Student Snobbery

[At school…]

"Class, we have a new student joining us today, her name is Stella," said Hackney. Why don't you tell us something about yourself, Stella?

"Well my family is rich," began Stella. We moved here from North Carolina a week ago. It feels good to be here.

"Thank you, Stella, why don't you take a seat next to Sweetheart?" suggested Hackney.

"Why thank you, um…," said Stella.

"Ms Hackney, Stella," said Hackney.

"Thank you, Ms Hackney," said Stella. *she sits down*

"Now, class, today's lecture is on cranes," said Hackney. Cranes are like pulleys in that they lift things but cranes lift larger things like cars. You need to be careful around them because they are tall objects and if the wind is strong enough, the crane could fall over. If you happen to be walking towards a crane while it is moving the equipment, wait for it to pass, then move carefully ahead.

"Have you ever seen a crane, Ms Hackney?" asked Starlight.

"There was a crane that put this town back together after the sinkhole last year, Starlight," said Hackney. Cranes certainly are wonderful things. *the school clock chimes* See you tomorrow, class. [The next day…]

"I'm sitting here, today," said Stella.

"But that's my seat," said Sweetheart.

"Now, Sweetheart, she's still new to this class and I'm sure you can take her place today," said Hackney. I have left some problems on the board and would like a few of you to solve them. How about, you Melody, you Starlight and you Stella? *the three ponies go to solve the problems* *Stella pushes Melody out of the way.

"Hey, what was that for?" asked Melody to Stella.

"Oh I'm sorry, I slipped," said Stella sarcastically.

"Yeah right," muttered Melody. *she solves her problem on the board, then sits down, crossing her arms*

"Let me see how you all did," said Hackney. Melody, that's not the right answer.

"What?" said Melody. *she looks at the board* I didn't write that. *Stella grins with delight* It was Stella!

"Melody, you know it's not nice to blame others for what we do," said Hackney.

"It really was her," insisted Melody.

"I'll have to talk to you after class, Melody," said Hackney. [After class…] Melody, don't you know how to treat a new student?

"I do, Ms Hackney, but she's clearly picking on me," said Melody.

"I want you to act better towards her tomorrow, Melody," said Hackney. Do you understand?

"Yeah, I understand," sighed Melody.

"Good, I'll see you tomorrow, Melody," said Hackney.[ The next day…]

"Alright class, it's time for your quiz," said Hackney. There is to be no talking, even if you finish early. When you complete the quiz, turn it over and sit quietly. *she hands out the quiz* You may now begin. *Stella starts peeking at Melody's quiz and copies the answers* [A little later…] *several ponies finish early* "Stella, there is to be no peeking at anyone else's quiz. *Stella turns away and Ms Hackney continues watching* *Stella then again looks at Melody's quiz* Stella, I told you not to look at anyone else's quiz!

"I have to see the answers," protested Stella.

"This is a quiz, Stella," said Hackney. Looking at someone else's quiz or test and copying answers is cheating, I know you are new to this but your behavior is starting to make me want to take away that excuse. No more peeking, Stella. *Stella finishes her test* *the clock chimes 3PM* Class dismissed, everyone. Stella and Melody, could you both come here please? *Stella and Melody walk over*. I've been watching you and I think you have switched Melody's real quiz paper with this one.

"What makes you say that?" asked Stella.

"This quiz isn't Melody's handwriting and based on your behavior today, I'd say you are indeed responsible for everything Melody has told me about yesterday," said Hackney.

"But…I didn't….." stuttered Stella.

"I'm sorry, Stella but your behavior has left me no choice. I'm having you removed from this school," said Hackney. Your behavior here is unacceptable and isn't tolerated here. You may now leave. *Stella leaves* Melody, I apologize for not believing you when you told me the other day about Stella. Even a teacher can make mistakes.

"It's okay, Ms Hackney, you're a great teacher," said Melody.

"I'm glad you think so, Melody," said Hackney.