Michael Arthur, Francine, and Muffy lie underneath the treehouse and read comics while Buster Baxter does squats.
Buster counts. One, two, three, four, five, six.
Francine frowns. Buster, what are you doing?
Buster laughs. Trying to stretch my jeans. I haven't worn this pair since September and now they're tight. Wait, there's something in this pocket. Maybe that's why they're tight.
He pulls out a moldy sandwich.
Buster smiles. Hey, I remember this cheese sandwich.
The others hold their noses.
Arthur sticks his tongue out. Eww!
Francine gulps. Gross!
Muffy was shicked. Throw it away!
Michael noded. So gross!
Buster said No way! This cheese sandwich is a relic! It's from the very first day of third grade. remember
Flashback: Michael, Arthur and Buster sit in the cafeteria staring straight ahead.
Buster (narrator I didn't have much of an appetite at lunch because I was so worried about our new teacher.
Michael Arthur+Buster: Ratburn... Ratburn...
The bell rings.
Michael Arthur+Buster: Augh!
Arthur gulps. I g-guess we have to go back to class now.
Michael noded. Right Arthur
Buster tucks the sandwich in his pocket and all the kids leave the cafeteria.
The flashback ends.
Buster looks around. Isn't it weird how afraid of Mr. Ratburn we were?
Muffy shook her head. I was much more afraid that Francine and I wouldn't be in the same class.
Flashback: Mr. Haney hangs the grade 3 class list on the notice board. The names are Sue Ellen, Binky, Buster, Muffy, George, Maria, Alan, Michel Arthur, Jenna, Francine and Fern. Muffy looks at the list.
She frowns. Huh Francine's not on this list! It must be a mistake! Mr. Haney, Francine and I have to be in the same class. Isn't there something you can do?
She pulls out a watch.
Muffy shows him the watch. Oh, what a handsome gold watch.
She hands it to Mr. Haney.
Muffy smiles. I bet it'd look great on you! How about a new car? You look like a convertible man.
Francine looks over. Muffy! We are in the same class. My name's right here.
Muffy looks around embarassed. Oh. Ha. Never mind.
She takes the watch back. Mr. Haney looks disappointed.
The flashback ends. The kids lie on their backs and look at the sky.
Francine laughs. Wow. I remember all that like it was yesterday.
Buster noded. And here it is nine months later.
Muffy took a breath. Only five more days until...
Arthur said ...the last day of school!
Buster sniffs sandwich) Do you think this is still good?
Others: No!
Pippi the Last day Title Card: MC waves as Arthur and Buster run to class.
In front of the pre-school, Jane puts D.W. in her car chair, then she headed to the drivers´s seat and started the car.
Jane smiles through the rear view mirror. So how was your last day, D.W.?
D.W. giggles. Fun but exhausting. We sang songs, danced, ate cake. There was barely time for a nap. I'm looking forward to kindergarten. I bet it'll be much easier than preschool.
Jane shook her head. Oh, I wouldn't be so sure. Preschool was only a half-day. Kindergarten is a full six hours.
D.W. gasps. Six hours?! That's like going to real school!
Jane giggles. It is real school. You'll be learning a lot more too.
D.W. widen her eyes. Will I have homework? And tests? Arthur always gets that look on his face when he has a test coming up.
She closes an eye and sticks her tongue out.
Jane giggles again. Don't worry. You'll do just fine. Oh, you're such a big girl now.
She stops and hugs D.W. who looks nervous.
That afternoon, D.W. and Bud play in the Reads' sandbox with Rapty and a green-haired troll doll.
Bud seems confused. My daddy said the same thing. 'You're a big boy now.' And then he said, 'Soon, you'll be asking to borrow the car.' So I asked to borrow the car, but he said no.
D.W. nodes. Kindergarten sounds like a big deal. Do you think you're ready?
Bud shrugs. I'm not sure. I still have trouble with my alphabet. It's that M-N-L-O-P part.
