Loving the reviews, thank you!
Enjoy this next installment.
HOMEWORK
Getting organized
During my lunch hour, I got the word out to the other teachers that there was an opportunity for students without a computer to get one for free if they had siblings who were also going on lockdown. I would need to have a list of names by the end of the day to see if the need to contact other schools was necessary.
"How many computers are we talking about and who would give them away for free?" asked Mr. Tucker, the science teacher.
"Around four hundred and they're donated by Mr. Mañoso CEO of RangeMan. He's Julie Martine's dad."
"That's awfully generous of him, and for free you said?"
"Yes, apparently they modernized their whole computer system and changed all the machines they had. His company has branches in seven different cities, I guess that's amounts to a lot of computers."
"What does he get out of this? No one does anything like that."
"A tax deduction since it's a donation. Otherwise, they would just have gone for spare parts or collecting dust in the basement."
Later in the afternoon, there was an announcement over the intercom "Attention, attention! Will Miss Plum report to the principal's office immediately, please. I repeat, will Miss Plum report to the principal's office immediately. Thank you."
This feels like in high school when Joyce and I got caught sneaking into the boys locker room. The administrative building was across the campus and the principal's office was in the left-wing. The only other time I've interacted with Mr. Marsden was for my employment interview. He was in his early sixties with steely gray hair and beard. He was a former player for the Miami Dolphins, but an injury cut his ball-playing career short.
"Come in." A voice said as I knocked on the principal's door. "Ah, Miss Plum, glad you could make it. I have a Mr. Mañoso here with some computers. I don't recall authorizing any new equipment to be bought. At the moment we just don't have the means to do so."
"Mr. Marsden, you must have misunderstood, these computers are donated to the school by Mr. Mañoso. His daughter, Julie Martine, is one of my students and today during class the subject of having access to a computer during lockdown came up. Ms. Martine called Mr. Mañoso to ask if he possibly had an extra for a classmate to borrow. Mr. Mañoso kindly promised we could have all the computers he could spare."
"And how many is that Mr. Mañoso?"
"They counted 398 computers, Mr. Marsden."
"398?"
"Yes, 32 desktops and 366 laptops. We also have a fair number of printers but they're the heavy-duty office type. Not sure how many students would need one of those. You're welcome to them if the school needs it."
"Wow, that's all I can say, wow! This is the first time anyone has ever made a donation this big to the school at the drop of a hat. Usually, we need to plead and beg for the bare essentials."
"Well, I'm in the position where you're actually helping me out. Those computers take up a lot of space we don't have to spare and it's a tax deduction I get to make for this year. This way the new computers are almost paid for."
"Is there something you would like in exchange?"
"No, you just keep doing what you have been doing. Educating these kids as best you can."
"Miss Plum, what's your part in all this?" You haven't been with us that long and already you've shown initiative beyond your duty."
"After talking to the other teachers and faculty members we've come up with a list of students in need of computers. Now we have to figure out how to connect those two. That is when we actually get them."
"I've got 148 laptops in a van outside. Those are the ones IT had time to clean up after the call. The rest are still out of state. They'll be here day after tomorrow at the latest."
"Miss Plum, how many names did you gather?"
"There are still two teachers who haven't answered my calls/e-mails, and without them, the need is for 313 computers."
"Are any of them willing to take the desktop computers?"
"I'm sure there is someone willing, but I thought they could remain here and if Mr. Mañoso was willing to part with the printers, they would be a nice addition to the ones we have in the teachers' lounge. And maybe here in your office as well."
"Well, I wouldn't say no to a new computer and printer. This one is over ten years old. It has reached its maximum capacity."
"None of the computers are older than five years. We need constant upgrades to secure the business. In fact, why don't we make a deal? Every time we get new computers, we'll donate the old ones to the school. This way it benefits both of us."
"That would be extremely generous of you. Are you sure you can afford it?"
"I'm pretty sure my company will be up and running for the long haul."
"What is it you do Mr. Mañoso?"
"I own RangeMan, a security company with several locations along the east coast. We do all kinds of security services. Personal, property, business and now we're looking into cyber security as well."
