The next day, it was the start of second semester at Walkerville Elementary School.
On the way to school at 7:00 AM, Mina and his sister Sapphire and brother Chalky were carpooling with their older brother Sparky who was driving his car. Sapphire rode in the front seat and Mina and Chalky rode in the back seat. Before they went to their schools, they pulled through the drive thru at Wendy's to pick up breakfast. They all ate egg biscuits and had orange juice to drink except for Sparky who had hot coffee instead. Then they reached Walkerville Elementary School and then Mina and Chalky exited the car and walked into the building. Then Sparky drove out and then dropped off Sapphire at Walkerville Middle School and then Sparky drove himself to Walkerville High School.
As Mina and Chalky entered the building, they then went to the cafeteria where a bunch of the students were chattering up until it was time for class to begin. The two brothers managed to find the grade groups they were each in: 3rd grade for Mina and 1st grade for Chalky.
Later, when the clock struck 8:00, the bell rang and it was time for the kids to file to their classes. Mina found Ms. Frizzle's classroom with no trouble at all. Chalky did the same, but asked for assistance to find the 1st grade classroom he was sorted in.
In Ms. Frizzle's classroom, one more desk was added, bringing the total to nine. The classroom had always had eight desks since the beginning of the school year up until the new semester started.
"Class," said Ms. Frizzle, presenting the new blond-haired kid in front of the class. "We have a new student today. This is Mina Ral. He is a foreign exchange student from Canada. He and his family had just moved in to Walkerville, but also because of his dad's job. His name does in fact sound like the word mineral which you guys have studied since the previous semester, but I want you all to be nice to this kid and make him feel welcome. He wasn't as nervous as some of you may have been when you guys started at the beginning of the previous semester. And for the rest of you eight, you all passed the semester test with scores ranging between 82 and 100. But the only one to get a 100% out of you all…is Dorothy Ann. Now Mina, you may take your seat."
As Mina sat down at his desk, Ms. Frizzle then discussed with the class more about the beginning of the second semester. She also talked about going on field trips for mostly scientific experiences. Meanwhile, Mina raised his hand.
"Yes, Mina?" said Ms. Frizzle.
"Speaking of field trips," said Mina. "I've only gone on field trips in just a normal bus. My room and my siblings' rooms are in need of a paint job, but we don't want to pay for a service and nor do my parents have the energy to paint."
"A field trip to your house?" said Ms. Frizzle. "Why, I never thought of that. And no paying for a painting service of course. Great idea. To the Bus, class. Single-file please."
And so Ms. Frizzle led the entire class, including the new student Mina out of the classroom and to the Bus.