Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the make and model of the car that Ida Bidson was driving?
What was the make and model of the car that Ida Bidson was driving?
The car was a Model T Ford.
How did Ida and Felix work together to operate the car?
How did Ida and Felix work together to operate the car?
Ida steered the car while Felix used his hands to push the brake and clutch pedals down.
What did Ida and Tom Kohl often talk about?
What did Ida and Tom Kohl often talk about?
Ida and Tom often talked about their plans, their friends, their families, and what was going on in the valley.
Describe the setting as Ida and Felix traveled through Elk Valley, Colorado.
Describe the setting as Ida and Felix traveled through Elk Valley, Colorado.
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Explain Ida's initial reaction to Tom's suggestion of becoming their teacher when Miss Fletcher leaves.
Explain Ida's initial reaction to Tom's suggestion of becoming their teacher when Miss Fletcher leaves.
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What does Ida's ability to drive the family car indicate about her character?
What does Ida's ability to drive the family car indicate about her character?
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Describe the setting of Ida's home.
Describe the setting of Ida's home.
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How does Ida's brother, Felix, support her?
How does Ida's brother, Felix, support her?
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What central theme does Ida's ambition to become a teacher reflect?
What central theme does Ida's ambition to become a teacher reflect?
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What struggle does the story portray?
What struggle does the story portray?
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What motivates Ida to continue her education and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher?
What motivates Ida to continue her education and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher?
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Who expresses regret for Ida's situation and encourages her to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher?
Who expresses regret for Ida's situation and encourages her to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher?
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Why is Ida upset at the beginning of the story?
Why is Ida upset at the beginning of the story?
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What suggestion does Tom make to Ida?
What suggestion does Tom make to Ida?
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What does the story reflect about Ida's determination and resilience?
What does the story reflect about Ida's determination and resilience?
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Why does Ida return home determined to keep her school struggles a secret from her parents?
Why does Ida return home determined to keep her school struggles a secret from her parents?
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In what way does the closure of the school impact Ida and Tom's educational plans?
In what way does the closure of the school impact Ida and Tom's educational plans?
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How does Mr. Jordan respond to Ida's concerns about the exams?
How does Mr. Jordan respond to Ida's concerns about the exams?
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What are Ida and Tom's aspirations for their future education and careers?
What are Ida and Tom's aspirations for their future education and careers?
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What is Miss Fletcher's monthly earnings?
What is Miss Fletcher's monthly earnings?
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How do Ida and Tom initially react to the news of the school closure?
How do Ida and Tom initially react to the news of the school closure?
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What feelings trouble Ida and Tom in relation to the closure of the school?
What feelings trouble Ida and Tom in relation to the closure of the school?
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What limitations do Ida and Tom face due to the closure of the school and financial constraints?
What limitations do Ida and Tom face due to the closure of the school and financial constraints?
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What emotions do the characters express as they discuss the impact of the school's closure on their aspirations?
What emotions do the characters express as they discuss the impact of the school's closure on their aspirations?
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What impact does Miss Fletcher's impending departure have on Ida and Tom?
What impact does Miss Fletcher's impending departure have on Ida and Tom?
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How do Ida and Tom decide to approach the situation despite the uncertainty about their future?
How do Ida and Tom decide to approach the situation despite the uncertainty about their future?
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What does the conversation between Ida and Tom reflect about their concerns regarding their future?
What does the conversation between Ida and Tom reflect about their concerns regarding their future?
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What overall tone does the text convey as the characters grapple with the impact of the school's closure on their aspirations and opportunities for advancement?
What overall tone does the text convey as the characters grapple with the impact of the school's closure on their aspirations and opportunities for advancement?
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Who is the owner of Wally's Mighty Fine Emporium and head of the school board?
Who is the owner of Wally's Mighty Fine Emporium and head of the school board?
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Describe the appearance of the schoolhouse at Elk Valley.
Describe the appearance of the schoolhouse at Elk Valley.
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What items can be found in the schoolyard?
What items can be found in the schoolyard?
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What are some of the items found inside the one-room schoolhouse?
What are some of the items found inside the one-room schoolhouse?
