The student news site of Mill Valley High School

Mill Valley News

The student news site of Mill Valley High School

Mill Valley News

The student news site of Mill Valley High School

Mill Valley News

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.
Sophomore Grace Holland and junior Miranda Hakes play the bubble battle game at the “Finding Nemo” station.
Gallery: Students participate in activities to fundraise for American Cancer Society
March 26, 2024
Opinion: Knowledge and advocacy give students the power to make change in the Israel-Hamas war
Opinion: Knowledge and advocacy give students the power to make change in the Israel-Hamas war
Olivia Peters, JagWire reporter/photographer • March 25, 2024
Video: Girls swim and dive spotlight
Video: Girls swim and dive spotlight
Ava Mendez, MVTV reporter • March 25, 2024
MVTV Sports recap: March 20
MVTV Sports recap: March 20
Aiden Lehr, MVTV reporter • March 25, 2024

Teachers pull pranks for entertainment

Teachers pull pranks for entertainment

Flinging open his classroom door on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 27, social studies teacher Jeff Strickland pauses in his tracks, noting the disappearance of the chairs and desks in his room. AP Government students sit on the floor around the room waiting for an explanation, but with more important business to take care of, Strickland marched out of the door. Within minutes, under the supervision of Strickland, boys from social studies teacher Dustin Stinnett’s US History class come to carefully place each chair and desk precisely in their former location. This prank was one of many throughout the history of a unique relationship between Strickland and Stinnett.

“Trying to recall my first prank is like trying to recall my first drink of water,” Strickland said. “I’ve always been this way.”

The two began their long line of pranking during Stinnett’s student teaching in 2006. After randomly finding his computer mouse covered in hand sanitizer after Strickland covered his class, Stinnett returned the favor by soaking Strickland’s black plush desk chair with water. Though Strickland was only “legitimately mad for 15 seconds,” the jokes continued to escalate.

“My family conducts themselves in a manner where if you’re friends with someone, you joke around with them,” Stinnett said. “It’s a sign of affection.”

Stinnett did not feel the affection, however, after Strickland pulled his “best” prank that quickly went downhill.

“I would come into his classroom [on occasion] and spell words incorrectly on his whiteboard. During in-service day with elementary teachers in his classroom, teachers [saw the words and] complained about his inability to spell,” Strickland said. “They complained to the powers that be.”

Stinnett experienced negative results from Strickland’s fun and games, but didn’t take it too seriously.

“The jokes wouldn’t be worth it without an initial emotional response,” Stinnett said. “But we don’t get mad.”

Despite the outcome of this prank, they continue to battle without contributions from other teachers. In this game, Stinnett said there was “no help needed.”

“Some [teachers] don’t even know about all of this,” Strickland said. “They’re much too busy for these hijinks.”

From bike chaining laptop carts to desks to stealing desks and chairs, Strickland and Stinnett maintain a comical relationship.

“We’re actually not even friends,” Strickland said sarcastically. “We need a reason to interact and this is the only way to do it.”

The two plan to continue their hijinks every couple months to make their days more enjoyable.

“It entertains us.” Strickland said. “It keeps it lively, it keeps it fun, it keeps it lighthearted.”

 

(Visited 213 times, 1 visits today)
Leave a Comment
More to Discover
About the Contributor
Jillian Mullin, JAG editor-in-chief
Senior Jillian Mullin has been on the JAG yearbook staff for two years. She joined her junior year as a writer and photographer and is now an editor-in-chief. Outside of yearbook, Mullin is involved in NHS and dances in the company at Starstruck Performing Arts Center. In the future, Mullin plans to attend the University of Missouri and hopes to live in a city and travel the world. For now, she looks forward to devoting her time towards another successful edition of the JAG.

Comments (0)

Mill Valley News intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. Comments are reviewed and must be approved by a moderator to ensure that they meet these standards. Mill Valley News does not allow anonymous comments, and Mill Valley News requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments.
All Mill Valley News Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *