, you understand?

-I trust you'll do your best, Principal.

4:30pm.

-Dude, I don't get it. I was being all empathetic, and consoling, and understanding. She was pouring her heart out to me, and still I couldn't get the nerve to say to her, Let's talk about it over dinner. Why am I such a chicken-shit. Her nails are so manicured too. Don't laugh! I'm crazy about her nails and her dimples - sue me. I just don't get it bro....She's so hot. Argh!