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The wackiness of young teens rarely is dull. That truism is proven anew at an Oakland County school that hustles to avoid what seemed like a bizarre stunt with potential to get messy or slippery or just silly.
California Avocado Commission photo
Here's what West Bloomfield parents of Abbott Middle School pupils were advised Thursday in an email from Assistant Principal Lisa A. Graff:
For some strange reason, many students have organized a plan to bring AVOCADOS to school tomorrow. (This has included posting signs around the school as well.) Harmless, but we are unsure why. We would appreciate your help to keep your avocados at home.
Avocados brought to school that create a disturbance in school will be taken from students and the office staff will be making the biggest dish of guacamole ever! :)
Thank you for your help. I know -- middle school, right? We can't make this stuff up! But at least it will be Friday!
We wondered if prankish pupils tried to, ahem, stir things up with an unauthorized Cinco de Mayo party a week late, but the reality is much simpler. It was just spontaneous zaniness -- a spring fling.
"The kids did admit that it was a random act," Graff emails Deadline in response to questions. "Welcome to middle school -- a thought pops in their heads and they act on it."
The stunt was accompanied by hallway signs such as "Abbott has hit guac bottom" and "Guac on."
The assistant principal got "so many amazing and funny responses" to Thursday's heads-up for parents, such as offers to bring chips and other party accompaniments. "And to think I have wondered if people even read my school emails," she comments.
To honor the students' spirit of miracle and wonder, Graff adds:
"We have now named May 11 as Abbott Avocado Day and we plan to commemorate this day every year! We have been getting correspondence from all over Michigan asking us about the Avocado Movement. It's been a real treat!
"We have a group of wonderful and creative kids -- we enjoy and appreciate their sense of humor!"
News of Thursday's email was reported first by WDIV digital managing editor Dave Bartkowiak Jr.
