Scene I

[Members of a junior high Social Studies class are seated on one side of stage area. Miss Hardgrader, the teacher, stands in front of them.]

Hardgrader: Now, class, before you leave today I just want to remind you that your reports on Christmas legends are due tomorrow. [Everyone groans.] I will call on some of you to read yours aloud; so all of you come prepared. I’ve also invited the other grades in our wing to come visit our class tomorrow when you give your reports, and I thought it would be fun to sing a few Christmas carols together and make it a kind of party.

Marcia: [Raising her hand] Should we come in costume, Miss Hardgrader? [Class members mutter disgustedly.]

Hardgrader: Well, you can if you like, Marcia, but it’s not necessary. Now, if there are no other questions, you ma…