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Who is the teacher at Elk Valley's schoolhouse?
Who is the teacher at Elk Valley's schoolhouse?
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What is the demeanor of Miss Fletcher when the students arrive?
What is the demeanor of Miss Fletcher when the students arrive?
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Who are some of the students mentioned in the narrative?
Who are some of the students mentioned in the narrative?
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What creates a sense of unease and curiosity among the students?
What creates a sense of unease and curiosity among the students?
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What contributes to the rural, small-town atmosphere in the narrative?
What contributes to the rural, small-town atmosphere in the narrative?
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What type of landscape surrounds the schoolhouse?
What type of landscape surrounds the schoolhouse?
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What is Mr. Jordan seen doing in the schoolroom?
What is Mr. Jordan seen doing in the schoolroom?
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What does the narrative set the stage for?
What does the narrative set the stage for?
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Based on the text, what dilemma does Ida face regarding her high school plans and the potential closure of the school?
Based on the text, what dilemma does Ida face regarding her high school plans and the potential closure of the school?
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What concerns does Ida's mother express about Ida's contemplation of becoming a teacher?
What concerns does Ida's mother express about Ida's contemplation of becoming a teacher?
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Why does Mrs. Bidson acknowledge the financial strain of sending Ida to high school?
Why does Mrs. Bidson acknowledge the financial strain of sending Ida to high school?
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What is Ida's main concern about pursuing teaching as an option?
What is Ida's main concern about pursuing teaching as an option?
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How does Ida's mother encourage her regarding the idea of becoming a teacher?
How does Ida's mother encourage her regarding the idea of becoming a teacher?
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What does Ida grapple with regarding the potential impact of pursuing teaching on her family?
What does Ida grapple with regarding the potential impact of pursuing teaching on her family?
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What is Ida worried about in terms of balancing her farm responsibilities with teaching?
What is Ida worried about in terms of balancing her farm responsibilities with teaching?
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What does Mrs. Bidson acknowledge about Ida's potential as a teacher?
What does Mrs. Bidson acknowledge about Ida's potential as a teacher?
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How does the potential closure of the school affect Ida's high school plans?
How does the potential closure of the school affect Ida's high school plans?
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What is Mrs. Bidson concerned about in relation to Ida's potential decision to become a teacher?
What is Mrs. Bidson concerned about in relation to Ida's potential decision to become a teacher?
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What is Ida's main concern about her ability to pursue teaching as an option?
What is Ida's main concern about her ability to pursue teaching as an option?
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How does Ida feel about not informing her father about her decision?
How does Ida feel about not informing her father about her decision?
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What did Ida do to gain entry into the school?
What did Ida do to gain entry into the school?
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How did Ida surprise the other children when they met her at the front of the schoolhouse?
How did Ida surprise the other children when they met her at the front of the schoolhouse?
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What did Ida do after dismissing the children from the school?
What did Ida do after dismissing the children from the school?
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Who was the last child to remain at the school after the others had left?
Who was the last child to remain at the school after the others had left?
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Explain how Ida's family learns about her new position as a teacher during dinner.
Explain how Ida's family learns about her new position as a teacher during dinner.
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What challenges does Ida encounter in managing the class and maintaining control?
What challenges does Ida encounter in managing the class and maintaining control?
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How does Ida try to assert her authority in the classroom?
How does Ida try to assert her authority in the classroom?
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Describe the internal struggle and anxiety that Ida experiences as she navigates her new responsibilities.
Describe the internal struggle and anxiety that Ida experiences as she navigates her new responsibilities.
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What time does Ida start her day and what does she do before going to school?
What time does Ida start her day and what does she do before going to school?
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How does Ida's father react to her new role as a teacher?
How does Ida's father react to her new role as a teacher?
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What role does Ida's brother, Felix, play in keeping her new position a secret?
What role does Ida's brother, Felix, play in keeping her new position a secret?
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What struggles does Ida face regarding her abilities and the behavior of her students?
What struggles does Ida face regarding her abilities and the behavior of her students?
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How does the text portray Ida's struggle with her new role as a teacher?
How does the text portray Ida's struggle with her new role as a teacher?
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What impact does Ida's new role have on her family?
What impact does Ida's new role have on her family?
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What impact does Miss Fletcher's departure have on Ida and Tom?
What impact does Miss Fletcher's departure have on Ida and Tom?
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How does Ida feel about starting the school day and her abilities as a teacher?
How does Ida feel about starting the school day and her abilities as a teacher?
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How does Ida regain control in her classroom at the beginning of the day?
How does Ida regain control in her classroom at the beginning of the day?
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Who challenges Ida's authority in the classroom?
Who challenges Ida's authority in the classroom?
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What approach does Ida refuse to use when dealing with Herbert's disruptive behavior?
What approach does Ida refuse to use when dealing with Herbert's disruptive behavior?
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What does Ida threaten to do if Herbert doesn't comply with her instructions?
What does Ida threaten to do if Herbert doesn't comply with her instructions?
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How does Herbert's demeanor change when faced with the possibility of expulsion?
How does Herbert's demeanor change when faced with the possibility of expulsion?
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Who offers support and encouragement to Ida during her emotional turmoil?
Who offers support and encouragement to Ida during her emotional turmoil?
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What is the overall focus of the text?
What is the overall focus of the text?
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How do the students respond to Ida's efforts to restore order in the classroom?
How do the students respond to Ida's efforts to restore order in the classroom?
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What does Ida receive from a student, reaffirming her identity and the importance of her role as a teacher?
What does Ida receive from a student, reaffirming her identity and the importance of her role as a teacher?
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What does the text highlight regarding Ida's ability to handle the situation in her classroom?
What does the text highlight regarding Ida's ability to handle the situation in her classroom?
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What does Ida do to gain control in her classroom after the disruptive behavior?
What does Ida do to gain control in her classroom after the disruptive behavior?
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What does the text emphasize about the challenges of being a teacher?
What does the text emphasize about the challenges of being a teacher?
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What subjects are included in Ida's structured daily routine in the classroom?
What subjects are included in Ida's structured daily routine in the classroom?
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Who are the winners of the weekly contests in spelling and mathematics in Ida's classroom?
Who are the winners of the weekly contests in spelling and mathematics in Ida's classroom?
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What did Tom surprise the class with?
What did Tom surprise the class with?
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What did Tom demonstrate with the homemade crystal radio?
What did Tom demonstrate with the homemade crystal radio?
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Who rings the bell to signal the end of the school day?
Who rings the bell to signal the end of the school day?
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What challenges does Tom explain about the reception of the crystal radio?
What challenges does Tom explain about the reception of the crystal radio?
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What does the text highlight about Ida's awareness as she becomes more observant from the teacher's desk?
What does the text highlight about Ida's awareness as she becomes more observant from the teacher's desk?
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What is the overall tone of Ida's teaching journey as described in the text?
What is the overall tone of Ida's teaching journey as described in the text?
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What does the text provide a detailed depiction of?
What does the text provide a detailed depiction of?
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What did Ida's father gift her to help with time management in the classroom?
What did Ida's father gift her to help with time management in the classroom?
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How does Ida handle the challenges with disruptive student Herbert?
How does Ida handle the challenges with disruptive student Herbert?
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What does Ida learn to do to improve her teaching experience?
What does Ida learn to do to improve her teaching experience?
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Explain the significance of the crystal radio in the story and how it contrasts with Miss Sedgewick's visit to the school.
Explain the significance of the crystal radio in the story and how it contrasts with Miss Sedgewick's visit to the school.
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How does Miss Sedgewick's visit bring an air of formality and inspection to the classroom?
How does Miss Sedgewick's visit bring an air of formality and inspection to the classroom?
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What advice does Miss Sedgewick give to Tom, and what does it reveal about her perception of him?
What advice does Miss Sedgewick give to Tom, and what does it reveal about her perception of him?
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How do the children react to the crystal radio, and what does it represent for them?
How do the children react to the crystal radio, and what does it represent for them?
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Describe the impact of Miss Sedgewick's visit on Ida and the classroom environment.
Describe the impact of Miss Sedgewick's visit on Ida and the classroom environment.
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What emotions do the children experience while using the crystal radio, and how does it contrast with Miss Sedgewick's demeanor?
What emotions do the children experience while using the crystal radio, and how does it contrast with Miss Sedgewick's demeanor?
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How does the crystal radio allow the children to feel a sense of freedom and possibility?
How does the crystal radio allow the children to feel a sense of freedom and possibility?
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What does Miss Sedgewick's recognition of Ida as the new teacher and her questioning about Miss Fletcher's absence reveal about her character?
What does Miss Sedgewick's recognition of Ida as the new teacher and her questioning about Miss Fletcher's absence reveal about her character?
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How does the children's experience with the crystal radio contrast with the sense of inspection and evaluation brought by Miss Sedgewick's visit?
How does the children's experience with the crystal radio contrast with the sense of inspection and evaluation brought by Miss Sedgewick's visit?
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In what way does the crystal radio represent a form of escapism for the children?
In what way does the crystal radio represent a form of escapism for the children?
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What does Miss Sedgewick's advice to Tom reveal about her perception of the students and her role as an inspector?
What does Miss Sedgewick's advice to Tom reveal about her perception of the students and her role as an inspector?
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How does the crystal radio symbolize a sense of adventure and exploration for the children?
How does the crystal radio symbolize a sense of adventure and exploration for the children?
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What does Miss Sedgewick's abrupt departure and her statement about looking into the situation reveal about her attitude towards Ida's teaching endeavor?
What does Miss Sedgewick's abrupt departure and her statement about looking into the situation reveal about her attitude towards Ida's teaching endeavor?
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What does Tom's statement to Ida about doing a good job and Ida's response indicate about their understanding of the challenges they are facing?
What does Tom's statement to Ida about doing a good job and Ida's response indicate about their understanding of the challenges they are facing?
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How does Ida's contemplation of the places she heard on the radio reflect the theme of expanding horizons and the impact of her teaching journey?
How does Ida's contemplation of the places she heard on the radio reflect the theme of expanding horizons and the impact of her teaching journey?
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What does the overall mood of the afternoon and Ida's recollection of the places heard on the radio suggest about the characters' outlook and the significance of the events unfolding in the story?
What does the overall mood of the afternoon and Ida's recollection of the places heard on the radio suggest about the characters' outlook and the significance of the events unfolding in the story?
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Who witnesses Ida's accident at the pond during school recess?
Who witnesses Ida's accident at the pond during school recess?
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What game are the students playing when Ida is flung into a pond?
What game are the students playing when Ida is flung into a pond?
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What does Miss Sedgewick commend the students for during the incident at the pond?
What does Miss Sedgewick commend the students for during the incident at the pond?
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Where does Ida run to and enjoy the outdoors during school hours?
Where does Ida run to and enjoy the outdoors during school hours?
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What does Ida struggle to contain during a serious moment after the incident at the pond?
What does Ida struggle to contain during a serious moment after the incident at the pond?
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How does Ida feel during school hours that makes her wish to be outside?
How does Ida feel during school hours that makes her wish to be outside?
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How many lambs does Ida help deliver during lambing season with her parents?
How many lambs does Ida help deliver during lambing season with her parents?
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What does Ida announce she will do during school recess?
What does Ida announce she will do during school recess?
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What does the weather turn into during the events at the school?
What does the weather turn into during the events at the school?
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What does Ida do after a tiring day and falls asleep without doing any schoolwork?
What does Ida do after a tiring day and falls asleep without doing any schoolwork?
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What do the students and Ida return to the schoolhouse as after the incident at the pond?
What do the students and Ida return to the schoolhouse as after the incident at the pond?
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What happens to Ida as a result of playing 'Crack the whip' with the students at recess?
What happens to Ida as a result of playing 'Crack the whip' with the students at recess?
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What is the purpose of Ida's visit to the Bixler farm?
What is the purpose of Ida's visit to the Bixler farm?
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How does Mr. Bixler react to Ida's presence at the farm?
How does Mr. Bixler react to Ida's presence at the farm?
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What does the visit to the Bixler farm highlight?
What does the visit to the Bixler farm highlight?
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What does Mr. Bixler prioritize over schooling?
What does Mr. Bixler prioritize over schooling?
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How does Ida feel after leaving the Bixler farm?
How does Ida feel after leaving the Bixler farm?
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Who questions Ida's teaching legitimacy?
Who questions Ida's teaching legitimacy?
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What does the Bixler farm appear to be like?
What does the Bixler farm appear to be like?
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Who is spotted observing the conversation from a distance?
Who is spotted observing the conversation from a distance?
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What does Ida explain to Mr. Bixler about her role?
What does Ida explain to Mr. Bixler about her role?
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Who does Mr. Bixler ask about, questioning Ida's teaching legitimacy?
Who does Mr. Bixler ask about, questioning Ida's teaching legitimacy?
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What does Mr. Bixler express resentment towards?
What does Mr. Bixler express resentment towards?
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What does Ida do without informing anyone, including her brother Felix?
What does Ida do without informing anyone, including her brother Felix?
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Describe Ida's encounter with Mr. Bixler at the student's home and the impact it has on Ida's emotions and actions.
Describe Ida's encounter with Mr. Bixler at the student's home and the impact it has on Ida's emotions and actions.
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How does Tom's family and farm differ from the Bixler farm, and what is Tom working on when Ida visits him?
How does Tom's family and farm differ from the Bixler farm, and what is Tom working on when Ida visits him?
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What emotions does Ida experience when she confides in Tom about her encounter with Mr. Bixler, and how does Tom respond?
What emotions does Ida experience when she confides in Tom about her encounter with Mr. Bixler, and how does Tom respond?
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What positive developments does Ida observe in her students' learning and attendance, and how does she feel about it?
What positive developments does Ida observe in her students' learning and attendance, and how does she feel about it?
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How does Felix's mention of Tom's confidence in passing a final exam impact Ida, and what does it fuel her determination to do?
How does Felix's mention of Tom's confidence in passing a final exam impact Ida, and what does it fuel her determination to do?
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Despite the challenges, what does Ida find in her teaching journey, and what does she notice about her students?
Despite the challenges, what does Ida find in her teaching journey, and what does she notice about her students?
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What does Ida's teaching journey reflect about her determination and resilience?
What does Ida's teaching journey reflect about her determination and resilience?
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How does Ida's encounter with Tom and her students impact her feelings and confidence as a teacher?
How does Ida's encounter with Tom and her students impact her feelings and confidence as a teacher?
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What role does Tom play in supporting Ida, and how does his support influence her?
What role does Tom play in supporting Ida, and how does his support influence her?
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What motivates Ida to continue her education and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher?
What motivates Ida to continue her education and pursue her dream of becoming a teacher?
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How does Ida feel about her teaching abilities and the progress of her students, and what impact does it have on her?
How does Ida feel about her teaching abilities and the progress of her students, and what impact does it have on her?
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What does the text emphasize about Ida's awareness and growth as she becomes more observant from the teacher's desk?
What does the text emphasize about Ida's awareness and growth as she becomes more observant from the teacher's desk?
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What are some of the challenges faced by Ida as a young teacher in a rural community?
What are some of the challenges faced by Ida as a young teacher in a rural community?
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How does Tom seek help from Ida, and what does it indicate?
How does Tom seek help from Ida, and what does it indicate?
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What advice does Ida seek from her father, and how does he respond?
What advice does Ida seek from her father, and how does he respond?
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What does the text highlight about the struggles of a young teacher in a rural community?
What does the text highlight about the struggles of a young teacher in a rural community?
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How does Ida express her desire to be young like her brother, Felix?
How does Ida express her desire to be young like her brother, Felix?
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What does Ida's father emphasize regarding her decisions and responsibilities?
What does Ida's father emphasize regarding her decisions and responsibilities?
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What is Ida's internal conflict, and how does her father encourage her?
What is Ida's internal conflict, and how does her father encourage her?
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What is the impact of the workload on Ida, and how does she feel about her responsibilities?
What is the impact of the workload on Ida, and how does she feel about her responsibilities?
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What does Ida's struggle with daily chores and spilling milk indicate?
What does Ida's struggle with daily chores and spilling milk indicate?
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What does Tom's need for help with a passage from Shakespeare reveal about his academic needs?
What does Tom's need for help with a passage from Shakespeare reveal about his academic needs?
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How does Ida's experience as a young teacher in a rural community reflect the theme of personal and professional balance?
How does Ida's experience as a young teacher in a rural community reflect the theme of personal and professional balance?
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What does Ida's father remind her about the path she has chosen and her future?
What does Ida's father remind her about the path she has chosen and her future?
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Who is Ida trying to convince to print up a circular and why?
Who is Ida trying to convince to print up a circular and why?
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What is the setting of the conversation between Ida and Tom?
What is the setting of the conversation between Ida and Tom?
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How does Mr. Kohl respond to Ida's request for Tom's help?
How does Mr. Kohl respond to Ida's request for Tom's help?
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Describe Mr. Kohl's physical appearance and manner of speaking.
Describe Mr. Kohl's physical appearance and manner of speaking.
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What unexpected events occur on the exam day?
What unexpected events occur on the exam day?
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What reassurance does Miss Sedgewick provide to the students about the exams?
What reassurance does Miss Sedgewick provide to the students about the exams?
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What does Miss Sedgewick inform the students about knowing their exam results?
What does Miss Sedgewick inform the students about knowing their exam results?
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Why does Ida remain in the empty schoolroom after everyone else leaves?
Why does Ida remain in the empty schoolroom after everyone else leaves?
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What does Ida ask Miss Sedgewick about knowing if they passed?
What does Ida ask Miss Sedgewick about knowing if they passed?
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What does Miss Sedgewick do when she arrives late due to the rain?
What does Miss Sedgewick do when she arrives late due to the rain?
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What do the students have on exam day?
What do the students have on exam day?
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What happens to the rain by morning recess?
What happens to the rain by morning recess?
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Who offers Ida and Felix a lift to school after their car skids into a ditch?
Who offers Ida and Felix a lift to school after their car skids into a ditch?
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What does Miss Sedgewick provide time for the students to do?
What does Miss Sedgewick provide time for the students to do?
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Why does no one want to be outside for long during morning recess?
Why does no one want to be outside for long during morning recess?
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What causes Ida to feel nervous and panic during the exam?
What causes Ida to feel nervous and panic during the exam?
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How many schoolchildren, including Herbert, and their parents were in attendance at the Elk Valley School Board meeting?
How many schoolchildren, including Herbert, and their parents were in attendance at the Elk Valley School Board meeting?
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Who were the members of the school board present at the meeting?
Who were the members of the school board present at the meeting?
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What did Mr. Jordan accuse Ida and the children of?
What did Mr. Jordan accuse Ida and the children of?
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What did Mr. Jordan insist about the children's actions, despite there being no damage to the building?
What did Mr. Jordan insist about the children's actions, despite there being no damage to the building?
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What did Mr. Hawkins emphasize in defense of the children?
What did Mr. Hawkins emphasize in defense of the children?
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What did the audience point out about Ida's role as a teacher, in response to Mr. Jordan's criticism?
What did the audience point out about Ida's role as a teacher, in response to Mr. Jordan's criticism?
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What did Ida and Tom want to do in relation to their schooling?
What did Ida and Tom want to do in relation to their schooling?
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What decision did the school board members announce after conferring?
What decision did the school board members announce after conferring?
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What did Ida recite and request the chance to do, receiving applause from the audience?
What did Ida recite and request the chance to do, receiving applause from the audience?
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What was the conclusion of the school board meeting?
What was the conclusion of the school board meeting?
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Who received congratulations from the crowd after the school board's decision?
Who received congratulations from the crowd after the school board's decision?
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Who praised Ida after the school board's decision?
Who praised Ida after the school board's decision?
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What responsibilities were placed on Ida as the teacher in the last two weeks before the exams?
What responsibilities were placed on Ida as the teacher in the last two weeks before the exams?
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How did Ida feel and what actions did she take on the day before the exams?
How did Ida feel and what actions did she take on the day before the exams?
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How did Ida feel and what did she do on the day of the exam?
How did Ida feel and what did she do on the day of the exam?
