Nothing but the Truth

by Avi

  Though your other answers are only a little better, I know you have the potential for good work. Your Fall term work showed greater promise, though your classroom attitude leaves much to be desired. Now, Philip, if you do not bring your work up, you are in danger of failing this course. When you get your Winter term grade, consider it a warning.

  EXAM GRADE: C–

  * * *

  TO: DR. GERTRUDE DOANE, PRINCIPAL, HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL

  FROM: MARGARET NARWIN

  RE: APPLICATION FOR GRANT

  Attached please find my application to the State Office for Education for a summer grant-in-aid.

  As you can see, I am applying to the State University for a summer program entitled “New Approaches to the Teaching of Literature for Today’s Students.”

  It’s an intensive two-week workshop in which university professors and high school “master teachers” will present new ideas, theoretical as well as practical, for the experienced high school English teacher. The application form requires both an approval and a recommendation from my head administrator, which is why I write you.

  I have been teaching for a long time. Indeed, you, Dr. Doane, one of my most successful students, will know how long! I feel I am in need of new ideas, strategies, concepts to keep my teaching vital. The truth is—and I believe I can speak honestly to you about this—I feel that sometimes I am a little out of touch with contemporary teaching, and, just as important, the students who come before me these days. My love of literature—which has served me so well all these years—is perhaps not enough. I want to find new works and new ways to entice the young people of today.

  In any case, you can easily see that the real beneficiaries of the program—if I am able to attend—will be the students of Harrison High.

  I know how reduced and restricted district money is these days, but over the years I have not asked for this kind of support before. The State University tuition, two thousand dollars, is quite beyond my personal budget.

  May I ask you to give this request your personal and immediate attention.

  Sincerely,

  MARGARET NARWIN

  * * *

  * * *

  TO: ALL ADMINISTRATORS, FACULTY, AND STAFF

  FROM: SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT SEYMOUR

  Dear Colleagues:

  As I am sure you are well aware, the April 5 municipal elections will have voters—for the second time—casting ballots on the school budget. This time, in addition, a new Board of Education will be chosen.

  Since the budget was rejected a month ago, we have worked very hard to cut our request for next year to the bone. But there is still no guarantee that the voters will accept this budget either.

  Throughout the U.S. we find that the aging population (living on restricted and/or shrinking incomes in an inflation-prone world), along with reduced government support of education, conflicts with the needs of young people who live in a society that demands educational excellence even while promoting passive acceptance of mass-media culture.

  I therefore urge all of you to talk to as many voters as possible in an effort to make clear our vision of the educational future here in Harrison. Let me be blunt. A failure to win voter approval on this budget can only mean major problems for programs and personnel.

  In reference to the forthcoming board elections, I should like to remind you of this: tempers can flare; hot words are often part of public debate. If, by chance, any controversial issue springs up between now and election day, I would very much appreciate being informed as to the particulars. None of us likes to be taken unawares. If this office can provide information and facts to the electorate, we shall all be better off. An informed voter is a wise voter. Let us inform the voters with the truth.

  Sincerely,

  DR. ALBERT SEYMOUR, D.Ed.

  School Superintendent

  * * *

  10:30 p.m.

  From the Diary of Philip Malloy

  Got my term grades. Math, an A. Awesome wicked. B– in biology. That’s OK too. And I got a C in history, which is cool. All of that stuff is dead anyway. A straight B in health. But then I got a D in English!!! Narwin is so dumb she didn’t get the joke.

  I’ll have to try something different with her. Maybe I should tell her how boring she is. Bad combo—boring teaching and stupid books. What she really wants us to do is put down the things she thinks. She wrote that on my exam paper too. Wish I hadn’t thrown it out. It was funny. Bet Allison would have laughed. And now I’m going to get Narwin for a homeroom teacher too. Not me.

  Worked out with Mike at the track. Short sprints. Starts. Long runs. Calmed me down. Tryouts for the team on Monday. Can’t wait. I know I’ll make it. Have to ask the folks to spring for those shoes.

  Maybe I’ll give up the paper route.

