The Day I Was Kicked Out of Eighth Grade

March 4, 1981

“I’d like him to finish out the year.”

My mother’s voice was calm, but there was no mistaking the dignified pleading in her tone.   Mr. Littlefield, York School’s Falstaffian headmaster, had just told us that I was, “dismissed, effective immediately.” He looked stern and sorrowful, his voice practiced.  This was a tone that brooked no argume…