The Week of the Gowk

Some elaborate pranking helped her grow closer to her students.

Marilyn Ludwig

I did not want to be tricked. The year 1968 was tricky enough without featuring me as the brunt of an April Fools’ Day prank. And I was gullible enough to fall victim to every joke, every single time! My third-graders’ eyes were filled with mischief and wicked plans for their teacher—me! My husband of only two years and I had been separated by the Vietnam War. I was back with my parents and teaching in North Caldwell, N.J. The times were turbulent, the news reports filled with fear, protests, riots and death. Perhaps my students reflected our adult fears, for they were especially challenging. As for me, I was not happy with myself. Barring being a total coward and calling in sick, I needed to form a plan to…

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Good Old Days (Digital) - 1 Issue, March/April 2025

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