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How did Ida's mother support and encourage her despite the challenges?
How did Ida's mother support and encourage her despite the challenges?
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What impact did Ida's new role as a teacher have on her family?
What impact did Ida's new role as a teacher have on her family?
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How did Ida and Felix set off for the exam, and what was Ida feeling at that time?
How did Ida and Felix set off for the exam, and what was Ida feeling at that time?
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What was the overall atmosphere in the last two weeks before the exams, and how did Ida and her students deal with the pressure?
What was the overall atmosphere in the last two weeks before the exams, and how did Ida and her students deal with the pressure?
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What did Mr. Jordan expect from every child, and what responsibility did he place on the teacher?
What did Mr. Jordan expect from every child, and what responsibility did he place on the teacher?
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What did Ida and her students return to the schoolhouse as after the incident at the pond?
What did Ida and her students return to the schoolhouse as after the incident at the pond?
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How did Ida handle the challenges with disruptive student Herbert, and what did she urge him to do?
How did Ida handle the challenges with disruptive student Herbert, and what did she urge him to do?
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What concerns did Ida's mother express about Ida's contemplation of becoming a teacher?
What concerns did Ida's mother express about Ida's contemplation of becoming a teacher?
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How did Ida work late into the evening before the exam, and how did she feel about it?
How did Ida work late into the evening before the exam, and how did she feel about it?
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What prestigious opportunity does Ida receive in the elegant, handwritten letter?
What prestigious opportunity does Ida receive in the elegant, handwritten letter?
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Who is the only student who did not complete their exams with varying degrees of success?
Who is the only student who did not complete their exams with varying degrees of success?
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What special recognition does Ida receive at the Last Day Exercises?
What special recognition does Ida receive at the Last Day Exercises?
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What offer does Miss Sedgewick make to Ida, and what does it entail?
What offer does Miss Sedgewick make to Ida, and what does it entail?
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Who is the only person that Herbert Bixler confides in about his decision to fail the exam and join the navy in Denver?
Who is the only person that Herbert Bixler confides in about his decision to fail the exam and join the navy in Denver?
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What does Ida's encounter with Herbert Bixler reveal about his future plans?
What does Ida's encounter with Herbert Bixler reveal about his future plans?
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What does Tom thank Ida for, and what does it signify?
What does Tom thank Ida for, and what does it signify?
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What uncertainty does the text end with, and how does it relate to Ida and Herbert?
What uncertainty does the text end with, and how does it relate to Ida and Herbert?
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What is the significance of Susie singing 'Amazing Grace' at the Last Day Exercises?
What is the significance of Susie singing 'Amazing Grace' at the Last Day Exercises?
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What does Mr. Jordan express hope for regarding Ida's future?
What does Mr. Jordan express hope for regarding Ida's future?
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How does the closure of the secret school impact the characters' educational plans and aspirations?
How does the closure of the secret school impact the characters' educational plans and aspirations?
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How does Ida's success in completing the course of study with honors impact her future?
How does Ida's success in completing the course of study with honors impact her future?
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Study Notes
Ida Considers Becoming a Teacher
- Ida returns home from school and is informed that Miss Fletcher is leaving due to her mother's illness
- The school board decides not to replace Miss Fletcher, and the school may close for the year
- If the school closes, Ida and her friend Tom won't be able to take their final exam, affecting their high school plans
- Ida contemplates becoming the teacher herself to keep the school open
- Ida discusses the idea with her mother, who expresses concerns about Ida's workload and responsibilities on the farm
- Mrs. Bidson acknowledges the financial strain of sending Ida to high school and the impact on farm work without her
- Ida is determined to pursue high school and is unsure whether to proceed with the idea of becoming a teacher
- Ida's mother encourages her to consider the unconventional idea, recognizing that it would be an unusual but not harmful endeavor
- Ida grapples with the potential impact on her family and farm duties if she pursues teaching
- Ida is unsure if she would be good at teaching, given her family's limited education
- Ida considers not informing her father about her decision and worries about balancing her farm responsibilities with teaching
- Mrs. Bidson acknowledges that Ida's potential as a teacher may be uncharted territory but believes it wouldn't harm her
Crystal Radio and Miss Sedgewick's Visit
- Tom demonstrates a crystal radio he made to his classmates, allowing them to listen to different radio stations by manipulating a crystal and a pointer.