"What will happen when Julie graduates? Are you still willing to keep your donations coming?"
"Yes, as I said, we need to upgrade at least every four to five years, that won't stop when Julie graduates. I'll have my lawyer draw up a contract."
"You don't know how grateful I am for you doing this. And I think there are at least 366 parents that agree with me. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
During the conversation, my phone had buzzed twice in my pocket. I had answers from the two last teachers.
"I've got confirmation for 43 more computers. That makes the total 356."
"Looks like there's ten to spare."
"I think we can leave them in the library, don't you think Mr. Marsden?"
"I think that's a good idea. Have you figured out the distribution yet?"
"Well, seeing as there's only a hundred and fifty or so to give away today, we would need for the students left without to come here and get them when they arrive. That also means not everyone can participate properly during lessons tomorrow and the day after."
"If you could give me the names and addresses of the students, I could have my men do deliveries."
"Unfortunately, we can't give out information like that. It's against the law and our policy."
"Of course. We could organize a pick-up spot at our offices. I think that would be easiest for everyone. Miss Plum could supervise that the computers were given to the right person."
"I could do that. Mr. Marsden, can I use the intercom to alert the students of what they need to do?"
"Of course. Where are your offices located Mr. Mañoso?"
"We're at 1334 Washington Ave. There's pretty good parking after office hours since they can use the parking lot of the post office in the next building."
"I'll leave it to you and Miss Plum to co-ordinate this. Is that ok?"
"That's fine, right Mr. Mañoso?"
"It's fine with me. Thank you, Mr. Marsden, I'll send those documents from my lawyer next week."
"Thank you Mr. Mañoso, it has been a pleasure meeting you, and thank you again. I'll let you go, I'm sure you have a million and one things to do."
"Babe, do you have any more classes today? Can I give you a ride home?"
"No, I'm all finished. I just need to get the new list of names and I would love a ride home."
"I'm parked right out-front do, you need help carrying anything?"
"I haven't had a boy offering to carry my books since junior high. No, I'm good. I'll just grab my purse. Oh, but wait, I came on my bike this morning. How will I get her home?"
"The Blue Lightning?"
"No, Monica, my peddler."
"Do you name all your vehicles?"
"Of course, Monica is a Monark Sofia that I was gifted from a Swedish couple that went back home.
"I came in a van, I think your bike will fit just fine with the computers."
"I didn't think you'd be that quick. I'm sorry you had to go through all this trouble for nothing."
"I wouldn't call it for nothing. I get to take you home, don't I?"
"That is a silver lining."
"I try to see the good in everything. I might even hope for an invite for coffee."
"You'll definitely have that. We can plan for the giveaway and you could stay for dinner."
"Coffee and dinner. I won't say no to that"
"What about Julie? She needs dinner too."
"She said she was going to take advantage of her last 'free outing' before lockdown and went to see Celia at SoBe. I think they can spare her some leftovers."
"Well then, we're all set."
I gathered my stuff and locked the classroom. We loaded my bike and buckled in the van.
"Oh, crap. I forgot to make the announcement. Can you drive by the admin building, I'll just be in really quick."
"Sure."
I ran to the office and with the help of the secretary we made a pick-up timetable and I made my announcement.
Attention, attention. All students who gave their name to a teacher regarding computers. You will be required to collect at RangeMan on 1334 Washington Ave incoming Friday. I repeat; All students who gave their name to a teacher regarding computers. You will be required to collect at RangeMan on 1334 Washington Ave incoming Friday. Please, pay attention to the given times. Last names starting with; A-E 3pm to 4pm, F-K 4.30pm to 5.30pm, L-R 6pm to 7pm, S-Z 7.30pm to 9pm. This announcement will play three more times during your last classes. Thank you. Stay safe and wear a mask.
"Ok, now I'm ready, let's head home."
"I heard you made some sort of schedule for pick up?"
"Yes, I'm sorry, I should have asked first. I thought it would be easier if they came in alphabetical order at a given time, so they won't disturb your business all day Friday. I hope it's ok?"
"It's fine. Really smart actually. That way if someone has any questions there's time to explain."
"I didn't think of that, huh."
TBC