D.W. sighs. it's L-M-N-O-P.
Bud rolles his eyes. Ugh! It gets me every time! What's gonna happen if I don't know it on the first day?
D.W. puts a finger on her chin. I don't know. Maybe we should practice being big kids.
Bud frowns. How do we do that?
D.W. thinks for a moment. I have two older brother and you have an older sister. We'll just watch them and do what they do.
She puts Rapty's sunglasses on her doll.
Michael Arthur and Buster sit in the Powers' ice-cream shop.
Arthur tells the others something. I just spoke to Prunella. about fourth grade, we'll either have Mrs. Frumpus or Miss Grimslid.
Buster gasps in shock. Argh! Not Miss Grimslid. She never laughs. I've tried everything on her.
Flashback: Buster walks up to Miss Grimslid in the school cafeteria while she is eating and reading a newspaper.
Buster (narrator) All I've ever gotten was a cough.
Buster is wearing a banana on his head. He smashes a pie in his face.
Miss Grimslid: (coughs)
She goes on eating. Buster walks away disappointed.
The flashback ends.
Arthur looks over. Well, maybe we'll get Mrs. Frumpus.
Brain serves them fruit salads. I heard that Mrs. Frumpus is leaving and being replaced by someone new.
Michael was surprised. Do you know anything about the new one?
Brain shook his head. No, just that his name is Mr. Cramp.
He goes back to the counter.
Buster frowns. Mr. Cramp? Aw, great. I'll either get the teacher that can't laugh or the one that gives you a pain in your side.
A young man wearing hip clothes comes over. Actually, the name has nothing to do with cramps. It's from the Anglo-Saxon "crampe," which was a nickname for someone stooped over. But I never liked the way "Mike Cramp" sounded. That's why I go by MC.
He sits down with the boys.
Arthur raises an eyebrow. You're a teacher?
MC laughs. I think of myself as more of a mind-guide. All the magic takes place in here.
He points to Arthur's head. I just remove the obstacles. to Brain: Goji berry soy-yo in a gluten-free cone, my good man.
Brain smiles. Coming right up.
MC spread his arms. I believe that learning is living and living is learning. My teaching isn't just hands-on. It's hands-up, hands-down, and hands-together.
Brain hands him his soy-yo.
MC noded when he takes it. My students will sweat, shout, and stretch their brains to the breaking point, but they will never be bored. That's the MC promise. To Brain: Thanks for the non-dairy refreshment, Scoops Samurai. to Arthur and Buster: Long ears, strong heart!
He leaves the shop.
Buster was exited. Long ears, strong heart. That's Bionic Bunny's motto!
Both get up and see MC riding away on a scooter.
Buster gets more and more shivering of excitement. He knows Bionic Bunny. We have to get him for 4th grade, no matter what!
Arthur nods eagerly.
Michael sighs. MC what Kind of Name is that'?
Binky and George are playing marbles in the school playground when a burlap sack drops onto Binky's head.
Binky looks up. Hey! What's this?
Francine and Muffy are standing on the jungle gym right above him.
Francine smirks. A sack. I thought you might want to practice for camp since us girls crushed you in sack racing last year.
Binky grumbles. Well, you'd better... buy a canoe... cause... cause...
Muffy giggles. Oh, don't worry, Binky. Francine and I aren't going to Camp Meadowcroak this year.
Francine looks over to her surprised. What?! Yes, we are.
Muffy shook her head. No we're not.
Muffy pulls Francine to the other end of the jungle gym.
Binky cheers. Woohoo! Boys rule! Can I still keep the sack?
Francine was totally confused. But... but we made a pact at the end of last summer that we'd go to camp again together.
Muffy noded. And we will. Not just Meadowcroak. Here's where we're going.
She shows Francine a brochure 'Welcome to Camp Elysium'.
