Abbott Elementary: Ava and Her Band of Teachers

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According to co-showrunner Patrick Schumaker’s recent interview, Ava’s dismissal was a storyline choice intended to emphasize “how deeply the school and those truly connected to it impact the community.” We appreciate Abbott Elementary for its clever humor, endearing characters, and charming young students. However, we keep watching because the show masterfully portrays an idealized yet authentic community – something many of us long for amidst increasing feelings of loneliness and isolation. At times, Abbott’s optimism seems almost utopian compared to today’s world, but it maintains a connection with reality through its exploration of external challenges and unwavering faith in the power of empathy and compassion to conquer even the darkest situations.

In simpler terms, the show Abbott tackles Ava’s reinstatement issue in a way that brings optimism and showcases the power of community over self-centeredness. I strongly feel that envisioning better solutions is crucial for change – something that might seem obvious but has been underscored by the popular phrase “representation matters” over the past decade. Abbott consistently presents examples of what we can achieve when we prioritize each other. The episode “Rally” exemplifies this philosophy, as everyone who supports the school’s community spirit unites to help Ava regain her position. We all expected something like this to happen, it was just a question of how, and when the staff runs out of options with the board, it only makes sense that the community steps in to help.

The first encounter with the board presents a harsh reality that contrasts sharply with Abbott’s idealistic perspective; despite Janine’s best attempts, even dressing up in a charming three-piece suit, the higher-ups (June Diane Raphael reprising her role as Elizabeth Washington) remain firm on their decision to dismiss Ava for bribery. The teachers attempt to save Ava by arguing that she was only acting in the school’s best interest with limited resources, suggesting it would look unfair to fire someone for showing too much concern. When this emotional appeal fails to sway the district, Janine resorts to deception to buy more time by claiming they have solid evidence. During a short break, Janine advises the teachers to accept blame for the contraband from Girard Creek since it’s harder to dismiss them all due to their union protection, and it would be challenging to find enough substitutes to replace them.

It seems that replacing Janine, Barbara, Melissa, and Jacob might not be too challenging for the district, even though finding substitutes can be difficult. Since this issue doesn’t fall under their direct authority, they decide to suspend all four of them for a week. Melissa, in a humorous attempt to challenge the decision, claims Sweet Cheeks is her legal dependent, but that only leads to his suspension as well. Jacob informs his students he’ll be taking a “principled vacation in support of principal Coleman,” but they understand his euphemism and are frustrated by what they perceive as an unfair suspension. Some students, like RJ, suggest taking action, though Jacob advises against it because this is not their fight. However, it’s evident that the students across the school feel let down by the decision.

As the group devises plans to reclaim Ava, Gregory assumes control temporarily as principal, donning a red shirt instead of his usual neutral attire, symbolizing his increasing self-assurance. He starts to comprehend that if Ava’s unique ability is bypassing bureaucracy, then his special talent lies in thoroughly analyzing the system to outsmart it. Gregory demonstrates this finesse by successfully convincing Miles from Girard Creek to keep the golf club running despite their agreement. After an extensive investigation likely daunting for others, Gregory discovered a way for Miles to reclassify the club under a particular non-profit tax code, resulting in more profits rather than just revenue, benefiting both parties. Furthermore, when he discovers that four of his teachers are suspended for a week, he mobilizes everyone – teachers, PTA, and even manages to create a schedule where Tariq and Crystal step in to cover the gaps.

What makes Gregory such an excellent interim principal is his meticulous focus and effective problem-solving skills, which is quite fulfilling to observe (even when considering his paycheck). However, I find myself torn because I’m supposed to be advocating for Ava’s return. As Gregory reminds us, his temporary role doesn’t guarantee the permanent position, and the district is indeed interviewing other candidates, such as Mr. Morton, much to Jacob’s discontent and threat of riots. Despite their suspension not being a dead end, the teachers are persistently coming up with strategies to bring Ava back. They’ve considered becoming a charter school and invoking squatters rights, but these ideas have quickly been dismissed. In desperation, Melissa proposes “The Schemmenti Diversion,” a plan that involves balaclavas, baklava, an ice cream truck, zip ties, an oxygen tank, Mr. Johnson in a clown wig, and something with a boat.

