Jojo McDodd excitedly ran into his house. He called for his father. Ned McDodd, the mayor of Whoville, came out.
Mayor: What is it, son?
Jojo: Big news, dad! I've been chosen to teach and conduct a bunch of sixth grade band students!
Mayor: I didn't know that ninth graders could teach that early.
Jojo: Well, they can.
Mayor: That's great. It will help you build confidence on public speaking for when you become mayor of Whoville.
Jojo: I can't think of that now, Dad. I need to focus on being a good instructor. Do you think they'll like me?
Mayor: Why of course. Why wouldn't they?
Jojo: I don't know. I'm just afraid they won't respect me like an adult. Also, this is their first time playing an instrument, so what if they get frustrated and take it out on me?
Mayor: That's kind of part of being a teacher. You have to have patience. Like me. As a leader of a whole town I have to have patience with people. It's not easy, but I manage.
The mayor put his hand on his son's shoulder.
Mayor: You'll be fine.
Jojo smiled up at his father.
Jojo: Thanks, Dad.
The next week rolled by. It was Jojo's first day as teacher. He nervously peaked in through the door window. There were eight students all sitting in a crescent shape, facing the chalkboard. It felt weird being at a different school with all these younger kids. Jojo took a deep breath and walked in.
There was chatter all through the room. Jojo walked up to the front. It got silent as soon as they all saw him.
Jojo: Um… Hey. Um… Good morning, class!
Jojo looked out to all the students looking up at him and blinking. All eyes were on him. All ears were open for what he had to say.
Jojo turned to write his name on the chalkboard.
Jojo: My name is Jojo.
Jojo noticed his mistake and sloppily wiped his name off the chalkboard with his hand.
Jojo: Er- Mr. McDodd. Er- you can call me Jojo. Mr. McDodd. Whichever.
A nerdy looking who with a purple cello-like instrument and smoothed down hair and glasses raised his hand.
Nerdy Who: Uh… we usually don't call fifth graders by Mr. Or Mrs. Who are you anyway, kid?
Jojo: I'm your teacher. I'm from the high school.
Nerdy Who: Well, we still wouldn't address you by Mr., anywho.
Jojo didn't know what to say. He just cleared his throat and grabbed a folder.
Jojo: Let's take attendance. Uh- Willy?
Nerdy Who: Here.
Jojo: Glenn?
Glenn: Here!
Jojo: Tammy?
Tammy: Here!
Jojo: Sammy?
Sammy: Here!
Jojo: Missy?
Missy: Here!
Jojo: Lou?
Lou: Here!
Jojo: Milley?
Milley: Here…
Milley said this in kid of a dreamy way.
Jojo called out a few more names then it was time to start.