Jennifer was in Mr Bloom’s class at Half Hitch Elementary. The classroom was the same size as Mrs Kipper’s next door, and everyone sat with their tables in a big circle so everyone could look at each other.

Mr Bloom, who Jennifer thought was a wonderful teacher, normally stood in the middle of this circle. He had a wonderful voice, and everyone enjoyed listening to him and asking questions. The only time he’d stop with his lesson is when the green speaker in the far high corner of the classroom crackled in to life - because this was the speaker that Mrs Perrinpeas, the headmistress, would use for special announcements.