Despite everyone’s eagerness to learn about Melissa’s plan during The Schemmenti Diversion, it was suddenly disrupted by an unscheduled walkout and student protest in the corridor. This spontaneous event moved Jacob to tears with admiration. The commotion caused by the students was so great that Elizabeth came along with other district officials to calm things down with a meeting, or “forum.” Janine informed Ava to attend this forum, giving her an opportunity to listen to the students defend her reputation live. However, the district remained adamant in their decision to dismiss Ava and suspend the teachers, feeling that simply being heard was sufficient.

Undeterred, Janine refuses to let this be the end of her efforts to restore Abbott Elementary. Just as Barbara declares the matter closed (knowing full well she usually has the last word with Janine), the PTA rushes into the room in protest.

In a short while, a variety of characters and special guests make their way into the gymnasium to back Ava. Krystal from Forever Bitch Apparel voices her disapproval towards the district for potentially harming students’ education. Following this, members of the B.L.A.C.K.S speak up about witnessing firsthand how Ava turned Abbott Elementary School from a dilapidated institution into an unexpected music venue.

Next, small business owners, with Ava’s father leading them, enter the gym and share their experiences of the positive impact that Abbott and its administration have had on the community. The nail salon owners promise to stand by Abbott during difficult times as it supported them during the strike.

Miles then pushes his way through the crowd, suggesting that the entire issue could be resolved with a “white savior,” before expressing enthusiasm for his agreement with Abbott – an arrangement he claims was the only instance where his bribes actually benefited children instead of corrupt officials.

In conclusion, Crystal, longtime adversary of Ava, steps into the movement alongside other school leaders from the district. Although the series hinted that it was Crystal who exposed Ava’s questionable methods for acquiring resources for the school, those familiar with Black sororities understand their unwavering loyalty. Thus, it comes as no shock that when a crisis occurred, Crystal stood by her sorority brother (sister). Despite being Ava’s most formidable critic, she publicly defends Ava to the district, praising her relentless dedication to the school and faculty, stating that any educator in the district would be fortunate to have them. This speech sparks a powerful response from the crowd, urging for their return. In the face of potential unrest, Elizabeth announces they are compelled to rehire “Ava and her dedicated teachers,” although she emphasizes it was her own initiative.

Ava expresses gratitude towards her team for their efforts, emphasizing that without her exceptional abilities, they wouldn’t have a cause to strive for. She admits her habit of sleeping late and will be tardy until she adjusts her routine. A heartwarming moment occurs when Ava’s father expresses pride in her, marking a small advancement towards healing their relationship. The narrative concludes with Ava reclaiming her position, which involves ousting Gregory. Despite his graceful acceptance, removing personal touches from her office, the sadness on his face as he removes his nameplate is palpable. Ava acknowledges Gregory’s excellent leadership in her absence, and harmony returns to Abbott Elementary.

Teacher’s Notes

This season, we didn’t see enough of Zac Fox, but his appearance in this particular episode made up for the lack of time spent with him earlier. The episode concluded beautifully as Tariq stepped in as a replacement, allowing Melissa and Barbara to attend the spirit tunnel discussion on the “Kate Hudson Show” (although she meant Jennifer). This allowed them some well-deserved downtime even though they are no longer suspended. I’m curious about the letter they might have written to Zac Fox’s landlord, requesting a rent reduction due to his temporary absence.

• And finally, some of the silliest lines of the episode:

Barbara: “Barbara Howard, the martyr, does have a nice ring to it.”

Melissa, when the district mentions that the suspension will only last for five business days, are you aware of just how much destruction could potentially occur within that time frame?

Barbara: “My record, like my spirit, remains unsullied!”

Jacob: “I am vibrating with adrenaline. Is this how it feels to play a team sport?”

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2025-04-10 04:54