Francine raises her eyebrow. Camp Elysium? "A full-service interactive resort for discriminating children."
Muffy laughs. It's the most amazing place. There are French classes, an indoor swimming pool, a four-star chef, but best of all, there are no mosquitos! Pippi wwas there when she was around my age! She said it was wonderful. And there are really cute boys from other schools with good manners.
Francine frowns. No mosquitos? How is that even possible?!
Muffy moves her arms around. The whole estate is surrounded by an invisible plastic dome!
Francine rubs her head. It sounds so...fancy.
Muffy giggles. It is. They also have a whole stable of thoroughbred horses.
Francine widen her eyes. No way!
Muffy noded. Check out their website. You're going to love it! I just know it.
Both girls smile.
...Meanwhile inside the Office Principal Haney greets the Reads. Thank you for coming in today Mr and Ms Read!"
Jane noded. Of course, you said we have to talk?
Principal Haney noded. Well i have Arthurs test here. Mr Ratburn brought it to my attention, here take a look!
David looks over it. A+ for what?
Principal Haney took a breath. Arthur get bothered with the questions that he just staring drawing! I was going to call you, but since Arthur was so quiet while drawing i just let it pass as if i didn't even saw it.
Jane sighs. Arthurs attention span is short now. He can only pay attention for short time actual.
Principal Haney noded. I know that, Ms Read don't worry I talk to one of the special ed 4th grade teacher here. She will be glad to have Arthur for some lessons in her class room, most of the time he is in class with his friends.
He speaks to his speaker on the table. Ms Mill Honey, please come in!
Ms Mill Honey enters the room. Hello I just visited Mr Ratburn we had a talk about this. I think Arthur might be happier with kids his own age, and more slow class. He did quiet well with my sister at Might Mountain, he need to learn not to hit and calm down first.
Miss Honey smiles. I read the last reports about him, seems he gets a bit better in the last few weeks. He will be part of my math and grammar class, the other classes he has still with his classmates. Im even the supervisor teacher and was trained as a nurse. Is it okay for you Mrs. and Mr. Read?
Jane nod her head. Well, yes!
At Francine's house
Francine is on her computer, visiting the Camp Elysium website. She clicks on it.
Narrator: At Camp Elysium, the discriminating child will enjoy a well-balanced diet…
A plate of lobster is served to the children.
Francine said Ugh.
Narrator: Thrilling sports…
Same children are playing croquet.
Narrator: The arts…
A child sings German opera.
Narrator: And access to our stable of thoroughbred horses…
Francine excitedly turns to screen.
Narrator: Because every discriminating child should know the rudiments of horse ballet.
Francine (sarcastic): Yippee.
Narrator: We hope you'll consider Camp Elysium, a character-building luxury resort completely free of mosquitoes.
Children: And it's quite fun.
A mosquito hits the plastic dome and drops dead.
Francine turns away from screen in disbelief before hearing a beep
Francine (reading Muffy's email): "Did you visit the site? Isn't it unbelievable?"
(Types up response) Oh yes, it's unbelievable, all right. Let's talk about it tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Bud uses a periscope to spy on Ladonna who is reading on her bed. She notices him and slams the door.
The next morning, Michael walks into the kitchen where his dad is doing the dishes
Michael sighs. There's only three days of school left and Ratburn is giving us a test. Ah... It's so unfair!
D.W. observes him from behind a cereal box.
Arthur steps beside him. Yes, but just think about 4th grade Finally and Mr MC as our teacher! It will be so cool"
D.W. and Bud stand outside the Read house while Molly skateboards by.
D.W. looks at her friend. I've been watching Michael closely. I've never realized how strange big kids were. I mean Arthur seem fine all he talk about is MC?
Bud raises an eyebrow. You're telling me! What are some things you've learned?
D.W. thinks for a moment. Well, if you want to act like them...
Music starts and "The Big Kid Song" begins. Michael is sitting at his desk.
