The first day of school was always preceeded by a sanding and varnishing of all floors in the building. The blackboards were washed. Food in the cafeteria was all homemade and served by a small crew of women from a small table you filed by before going to the long table for your class. Cleaning your plate was mandatory. The food was a well balanced meal. Recess was a time to play, not fight. No knives, guns or curse words appeared in the schoolhouse. The word of the teacher and principal ruled. How did things change so much?