The Dudette

The Recess Gang were heading into the vicinity of 98th Street School when they noticed a woman swinging on the swings. Mickey wondered if she was “Swinger Boy’s mom.” They went up to her and she said it was “good to be back at good Ol’ 98th Street Elementary,” and said her name was Frankie Dudettecow, which CJ recognised as the name of her heroine. Suddenly the bell rang, which Frankie recognised. Russ wasn’t sure who this “Dudettecow girl” was. CJ took Russ to the pavement and pointed to a patch which read “Smallfoot Boyd was here.” Russ remarked that Miss Dudettecow had to have gone to Bowland Wild Boar Park to be Prankster Princess, which CJ confirmed and glorified over the fact that she shook her hand.

In class, Miss Ropey introduced Miss Dudettecow to the class as a substitute teacher, while she sits at the back of the class. CJ raised her hand and said “Welcome back, Dudette.” Frankie asked her to call her Miss Dudettecow since “The Dudette never really belonged in the classroom,” which CJ agreed to. Then Miss Dudettecow started reading out from the book about electricity, which everyone got bored with eventually. Miss Ropey feels that her being in the room was making Frankie nervous and left. Frankie started reading from the book again, but CJ interrupted asking about her tales at 98th Street, but Frankie said they should be learning about electricity and maybe a diagram will help.

“And what about Mr Boyd?” asked CJ.

“Did you say BOYD?” Asked Frankie.

Miss Ropey was drinking tea in the Teacher’s Lounge when Mr Boyd went up to her with a complaint about “that Dudettecow kid.” They went to the classroom where Frankie was telling a story about how she was by the lockers when Mr Boyd shouted “FRANKIE DUDETTECOOOOWWWW!” and she went up to him and pulled out gum for everyone.

”What’s in the lesson plan for today, Ropey?” questioned Mr Boyd, “The History of Hooliganism?”

Over the next few days, Frankie entertained the kids with things that had nothing to do with education, at one point revealing the globe was a secret stash for gum. She also scared the lunch ladies into hurrying up with lunch. The staff talked about Frankie’s childish behaviour and Principal Prickly agreed to give her another chance.

However, when they did the tests, due to not being prepared for them, they all got Fs, with the exception of Greta, who got an A-. While heading home, complaining, CJ noticed Frankie sad on the swings and went up to her, asking why she wanted to be a teacher. She replied that she loved the stuff you get to teach. They talked and then CJ left, calling Frankie “Miss Dudette,” which she had a think about.

The next day, Mr Boyd, Principal Prickly and Miss Ropey were walking to the classroom, with Ropey pleading that they give Frankie more time. They went inside and found Frankie playing with the kids. Frankie explained that it was a better way to learn and had Rigelli provide an example. Frankie explained that teaching by the book wasn’t getting anywhere and neither was having too much fun, so she decided to “mix the brainy girl with the fun girl and thus, Miss Dudette.” Miss Ropey applauded Frankie and Principal Prickly welcomed Frankie into the faculty. Mr Boyd said she will be “keeping an eye on Frankie,” and she put a sign on his back saying “I smell of rotten eggs.”

The End.