D.W.: Complain about your homework
Michael looks up in surprise.
Mr. Ratburn puts a pop quiz in front of Ladonna.
Bud: And be afraid of tests
D.W. shakes the Confuse the Goose box in front of Arthur.
D.W.: When your little sister wants to play / tell her that she's a pest.
D.W. and Bud jump around in puddles in the Reads' driveway.
D.W.: Don't play around or make a mess...
Bud, D.W. and the imaginary version of Rapty have a tea-party in D.W.'s room.
Bud: Or with your dinosaur have tea…
Bud and D.W. run across the playground.
Bud+D.W.: 'Cause if you want to be a big kid, this is how you have to be.
D.W. pulls Arthur's blanket away while he is still in bed.
D.W.: Be grumpy in the mornings
Bud sneaks past Ladonna who is reading under her blanket.
Bud: Read books all through the night
In the Reads' kitchen, the parents look disapprovingly at a broken plate that lies at Arthur and D.W.'s feet. Arthur points at D.W. who looks shocked.
D.W.: Even when you know you're wrong, pretend that you are right.
Arthur walks upstairs
D.W.: When you're angry, stomp upstairs
Bud spins on a tire swing.
Bud: When you're happy, don't say 'Whee!'
Bud and D.W. stand in front of Lakewood Elementary.
Bud+D.W.: 'Cause if you want to be a big kid, this is how you have to be.
Bud and D.W. stand in front of the Read house again.
Bud+D.W.: But the most important thing of all, is to always play it cool.
Both put on sunglasses and fistbump.
D.W.: This is what we'll have to do.
Bud: This is how we'll make it through.
Bud+D.W.: When we go to big kid school!
A school bus passes.
D.W. said Let's start practicing. See ya.
Bud said Later.
Both walk away.
MC sits under a tree in front of the school surrounded by Arthur, Buster, Francine, Fern and Brain.
MC smiles knowingly. A wise man once said, "The mind is like a shoe. It can take you to the highest mountain, but if your laces aren't tied, you could trip and skin your knees."
Brain frowns. Who said that?
MC winks. I did.
Arthur giggles. Can we be in your class, MC?
Buster noded. Arthur and I are great students. I mean, I only have a B-average, but look at my shoes! They're double-knotted!
MC shrugs. The universe is in flux, my friend. Wherever we end up is where we're meant to be.
The bell rings and the kids run back to class.
MC waves. Go, my crickets. The bell tolls for thee. Long ears, strong heart.
Arthur thinks while they enter the school. Maybe Ratburn can put in a good word for us.
After class, Arthur and Buster stand at Mr. Ratburn's desk.
Arthur smiles. We just think he really gets us.
Buster laughs. I'm sure I'd do really well in his class. He's so inspiring.
Mr. Ratburn noded. Hm. Yes. I've heard Mr. Cramp is very... uh... innovative.
Arthur waves with his hands. He prefers MC.
Mr. Ratburn smiles. Anyways, it's Principal Haney's decision, not mine. I can tell him that you asked for Mr. Cramp, but i dont think it works.
The boys walk away disappointed.
Mr. Ratburn waves. One second boys! Remember, first impressions aren't everything. And I have prepared you both to do well in whichever class you end up in. Im proud how good you get in the last year, especially you Buster!
The boys noded and walk out.
Buster sighs. MC must have some say over who he gets.
Arthur shrugs. Maybe we can something that will impress him.
Michael joins them. And, what did Ratburn say?
Ashley passes them, holding hands with Jesse. She smiles and laughs. Buster, Buster, know what? I get with Jesse the same class teacher!
She winks at her boyfriend. Seeing you more often and maybe, sitting together my sweet Jesse!
She cuddles up to her boyfriend and kisses him on the cheek, he blushes and smiles a bit silly. Y-yes, s-sure! A-all you w-w-want!
Ashley giggles and kisses him on the cheek again. You so cute when you are shy!
