Mrs Fisk at PS8

She was a "floating" teacher, who would visit our class each week when it was time for our music lesson.

Mrs Fisk had highly styled dyed red hair. Her sweaters were always tight against her torpedo breasts. Her nails were long and painted, and she favored bangle bracelets that clanged when she moved her arms.

Her manicure always made a better impression when she moved her arms.

She presided over our weekly school assemblies like a stern general. Proper attire was required ar these events, which meant jackets and ties for the gentlemen and dresses for the ladies. The white glove requirement hadn't been enforced for five or six years.

Anyone without a tie was dismissed as a "weed" that had to be removed, to be kept from spoiling her "beautiful garden."

Halloween always reminds me of Mrs Fisk. Maybe it's the orange...