  There was this neat show on TV. Really scary. About these guys in Vietnam. Or maybe it was South America. Doesn’t matter. Anyway, it has all this stuff about drug fighters and Arab spies. And the Mafia.

  Sarah Gloss was reading this book The Outsiders. Said it was the best book she ever read. Said she’d give it to me when she was done.

  Saw Allison today. Did this thing. Swept off the cap. Big bow. She was trying to keep from cracking up. I’m getting to her. It’s neat the way I can figure out what people think of me. Gives me a jump-start.

  Tonight went out to this restaurant called Treasure Island. Seafood place. Dad loves seafood. He said I could have anything on the menu but lobster. Had a couple of hamburgers and fries. He was sore. I wish people would say what they mean.

  Twenty minutes on the rowing machine.

  Steve Hallick ran a mile in four seven!!!! I’d give anything if I could be like him.

  * * *

  TO: MARGARET NARWIN

  FROM: DR. GERTRUDE DOANE, PRINCIPAL, HARRISON HIGH SCHOOL

  RE: APPLICATION FOR GRANT

  Dear Peg,

  As much as I would like to be supportive, and while I can wholeheartedly approve of your desire to take the workshop “New Approaches to the Teaching of Literature for Today’s Students,” I am afraid I cannot give it formal approval.

  The problem, as you may have foreseen, is severely limited district money.

  Such funds as are available for teacher support of this nature have already been allocated. In fact, the last of them just went to Kimberly Howard, the music teacher, who will be taking a summer course in Marching Band Techniques, something that will give pleasure to so many people, and, it is hoped, encourage greater attendance at athletic events. School Superintendent Seymour is very high on sports as a community bond. Need I say more?

  Finally, with a budget crisis at hand—the budget vote looms large—it’s hard to plan anything at this time.

  I do want to say, on a personal level, how much I admire your willingness to expand your intellectual and teaching horizons. You have always been one of our best teachers, and I know you will continue to be so. If there is any way I can facilitate your taking this course—other than with district funds—please let me know. You can always count on me.

  Sincerely,

  DR. GERTRUDE DOANE

  * * *

  11:20 A.M.

  Discussion between Coach Earl Jamison and Philip Malloy

  PHILIP MALLOY: Coach Jamison?

  COACH JAMISON: Oh, Phil. Come on in, boy. Nice to see you. Sit down. Make yourself at home.

  PHILIP MALLOY: I got your note. You wanted to see me.

  COACH JAMISON: Been reading about the Philadelphia Classic Track Meet.

  PHILIP MALLOY: Got a great runner from this school in Pittsburgh.

  COACH JAMISON: Steve Hallick?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Really great. Fast. And strong.

  COACH JAMISON: Sure looks it.

  PHILIP MALLOY: Coach Jamison …

  COACH JAMISON: What’s that?

  PHILIP MALLOY: I’ve been practicing every day. Working hard. I really have.

  COACH JAMISON: Have you? That’s great. I
heard you were a hard worker. That’s the way to do it. Your dad was a runner, wasn’t he?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Yeah. He was good. Had to quit.

  COACH JAMISON: What happened?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Family stuff. His father got sick or something. Couldn’t stay in college.

  COACH JAMISON: Yeah. It’s never easy.

  PHILIP MALLOY: I’m really up for the tryouts. I got some class shoes. Worked them in. I think we’re going to be county champs.

  COACH JAMISON: Hope so. Look, Phil, that’s what I wanted to talk to you about. I’ve got a copy of your winter term grades here.

  PHILIP MALLOY: You do?

  COACH JAMISON: Well, I have to check these things. Saves problems later on. You know, there’s a school rule—actually, a district rule—that you can’t be on a team unless you’ve got a passing grade in every subject. A passing grade.

  PHILIP MALLOY: A passing grade?

  COACH JAMISON: Yeah. In high school. A passing grade.

  PHILIP MALLOY: I didn’t know.

  COACH JAMISON: Well, high school … The point is, Phil, see, here—look—it looks like you don’t have—see—all passing grades. Look here, now. There’s a D here.

  PHILIP MALLOY: I never heard that rule.

  COACH JAMISON: In your student handbook. Read it?