Arthur and Michael smiled amused, Buster sighs with a laughter. Well, okay Little Smiley, as long you are happy! He fondles the hair of his cousin, then the three boys left the couple alone.
Arthur shares a look with Michael. Well Buster, those thing about wedding bells... Buster glares at him. Stop this! Muffy and Francine teasing me is enough!
The Read boys laughs.
Muffy sips juice in the cafeteria. Francine sits down at her table.
Francine took a breath. Muffy, about this Camp Elysium...
Muffy smiles. Before you say another word, I want to apologize.
Francine frowns surprised. You do?
Muffy nodes. I realized the camp may be just too fancy for you. So...
Francine widen her eyes. So we're gonna go to Camp Meadowcroak?
Muffy blinks. What? No! I asked Daddy if he would help pay for you. And guess what? He said yes! Isn't that wonderful?
Francine sighs again. Uh...
Muffy giggles. I already reserved us two spots.
She stands up and hugs Francine.
Muffy smiles happily. Oh, Francine! We're going to have the best summer ever, most of all, because we'll be together!
Francine noded tired. I can't wait.
In a dream, Francine, Muffy, and other campers are at the table at Camp Elysium. Francine tries to eat a lobster.
Muffy: (whispers:) Francine, you're using the wrong fork!
Francine picks a different fork and notices the lobster is gone.
Francine looks around. Huh?
She looks under the plate, then sees the lobster scuttling towards the exit.
Muffy points on the lobster. You'd better get that! Lobsters aren't allowed outside of the dining room!
Francine runs after the lobster.
Francine yelled. Come back! I don't even wanna eat you!
Outside on the lawn, the lobster is nowhere to be seen.
Francine was confused. Where did it go? (whistles) Here, lobster, lobster, lobster!
An army of lobster appears behind a hill and runs at her.
Francine: Aahhh! She runs towards a tree.
She looks up. A tree. Maybe lobsters can't climb!
She runs into the glass dome and falls down.
Francine shook her head. Oof. No, no, no!
The dream ends. Francine wakes up in her bed.
Francine looks at a photo on the wall, showing Muffy and her. You couldn't drag me to that place.
...The next day in the cafeteria, MC sits at a table with Arthur, Buster, Brain and Binky.
MC points at his food. How is a good student like these mashed potatoes?
Binky raises his hand. I know! He sticks to his studies like mashed potatoes to this fork.
MC smiles. Little big man, you're smarter than you know! But that's not the answer I was looking for. Like these potatoes, the good student soaks up the gravy of learning until it is part of him.
He pours gravy on the potatoes. The boys look excited, except for Brain.
Brain sighs)
Arthur clears his throat. Um... MC, we were just wondering, does Principal Haney assign you students?
Buster noded. Do you get to pick?
MC shurgs with a smile. All I know is that I want students like these potatoes: firm but pliable. And eager to absorb the sauce of knowledge.
He eats the potatoes, picks up his scooter and leaves.
Buster cheers. Ooo.
Binky laughs. He's so cool!
Buster noded. Ah, I can't believe he ate with us.
Arthur snaps with his finger. I think I know how we can impress him. Meet me at my house after school.
That afternoon, Arthur puts a blank poster on his desk. Buster sits on the bed.
Arthur points on the poster. MC wants students who are really excited about learning, so here's what we'll do: we'll make a poster showing everything we've learned this past year.
Buster raises an eyebrow. But... I don't think I know that much.
Michael shook his head. Buster, you've learned tons of stuff in third grade. Just check out our workbooks. This is from October. Remember we learned all about the Maya in Mexico?
Buster noded exited. Oh yeah! They built that pyramid, um... Chichen Itza.
A while later, the boys have painted a Mayan pyramid and attached prints of famous paintings to the poster. Michael draws a sketch of photosynthesis.
He points up his finger. Then in February we learned that plants convert sunlight into energy. what was that Word'?
