Once upon a time, I was in fifth grade at King’s Garden Grade School in Seattle, Washington (a private Christian school now known as King’s Schools, on the CRISTA Campus). Our teacher that year was a man who did not know how to make learning exciting. I hated fifth grade, it was so boring and I was always in trouble.
One day I found a way to escape, although I don’t remember how I accomplished it. From fourth to sixth grade I was taking violin lessons, but those half-hour or hour sessions weren’t long enough away from class. I don’t know if I wrote fake notes from my mom or if I just made my escape, but when I was bored I told my teacher it was time for my private singing lessons. Then, I would walk out of the school building, past all the play fields and out to the woods, climb my favorite tree, and then sing until I felt it was time to get back to class. I don’t even remember if I had a watch, but I think I just guessed at the amount of time passing. I was able to get away with this for about two or three months. Then, one of my fellow students noticed that the days and times weren’t consistent (did I start leaving too often?) and squealed on me.
The teacher sent me to the principal’s office. The principal swatted me (too many swats and too hard, plus I believe he enjoyed it). I don’t remember what happened when I got home. I really missed not being able to escape class. Those had been great days. (At home I had five younger siblings, no peace.)
And what did I sing in the tree? I sang praise and worship songs to God.
another side note: I spent 10 years of my life at King’s Garden (Grade School, Junior High, and 1 year of High School) and couldn’t escape it fast enough. Yet things might not have been any better for me in public school, and could have been worse because of the larger class sizes.
