After Christmas break, the principal calls an assembly to tell the students that they will have experts administering regular practice tests between now and the CSAs. Like the rest of his classmates, Gavin hates the idea, deciding that it “belong[s] in the toilet with the rest of the terrible ideas [their] school big shots had already sprung on [them] this year” (200).

In addition to the practice tests, the principal takes away recess for more test prep. Livid, Scott fills in the bubbles on his practice test in a Christmas-tree pattern. He’s called to the principal’s office, where the principal rages at him: “I need you to ace the CSAs. I need everyone to ace them” (202). Scott asks if the class can have recess and read-aloud time back if everyone aces the tests. The principal agrees.

Natalie notices new tension among her teachers, with one even being sent to the hospital for a panic attack. The only bright spot is Mrs. Magenta’s new art program project at the senior center. Since caroling went so well, the children will go back to bring “some company and sunshine with [their] smiles” (204).