SIXTH GRADE

MISS CLEGG

MISS CLEGG

MISS CLEGG!

No teacher ever preceded a reputation for toughness!  It was not limited to the curriculum, but to those who were limited in knowledge or learning capabilities.  She spent more time and energy with those few than all the rest of the class.  It was evident that she was determined to pass all of those in her class, come hell or high water!

My experience in her class was commendable, both my own and Miss Clegg's.  Because Micky Riley and I were capable in art, we were given those assignments, which resulted in special privileges.  Of course, Bobby Pettus was always included as our assistants, as The  Three Muskeeters.  We were responsible for the art that became Miss Clegg's classroom's permanently.  For example, a full size generic body's circulatory system, which took almost the year to complete.  We illustrated various human body parts, even male and female differences.  I don't how I wound up with the illustration of the full inner and outer human ear, but I found it in a book and I have it displayed in a frame in my "office"

Speaking of performances, Miss Clegg did one or own herself once!  When asked Billy Ray Lipham she had not turned in his assignment paper, he answered, "I ain't got nair'n".  She responded by leaning over his back and beat her with her fists on his back!  After she quit, you could have heard a pin drop.  She did nothing else until the bell rang shortly for ending the day.  I think Billy never did repeat such a comment like that again.  

That's how it was in the Sixth Grade.

KEITH                          

LIFELINE IV

ILLUSTRATING

 Miss Pitman was prim and proper as my Fifth Grade teacher.  She knew from the Fourth Grade who would need to concentrate my efforts on and those self-starters could fend for them-selves.  I fell in the latter category, fortunately.  Micky and I were called on for any creative projects.  I learned typing on an Underwood Electric typewriter.  I was supposed be in the class a full year, but my speed surpassed the qualifications for the full year, so Miss Smith would not take my second semester.

This year officially joined Bobby Pettus as our third member along with Mickey Riley and myself to become The Three Muskeeters as we called ourselves.  Bobby's father, Doc, died of a heart attack on Good Friday.  The emptiness he had missing gave us companionship that he needed.  

I don't recall what happened of real significance during the Fifth Grade, but we were about to change that!  We were going to be in  Miss Clegg's Sixth Grade homeroom and this was going to be a whole new ballgame!    

KEITH