I was in first grade in 1967. School was pretty confusing till about 6th grade but I do have a few vivid memories. About the worst occurred early one day before school started.
The first and second grade classrooms were in a big U with the gym and school offices in a separate building in front and an asphalt patio in the middle. Kids would arrive at school and run around on the asphalt till the bell rang when teachers materialized out of nowhere at the proper door.
One morning I was lolly gagging on the sidewalk waiting for Mrs. Townsend to appear when a boy from my class ran up to me. I do not remember his name but I can picture his face and hear his jibber jabber which made no sense. He acted like a feral child and probably needed to be in a special classroom. But here he was standing right in front of me. I shook my head and tried to tell him I didn't understand. When fast as a flash he grabbed the front of my dress and ripped it all the way open-from collar to hem. Then proceeded to point, jumping up and down laughing, jibber jabbering like he was proud to violate me in such a manner. I was shocked and shaken, deeply humiliated and he left bloody scratches on my chest which hurt. A crowd gathered around us and a few of the boys joined in pointing and laughing. My 6 year old mind was racing. I was trying my best to hold my dress together not knowing which way to turn. An adult finally stepped up and I will never forget, all she said was, "Let's get you to the office. Maybe they can safety pin your dress."
Pin up my dress?? As if it had casually spontaneously combusted!? I wanted to disappear and never come back to school. Why wasn't she fussing at those laughing or asking me to point out the perpetrator so he could be punished? Parading me across the square was just too much to bear.
The Principal's secretary was kind and empathetic. Finally some relief. She safety pinned my dress and cleaned the scratches. She asked me what happened. I am so grateful for her concern which felt like a warm blanket giving me back some of what I had lost. I believe she is why that was a bad day and nothing more.
I'm thinking that was the worst day of first grade. I hope the boy got the help he needed.
Have a happy Sunday.
kisses
