3 COOL SCHOOL

CHAPTER 3 COOL SCHOOL Every time I come to this school," said Alexander, "I feel like I'm about to have my temperature taken." "Yeah," said Rip. "It's creepy that our school used to be a hospital." "Don't be such babies," said Nikki. "Anyway, the new school is almost ready. That's why Principal Vanderpants is having the big Chili Supper, so

BONK! Nikki crashed into the sliding doors. They hadn't slid open like usual. "Look! The doors are frozen!" said Alexander. Rip grunted as he yanked on the doors, forcing them apart. A big gust of freezing air blasted his face. Alexander, Rip, and Nikki could each see their breath as they walked into the lobby. The walls were white with frost. "Grab a coat!" shouted a tall man in a parka. He was handing out clothes from the Lost Found. "Mr. Hoarsely," said Alexander. "Why is it so cold in here?" Mr. Hoarsely was the school secretary, gym coach, bus driver, and nurse. He was also a former member of the S.S.M.P, although he never wanted to talk about it.

"I'm not sure," said Mr. Hoarsely. He gave Alexander a sweater and ski goggles. Alexander noticed icicles on the ceiling. "Hmmm..." he said. "This winter wonderland feels like the work of a monster!" He pulled out the notebook. "Maybe some ice mice, or a chill billy, or even a snombie!" "Eep!" yelped Mr. Hoarsely, trembling. "Put that notebook away!"

Mr. Hoarsely handed Nikki a puffy jacket. "I don't think this coldness is monster-related," said Nikki, pointing. "Look! The air conditioner must be broken." An odd-looking man carrying a toolbox was heading toward the elevator. He wore a dark ski mask and overalls that read STERMONT A/C REPAIR. "Brrrr!" said Rip. "Pass me a coat already!" "Oh," said Mr. Hoarsely. "There's only one left." He tossed Rip a furry black-and-white snowsuit. "I'm not wearing this!" Rip shouted. "Ripley Bonkowski!" said an icy voice. The room grew even colder as an unsmiling woman drifted around the corner. "Uh, hi, Principal Vanderpants," said Rip.

"The air conditioning may be stuck on full blast," she said, "but I will not have my students catch cold. You will dress warmly." Rip looked at Alexander. Alexander shrugged. Nikki snorted. "Okaaaay," Rip said, slouching. He pulled on the snowsuit and zipped it up. "Perfect," said the principal. "You are now the fuzziest, wuzziest panda at Stermont Elementary. Off to class, you three!" Rip started to growl, but it only made him look cuter.