  PHILIP MALLOY: I don’t think anyone does.

  COACH JAMISON: This grade isn’t too bad. And this grade. Fine. These. The one that really hurts is here. English. Now, if you could have gotten that up a notch. Just a bit. Even a C minus. But a D isn’t—by the rules—passing. So I guess we’ve got a problem.

  PHILIP MALLOY: We do?

  COACH JAMISON: Afraid so. Look—

  PHILIP MALLOY: It’s Miss Narwin. I keep trying to get her to like me. She won’t. She’s so old-fashioned. Boring.

  COACH JAMISON: Now, Phil. I know she’s tough. Is there any point in your talking to her?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Me?

  COACH JAMISON: Sure.

  PHILIP MALLOY: Could you?

  COACH JAMISON: What about your doing extra work? I mean, it’s no good this way.

  PHILIP MALLOY: What do you mean?

  COACH JAMISON: The rule … As it stands now, Phil—it’s not me saying this, but this rule—you’re not even allowed to try out. And I’m not going to kid you. This does mess with the team.

  PHILIP MALLOY: Honest. I didn’t know about that rule.

  COACH JAMISON: Exactly. You need passing grades. See, rule’s been around for a long time.

  PHILIP MALLOY: No one ever told me. And I’m practicing every day.

  COACH JAMISON: Sure—

  PHILIP MALLOY: It’s so unfair.

  COACH JAMISON: Well, in high school—

  PHILIP MALLOY: I mean, you can’t kid around with her or anything.

  COACH JAMISON: Phil, if there is one thing sports teaches—and I’m always saying this—all the guys will tell you—sometimes you have to go along to get along. That’s the whole thing about sports. Go with the flow.

  PHILIP MALLOY: I think it’s a personal thing with her. It really is. She has it in for me. I mean, I shouldn’t be in her class. Could you get me switched?

  COACH JAMISON: Maybe if you talked to her. Do some catch-up work. How about it? Promise to hit the books. Extra stuff. Bet you could. Look, everything I’ve heard suggests you are fast. Real potential. This is a big disappointment.

  PHILIP MALLOY: I mean, if I knew it was a rule—

  COACH JAMISON: Yeah. One thing sports teaches. A rule is a rule. It isn’t always easy.

  PHILIP MALLOY: I didn’t know.

  COACH JAMISON: Well, thing is, now you do.

  1:30 P.M.

  Discussion in Margaret Narwin’s English Class

  MISS NARWIN: Now, class, during the first few weeks of this new term we’ll be reading William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. How many of you have ever read a play by Shakespeare before? Well, then, you’re in for a treat. You are not an educated person unless you have read Shakespeare. Philip?

  PHILIP MALLOY: What?

  MISS NARWIN: I’d rather you look up at me, not out the window.

  PHILIP MALLOY: I was listening.

  MISS NARWIN: Can you repeat what I said?

  PHILIP MALLOY: We’re reading something.

  MISS NARWIN: William Shakespeare.

  PHILIP MALLOY: Whatever you say.

  MISS NARWIN: Philip, I think I’ve suggested before that your comments can be tiresome. Now, please, try to stay with me.

  PHILIP MALLOY: Yeah.

  6:23 P.M.

  Discussion between Philip Malloy’s Parents

  MRS. MALLOY: Honey, did you have a chance to look at Phil’s grades?

  MR. MALLOY: What?

  MRS. MALLOY: Did you look at Phil’s grades. I left them on the bureau.

  MR. MALLOY: Uh, yes. Where is he?

  MRS. MALLOY: In the basement. On your rowing machine.

  MR. MALLOY: Should use that thing more myself. Putting on weight.

  MRS. MALLOY: You certainly are. Did you?

  MR. MALLOY: I’m looking at them now.

  MRS. MALLOY: What do you think?

  MR. MALLOY: Not too bad. Except for English. What’s the problem there?

  MRS. MALLOY: He says it’s the teacher.

  MR. MALLOY: I’ve seen him read.

  MRS. MALLOY: He’s reading some paperback. Insiders. Outsiders. I don’t know. Some girl gave it to him. That doesn’t seem to be the problem.