Buster laughs. That's called photosynthesis.
Arthur looks surprised. Wow! I can't believe you remember that.
Buster shrugs. Me neither. And here we'll put the formula for finding the area of a circle, which is pi...
Michael laughed. R-squared!
Buster noded. Right. We're running out of paper. Should we get another sheet?
Bud and D.W. watch them from the door.
Bud looks confused. What are they doing?
D.W. shrugs. It must be homework. Come on. That gives me an idea.
They leave.
Later, Arthur, Michael and Buster walk down the stairs.
Buster was confused. I had no idea I knew so much. How can this head hold all that information?
Michael laughs. Well, Mr. Ratburn did work us pretty hard.
They hear voices from the living room.
D.W. could be heard. Excellent work, Bud. 1+1 does equal 11. You get an A+++!
The boys see Bud and D.W. lie on the living room carpet.
Bud said Thanks. You can have an A+++ too! That's a very good map of the world.
He writes A+++ on the picture of a circle with a house on it.
Michael, Arthur and Buster entered the room. What are you two doing?
D.W. gets up puts her hands on the hips. What does it look like? Homework
Arthur, Michael+Buster: (laugh)
Bud glares at them. What are you laughing at?
Buster shivers from his laughter. You two don't have to do homework. That's for big kids.
Bud jumps up. We are big kids! We're going to kindergarten next year and I know my ABCs, even the M-N-L-O-P part.
Michael shook his head. It's L-M-N-O-P.
Bud grwols. Ugh! Every time! I'm never going to get it.
D.W. waves her hand in front of his face. Bud, remember, act cool.
They both put on their sunglasses and fistbump.
D.W. clears her throat. Come on Bud, let's go study. I can't believe that kindergarten teacher is going to give us a test on our first day.
Bud noded disappointed. And we haven't even met her yet. She's so mean.
They walk past Arthur, Michael and Buster who look confused.
...In Muffy's room, Francine shows Muffy a photo album. One picture shows the two girls celebrating while covered in mud.
Francine points on the picture. And remember this? This is when we beat that other camp at tug-o-war!
Muffy noded. Ugh? How could I forget? I had dirt under my nails for a week.
Francine sighs. Okay, but you have to admit, it was pretty fun. Oh look, it's that camp counselor we had, Becky. Wasn't she the best?
Muffy noded again. She had that hippie-chic-look down pat, but why are you showing me all these photos of Camp Meadowcroak?
Francine smiles. I want you to remember what a good time we had there.
Muffy seems confused. I know, but we're going to have a great time at Camp Elysium. Look, I already ordered these matching sun visors with the camp crest on them.
She puts one on.
Muffy smiles wide. They'll be perfect for when we'll golf. Or play bocc...
Francine shook her head. No, thank you.
Muffy frowns. Is it not your color? But... you don't really have a color.
Francine shook her head again. I don't want it because I'm not going.
Muffy was shocked. Why not?
Francine took a breath. I don't want to. I don't care how fancy it is, that camp just isn't not for me.
The girls sit on a couch.
Muffy seems sad. But... we made a pact. We said we were going to spend the summer together, no matter what!
Francine noded. Well... maybe we have to... break the pact. We don't have to do everything together. Right?
Muffy stands up and turns her back on Francine.
Muffy sounds angry. You're just being stubborn! You could at least try it.
Francine sighs. It's for a whole month. If I don't like it I'll be stuck there for...
Muffy points to the door. I'd like you to leave now.
Francine stood up. Don't be mad at me. We just like different things.
Muffy crossed her arms. Okay. I get it. We have nothing in common. Stop rubbing it in!
Francine sighs) She leaves.
The next day, Mr. Ratburn closes the classroom door.
Mr. Ratburn looks around. Settle down, everyone. I have an announcement to make.
Buster seems exited! He's gonna tell us what teacher we're gonna get. I know it!
