Occasionally, there’s an absolute spell in the classroom. Somehow, all the stars and temperaments align, the moon is waxing, everyone has a full belly and sufficient motivation, and things just work. The kids just work. Even kids who previously had done little or nothing work. They ask intelligent questions. They work together as adults. And I sit — for a brief moment, because in such situations, rare as they are, I’m always helping this or that kid — in the midst of it in awe.

And then the earthquake drill (in South Carolina?!?!) comes and breaks the spell into a million little shards of idle conversation.