  MR. MALLOY: I never was one for reading much. I mean, other than sports. Course now, papers. Too much of that.

  MRS. MALLOY: Ben, he could flunk that course.

  MR. MALLOY: Won’t be the end of the world. What would he have to do, go to summer school? Maybe that’s the lesson he needs. Kids only do what they want to do.

  MRS. MALLOY: The last couple of days he’s been very moody.

  MR. MALLOY: Come on. He’s fourteen.

  MRS. MALLOY: He doesn’t want to talk. To me, anyway. Maybe you should be spending more time with him.

  MR. MALLOY: I know. All tied up in this—

  MRS. MALLOY: I understand. But work’s better, isn’t it?

  MR. MALLOY: Some. Did he make the track team?

  MRS. MALLOY: You know, I completely forgot to ask him. Maybe that’s the problem.

  MR. MALLOY: I’ll talk to him.

  MRS. MALLOY: Do you know—about a week ago, he asked me if we—you and I—were getting a divorce?

  MR. MALLOY: What?

  MRS. MALLOY: Really.

  MR. MALLOY: How’d he come up with that?

  MRS. MALLOY: I’m not sure. Maybe he overheard…. I told him bickering happens in a marriage. It’s perfectly normal. Life isn’t a sitcom.

  MR. MALLOY: Right. The real world doesn’t have a laugh track.

  8:50 P.M.

  Discussion between Philip Malloy and His Father

  MR. MALLOY: Can I talk to you?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Sure.

  MR. MALLOY: How much time you spending on this?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Few times a day. Short sprints.

  MR. MALLOY: Like I’m always telling you, just make sure you warm up each time. But it’s good for the back. Helps with starts.

  PHILIP MALLOY: I know.

  MR. MALLOY: Uh, Phil … School stuff. Straight up. What’s the story in English?

  PHILIP MALLOY: What do you mean?

  MR. MALLOY: I saw your grades. Most of them are decent. What’s with English?

  PHILIP MALLOY: I can speak it.

  MR. MALLOY: Seriously….

  PHILIP MALLOY: You want the truth?

  MR. MALLOY: Sure. Well?

  PHILIP MALLOY: It’s the teacher, Narwin.

  MR. MALLOY: What do you mean?

  PHILIP MALLOY: She has it in for me.

  MR. MALLOY: How come?

  PHILIP MALLOY: I don’t know. Nobody likes her. People don’t do well in her classes. Except her favorites.

  MR. M
ALLOY: Want me or your ma to go in and talk to her?

  PHILIP MALLOY: I can handle her.

  MR. MALLOY: What are you reading in school?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Julius Caesar. Shakespeare.

  MR. MALLOY: Uh-oh.

  PHILIP MALLOY: So bad. This Narwin has us reading these tiny bits every night, but no one understands it. I mean it, no one!!! She says it’s English, but it must have been English before the English got there. At least it’s not any English I’ve ever heard.

  MR. MALLOY: Well, reading is important.

  PHILIP MALLOY: I read. Ever hear of The Outsiders? It’s about these guys—they live alone—without parents.

  MR. MALLOY: Think I saw it on cable. How you getting on with the track team? Phil?

  PHILIP MALLOY: I, ah … was thinking I wouldn’t try out.

  MR. MALLOY: Come again?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Thinking of not trying out.

  MR. MALLOY: You kidding?

  PHILIP MALLOY: No.

  MR. MALLOY: But high school track is … Why?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Lot of reasons.

  MR. MALLOY: Like what?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Dad …

  MR. MALLOY: I want to know.

  PHILIP MALLOY: Just because you did it doesn’t mean I have to.

  MR. MALLOY: Now, wait a minute. You’re really into it. We just got you new shoes. And you’re good. Better than I ever was. You are. I love watching you run. You shouldn’t give it up. And here you are working out. I don’t get it. What’s going on?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Nothing.

  MR. MALLOY: Didn’t you tell me the coach asked you to be on the team?

  PHILIP MALLOY: Doesn’t mean—

  MR. MALLOY: Phil, I don’t get it.