Arthur crosses his fingers.
Michael smiles. Please, please let it be MC!
Mr. Ratburn took a breath. Tomorrow is the last day of school, and it can be quite distracting. So I'd like to take the opportunity to tell you this now. You've been one of the finest third-grade classes I have ever had. And it has been a pleasure teaching every one of you. If I have been, at times, strict and demanding, it is because extraordinary minds deserve to be challenged. You have met those challenges with great enthusiasm and perseverance. And in doing so, have helped me become a better teacher. Thank you.
He takes a bow. Buster and Arthur look at each slightly guiltily.
Mr. Ratburn grab his book. Now, please open your history books to page 127.
Michael turns to his brother. Arthur did you hear Mr Ratburn ? Arthur, hello earth to Arthur!"
At lunch, MC sits at a table with Fern and Sue Ellen who look entranced.
MC smiles. And just like these potatoes, you two will absorb the gravy of learning.
Fern+Sue Ellen: (giggle)
Michael Arthur, Buster, Binky, and Brain sit at another table.
Buster sighs annoyed. He's using the exact same potato speech on Sue Ellen and Fern!
Brain looks over. Doesn't he have any new material?
Arthur seems bored. You know what? I think I'm going to miss Mr. Ratburn!
Brain noded. Me too. He gave such hard extra credit assignments.
Binky sighs sad. I'm gonna miss him even more than you guys. I've had him two years in a row!
Buster scratched his head. I never realized how much I learned until we started making that poster.
Binky frowns. What poster?
Michael shrugs. It was something Buster, me and Arthur were doing to try and impress MC.
Arthur sighs. But I don't really feel like impressing him anymore. Instead of wasting all that time making the poster, we could've been doing something for Mr. Ratburn!
Buster snaps with his finger. Wait a minute! Maybe it wasn't such a waste after all! Meet me after school at the treehouse. I have to spread the word!
He runs off.
That afternoon, Arthur is playing piano when his mom calls.
Jane points to the kitchen. Arthur, did you take out the trash?
Arthur noded. I just have to finish something for school! Can I do it in a minute?
D.W. walks into the room.
D.W. snaps with her finger. Don't worry, Mom. I can take care of it.
She walks past Arthur with a smug look on her face.
In the kitchen, D.W. opens the drawer with the garbage can behind it. She quickly covers her nose and mouth.
D.W. gulps. Pee-yew! Hgn!
With some difficulty, she takes the garbage bag out and drags it out into the yard.
D.W. seems annoyed. Growing older... stinks! Hgn!
On her way to the garage, the bag gets caught on the water hose and rips, spilling the trash.
D.W! (cries)
She walks back to the house with the empty bag. Her mother comes out.
Jane gasps. D.W.!
D.W. shook her head. I don't think I'm ready for kindergarten!
She and her mother hug.
Shortly afterwards, D.W. sits at the kitchen table eating cookies while her mother mops the floor.
D.W. seems confused. So I don't have to do anything special for kindergarten?
Jane noded with a smile. Nope, not a thing. Just be yourself.
D.W. sighs relieved. Well, that's a relief. Being older doesn't seem like that much fun anyway.
Jane laughed. Well, it has its perks.
She takes a cookie for herself.
D.W. left the chair. Thanks, mom! I think I need to make a call.
Shortly afterwards, Bud and D.W. talk on the phone.
Bud seems surprised. And I don't have to act cool or practice my alphabet?
D.W. laughs. Nope.
Bud took a breath. Phew. If I had to try to do that L-M-N-O-P part one more time...
D.W. interrupts him. Bud! You did it! You just got it right!
Bud drops his phone.
Bud jumps around. Woohoo! I'm a genius!
The Frenskys' doorbell rings. Francine opens to Muffy.
Muffy took a deep breath. Before you say anything, I just want you to know that I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this for us.
Francine was confused. Doing what?
