Ask Mr. Simmons

My favourite kind of poem? That's a very good question. I find that all poetry is very special in its own way! So it's hard to pick just one! But I'll always have a soft spot for Helga's amazing, romantic poems she writes about...well, whatever inspires her!

Hello, Annemiek! Thank you for asking! My family is doing fine, you know, just as they can be! It's not always easy to deal with them, but hey, they're my family and I will always love them. That's what truly counts, and they'll always be special to me!

Of course you can call me Mr. S! We all have great and special ways of expressing ourselves, go right ahead! To answer your questions, I have to say that I've always been a fan of all kinds of literature, reading is one of my top hobbies after all! Poems especially were always something I enjoyed to look through. As I mentioned before, Helga herself as brought in a whole new light on poetry and has been probably the greatest moments of my teaching career!

Why no, I don't believe anyone has! My favourite colour is....well, I have a lot of favourite colours! One of them is lime green!

Hello Mr. Simmons.

Isn't it just ever so fun answering all these questions?

Mr. Simmons, you're awesome.

I have a question. I may sound vague, but that's for a good reason. Do you notice things about what goes on between your students that maybe no one else seems to know? I don't know, I ask because teachers usually know a lot more than they let on, you know?

Also, could we possibly get a time machine, go back to 1999 and you can be my teacher? 8D

Bye for now!

Hello there, Lila! How very special of you to join us here! It's quite fun to answer these questions, to satisfy the curiosity within all these very special members!

That's an interesting question to ask. It's quite true! All of us teachers like to keep an eye on our special students, and we sometimes see what may go on between them! Ah, the joys of teaching, it's so very special! The point is, yes, I do often know what's going on, but I don't dare bring it up unless perhaps a student comes and confides about it, when they need a little help. It's very rewarding! Thank you for your special questions and sweet thoughts! I'm sure it would have been nice to your teacher!

Well, Mr. S, I'm hoping to go back to school to become a teacher myself. Any advice?

I would be glad to give you advice! Part of the best advice I can give as a teacher myself, is to love your job. It's not always easy being a teacher, I'm sure you may know that by now. But always remember what truly makes it rewarding, remember what you love about it, and remember that teaching such special students will always be a great joy! Also of course, know your students and how they work, because it makes teaching them all the more easy.

So I now wish you the best of luck with your goals! I certainly hope you'll one day become a great teacher and to teach such a special class as I have!

Well, I still have to decide between Elementary school or being a High School English teacher. ....either way, hopefully for my son's sake he never gets me as a teacher! How do you feel about teaching elementary aged kids?

Oh yes, many people ask me that question a lot! I find absolute joy in teaching young kids! As I did say, it may not always be easy, since at times younger kids can be more hyper and harder to handle, but oh, they're still just very special indeed! I have always enjoyed teaching elementary level students, most especially my current special students, so really it's quite a joy!

Ever had any nightmares about giant lizards eating you? After Helga's pet ate Arnold's parrot?

Yeah, you looked pretty grossed out by that. How do you like musicals? You were singing "Rats" during the flood...

Well I wouldn't say that I have nightmares about it, but oh goodness it was one of the most off-guard moments of my life! I couldn't even believe that it happened! Oh, it was horrific and I don't think I'll forget it. *Sighs* Oh well.

But oh, musicals! Yes! I have always enjoyed a good musical! They're just so special and full of passion, the way people can express their deepest feelings of all kinds through singing! So you're correct, I absolutely adore musicals!

What is your opinion on pants?

Doesn't it concern you that Helga is always picking on Arnold?

Around what age did the hair begin to go? You seem so young... how old are you?

Thank you 4 ya time!

Do you have any hobbies we don't know about yet?

Hey, Mister S! Remember back when you first started teaching your 4th grade class and they all acted like a pack of wild animals? Well, that's not what my question is about.
How did it feel when Arnold and his classmates came to apologize for their actions and to tell you how much they missed you?

My opinion on pants? Well that's certainly an interesting question! They're a very comfortable article clothing, and I'm always wearing them, so of course they're great!

Oh yes, it does concern me. It's no fun to be picked on like that. *Shakes head* But of course, I can see how Helga truly feels. After all, she thinks I don't quite notice those special glances she sends his way. *Chuckles*

Well I'm 42! I lost my hair at a fairly younger age, I believe. But it doesn't matter, I'm still me!

Hobbies? Well, I'm very partial to reading all kinds of literature, going to see a play or even an opera, I like to garden, I cook, I like walks on the beach, go on hikes and picnics, all kinds of special things to do!

I'm pretty sure any teacher in that position would feel the way I did! They were such a rowdy bunch when I first started...but then oh, they came through and showed me just how truly special and good students they can really be, and it touched my heart so much that I just wanted to come back and be their teacher! It felt wonderful to know that they did truly care enough to admit to their mistake and try to set things right. Oh, I'll always be so thankful for my wonderful and special students!

Hi Mr. Simmons!!!
*waves eagerly*
Whooo l;dg;d , ;'gr 't; er
drg;'gl;hrt
...
I'm okay

Even at the computer, Eugene? *Shakes head*

Anyway, do you agree that Arnold is adorable? XD

And isn't it kinda ironic that when your class was gonna get filmed to be on tv, you were just fine, and then Arnold is the one who rattled your nerves, and then fixed everything with one of his usual speeches? XD I always thought that was funny. He makes everything bad without realizing it, and then makes it all better!

When you were younger, did you ever TP anyone's house?

That is all.

Oh no! Eugene, are you all right?! D:

Ahem, sorry about that!

Well Weird1, to answer your questions, I don't suppose I've ever thought of my students in such a way, but it's true that Arnold has a very special look to him! It's also true that he may unintentionally create a mess, but he always does his best to do the right thing and fix the problem! That's all part of what makes him very special!

Oh goodness, some seniors back in school tried to talk me into it, and I did go with them to try to seem cool and fit in, but we were about to TP the house of one of my favourite teachers, and I ended up chickening out and running away. *Laughs* I guess I just couldn't do it!

Do you think you'll ever get married?

HEHEHE! What do you think of this new emoticon?

Thank you so much for answering all our questions! It's highly appreciated!

Get married? Well, if the right person came along, of course!

Well, it's certainly not my first choice...but oh, it's still just a special way for others to express themselves!

You're very welcome, Weird1! It's a pleasure to answer all of your questions!

What about Peter?

ow god this smiley is horrible XD

If I remember correctly, Craig told us in an interview or chat that Peter's your 'special' friend

OH NO! I was afraid someone would bring that up... but I am curious.

I LOVE THAT FREAKIN' SMILEY!

Did you two break it off, or something? If so... Congratulations! I always thought he was a major league jerk. And if you haven't... sorry for that 'major league jerk' comment.

Also... what did you think of Dr. Bliss? You seemed kinda nervous when she was in your classroom. Were you afraid of her telling you you're crazy or something? XD

Peter? Oh...um.... That's kind of personal and um...Well oh my gosh, look at the time! I have to go and grade those math quizzes!

Oh...what am I even saying. I suppose now is as good a time as any to admit it. Yes, Peter is my...well, partner, if you will.

Ahem! So! Next question!

To answer your question about Dr. Bliss, oh, I had no reason to be nervous! Not at all! *Sweats*

Hey, Simmons, when are we getting our English assignments back?

Oh, yes! Thank you for reminding me, Helga! In fact, I have them all corrected and graded, so you guys can get them back now! And of course you received an excellent score, good job!