work. As the heat increased, the children would move their seats away from the stove. It was a very busy day within the confines of the classroom, where there were as many as eight grades, and in some instances, forty students to teach. Some required more help than others. The primary grades could do very little on their own, so they demanded a great deal of attention. Sometimes, a student in a senior grade would help with the younger children. It was very frustrating to see students waiting for help when you were trying to help others at the same time. I must say that the children never came to school hungry. They always had a lunch for the noon meal. Sometimes, you could see the molasses soaking through the bread, but it was good substantial food. Occasionally, someone would forget his or her lunch at home. When that happened, the others were always willing to share. I found that the students in the rural schools were, for the most part, very well-disciplined, cooperative, and considerate. The brighter students were good listeners, and were able to master much more from lessons taught to senior grades. However, the slow learners were not so attentive, and usually did not progress as well. Eventually, some became school drop-outs. In 1966, school consolidation arrived in our area. Henceforth, students are bussed into warm, cheerful surroundings with only one or two grades in each classroom. Learning has become a pleasure where music, art, physical education, computers and many books and materials are available to help make learning an enjoyable experience for them. Thank God for "Consolidation!" 86