Muffy sighs. Going to Camp Meadowcroak.
She comes in. Both girls walk to the living room. Nemo runs off the couch.
Muffy gulps. I'll just buy a whole crate of bug repellant and granola bars because the food is completely inedible. And I'll...
Francine waves her hands. Muffy, I don't want you to go.
Muffy frowns. What? Then why did you show me all those photos of last...
Francine took a breath. What I mean is, I know how much you want to go to this Camp Asylum.
Muffy shook her head. It's pronounced Elysium, and it means paradise.
Francine shrugs. Whatever. I want you to go and have a great time. Just because we're going to different camps doesn't mean we aren't still best friends.
Muffy looks sad. But... we're going to have all these separate adventures.
Francine points up. A-ha! I thought of that. Come with me!
She pulls Muffy away. Nemo returns to the couch.
Muffy and Francine sit at Francine's computer.
Francine types. It's a blog I made, called "The Separate Adventures of Inseparable Friends". We can write about what happens to us, post photos, and here's the best part. Only you and I have the password.
Muffy seems surprised. What's the password?
Francine giggles. "Alice", of course. Our middle name.
Muffy crossed her arms. You better write every day. And bad internet service is no excuse!
Francine noded. I'll bring it by hand if I have to.
...On the last day, the poster hangs on the blackboard. Mr. Ratburn, Arthur, Michael and Buster stand in front of it.
Mr. Ratburn smiles. It's wonderful! Y-you made this for me?
Arthur noded. Well... yes!
Buster winks. And that's not all. We made you something else too. Binky?
Binky plays a riff on his clarinet. The class stand in a row and sing.
Class: Dear Mr. Ratburn, we made this song for you,
You showed us, with hard work, there's nothing we can't do.
From knowing long division,
To who won Waterloo.
Dear Mr. Ratburn, we owe it all to you.
Buster sings. Dear Mr. Ratburn, my story's plain to see.
My mind was filled with junk, half-truths, and fallacies.
But after your instruction, I think more critically.
Now when I meet an alien, I'll speak more intelligently.
Class: Dear Mr. Ratburn, we made this song for you,
Everything you taught us will stick to us like glue.
And from your fine example, we'll know just what to do.
Dear Mr. Ratburn... we owe it all to you!
The kids all point at Mr. Ratburn. He is visibly touched and takes out a handkerchief.
Mr. Ratburn gulps. Oh dear, I seem to have something in my eye. That was... most impressive. A bit pitchy in spots, but overall...
MC comes in.
MC smiles. Oh, am I interrupting? A thousand pardons, Nigel. Just wanted to check out my future dojo.
Michael looks around. Is fourth grade going to be in this room?
Mr. Ratburn shook his head. No, Mr. Cramp has actually decided he'd prefer to teach third grade and some lessons in first grade.
MC noded. Their minds are so much more... potato-like.
Mr. Ratburn widen his hands. Like the rest of you, I'll be moving on to fourth grade.
Class cheer)
Binky laughed. That means I passed!
Buster laughs. I'd never thought I'd say this, but I really hope I get Mr. Ratburn!
Arthur nods.
After class Ashley, Jesse and Hannah stood at the table of MC in the cafeteria. The rabbit-girl raises an eyebrow. You talking about potatoes, do we have biology with you?
MC shook his head. No, history. All is in a flux, you will see!
Hannah shares a look with Ashley, Jesse seems confused.
Ashley turns back to the teacher. I know where the potatoes came from, you can pass that lesson! We become thirds graders, not kindergarten! If you wanna impress us, you have to do more as looking cool! She turns around and left, Hannah did the same. Jesse looks after them, shrugs and left too.
MC sighs. So proud young spirits, wow! This history class will be a challenge! with these three
MC is shown with a spoonful of potatoes and the caption "Special appearance by B.J. Novak". Nemo is shown running off the couch with the caption "In memory of Greg Kramer". that voice Nemo