ONLI NEWEEKLYSERI ALSTORY
The Highland Ridge Explorers: Chapter 3
[Note: If you are reading this in your classroom, you may decide to vote as a class and have your catechist or teacher submit your vote each week. If you read the story at home, you can submit your own vote from a home computer. You can only vote once from the same computer.]
Chapter 3: All Plans on Hold Jake grinned at the group. “Well, that was easy,” he said. “We have a unanimous decision. The Highland Ridge Explorers will be organizing a Talent and Craft Fair with our sister school. This should be fun.” “Just remember, though,” said Ellie, always the practical one. “We don’t have permission yet. In fact, your teacher doesn’t even know about it yet. What if she doesn’t like the idea? She’s the one who will have to ask the principal.” Keiko chimed in. “What if the principal at the other school doesn’t like the idea, or they have too much else going on?” Jake looked exasperated. “It’s funny that no one brought up any of these objections before we voted!”
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The Highland Ridge Explorers: Chapter 3
Manuel placed a hand on Jake’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, Jake. If this idea doesn’t work out, we’ll just choose another one.” “That’s right, “ said Keiko. I’m sure our or third choices would be fun too. Our first choice just seemed like something we could really have fun with.” “OK,” Jake responded. “Let’s take first things first. Keiko and I will talk to Miss Boynton tomorrow at school. That’s the first step.” Ellie jumped up. “I’ve got to get home. Let me know what happens. Thanks for the snacks, Mrs. Yamamoto,” she called out, and bounded out the door. Soon all were headed for home and an evening of dinner and homework. The next day started off well. Mrs. Boynton agreed to meet with the Jake and Keiko after school. But all their plans were about to be interrupted. After lunch, she came into their classroom, put down her a stack of papers, folded her arms, and looked sternly at the class. “Boys and girls, we have a serious problem,” she said. “Does anyone know what it might be?”
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The Highland Ridge Explorers: Chapter 3
All in the class shook their heads. Jake stood up. “What seems to be the problem?” “The problem is that we have had an instance of cheating on the spelling test. Would anyone care to do the right thing and own up to this?” A few in the class fidgeted, but no one spoke. “Well, then,” said Miss Boynton, “Here is what we will have to do. All school-‐sponsored activities will be suspended until the guilty party comes to me and admits his or her error of judgment. Does everyone understand?” “But, Mrs. Boynton,” said one of the boys. “That’s not fair. Only one person cheated, and yet we are all going to be punished? Why?” “Because,” said Mrs. Boynton, “we agreed at the start of the year when we made our class rules that we would all be accountable for one another. When one member of our group falls short, the whole class is weakened. And may I remind you, if someone has information about this, you do neither the guilty party nor your classmates any good by remaining silent.” “But Mrs. Boynton,” another student began, “our planning committee for the Valentine’s Day party meets today.”
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The Highland Ridge Explorers: Chapter 3
“And you promised to meet with Jake and me after school today,” added Keiko. “Both of these things will have to wait,” their teacher answered. “We have a much bigger issue right now.” Everyone groaned, and then fell silent. After school, Keiko found Jake leaning against the tree in front of the school. “What are we going to tell the others, Jake?” “I don’t know,” Jake sighed. “The worst thing, Keiko, is that I think I know who did it.” “You what?” exclaimed Keiko. “Jake, you have to tell Mrs. Boynton!” “No way,” said Jake. “I’m not a snitch.” “But Jake,” reasoned Keiko. “If you turn the guilty person in, only one person gets hurt. But if you keep quiet, everyone suffers. Think about it!” Keiko walked off, and soon Jake headed for home too, deep in thought. __________ TIME TO VOTE
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