- The children hear music, jazz, and livestock prices from various radio stations across the United States through the crystal radio.
- The crystal radio excites the children, and they realize they can "go anywhere" and mark the locations on a map.
- During Charley's turn, they listen to a baseball game from Chicago, but their recess interrupts the radio exploration.
- Miss Sedgewick from the County Education Office visits the school, wearing a green felt hat and a black suit, and brings a sense of formality and inspection to the classroom.
- Miss Sedgewick recognizes Ida as the new teacher and questions her about Miss Fletcher's absence and her own teaching experience.
- Miss Sedgewick takes note of Tom as an eighth-grade student who will be taking the exit diploma examination and advises him to study hard.
- Miss Sedgewick finds Ida young and takes her name down, expressing satisfaction with the order in the classroom before leaving.
- The children are aware of their shabby appearance compared to Miss Sedgewick's formal attire, and Ida feels self-conscious about her own dress.
- The children and Miss Sedgewick observe each other in a moment of awkward silence before Miss Sedgewick questions Ida about her teaching experience and age.
- Miss Sedgewick's visit brings an air of formality to the classroom, and her interaction with the children and Ida is marked by a sense of inspection and evaluation.
- The crystal radio provides a sense of excitement and adventure for the children, allowing them to explore and listen to different radio stations, contrasting the formality and inspection of Miss Sedgewick's visit.
Challenges of a Young Teacher in a Rural Community
- Ida feels the responsibility to ensure all students perform well in their tests, not just her and Tom
- She struggles with the workload, feeling exhausted and falling behind in her own studies
- Ida's student, Tom, seeks help with a passage from Shakespeare, showing his need for guidance
- Ida feels the weight of teaching, expressing a desire to be young like her brother, Felix
- She faces challenges with her daily chores, such as milking the cows, and feels overwhelmed by her responsibilities
- Ida spills milk and feels like a failure, seeking comfort and advice from her father
- Her father reminds her of the difficulty of the path she has chosen and the uncertainty of her future
- He emphasizes the need for Ida to make her own decisions and take responsibility for her choices
- Ida is conflicted about whether to continue teaching or pursue her own education
- Her father encourages her to face the reality of her situation and make decisions like a grown-up
- Ida is left contemplating her future and the challenges she will have to navigate
- The text highlights the struggles of a young teacher in a rural community and the pressure she faces to balance her personal and professional responsibilities.
Ida's Journey to High School
- Ida receives an elegant, handwritten letter informing her that she has completed the course of study with honors and is entitled to enter the high school at Steamboat Springs, beginning September 1925
- Along with the letter, there is a note from Miss Gertrude Sedgewick County Examiner congratulating Ida on her success and informing her that all students, except Herbert Bixler, completed their exams with varying degrees of success
- Ida is overjoyed to learn that she passed, and so did most of her classmates, except Herbert Bixler
- Miss Sedgewick offers Ida a scholarship to stay in her Steamboat Springs home while attending high school, at no cost to her parents
- Last Day Exercises are held at the one-room schoolhouse, and Ida is specially recognized for graduating from eighth grade with honors and for acting as the schoolteacher
- The students, from youngest to oldest, recite poems, excerpts from famous orations, speeches from Shakespeare, and other literature, and each is handed a certificate of promotion
- Mr. Jordan, the schoolteacher, acknowledges Ida's exceptional dedication and expresses hope that she will become a real teacher and return to work at the same school in the future
- Susie sings "Amazing Grace" to conclude the ceremony, and everyone heads outside for refreshments
- Ida approaches Herbert Bixler, who admits that he failed the exam on purpose and plans to join the navy in Denver when he's old enough
- Herbert reveals to Ida that she is the only one who knows about his decision and leaves without disclosing his thoughts
- Tom thanks Ida for being their teacher and for the idea in the first place, as the secret school comes to an end
- The text ends with uncertainty about what the future holds for Ida and Herbert, as well as the closure of the secret school and its impact on the students
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