Getting Schooled

Chapter 1: Getting Schooled

Summer was fast approaching Zootopia. For once, the ZPD's top officer, Judy Hopps, didn't have a lot on her plate….and, for once, she didn't mind the lull. It gave her time to plan something she'd wanted to do ever since she joined the force—a school visit.

Judy knew how important it was to teach young Zootopians to stay safe. She knew it was crucial to teach them to respect the law. She knew that a solid presentation would require teamwork.

Excited by these prospects, she headed for Bogo's office with a spring in her step. Surely he'd want to sign off on this! She knocked on his door. “Not now!” he bellowed, without bothering to ask who it was.

“Sir, it's Judy...”

“Come in,” he amended, then, “Five minutes, Hopps.”

“Thank you, sir. Well, I'm planning to do a school visit, and I was wondering if you need to sign off on it.”

“I don't care.” By now, this typical response shouldn't have fazed Judy; still, she raised her eyebrows in question.

“Are you sure…?”

“I don't care. Now go.” So, she did...but she liked to think that this response meant, 'I don't need to because I trust your judgment'.

Next, she went to Nick. She found him in the break room noshing on a donut from a box of Clawhauser's stash that the cheetah had deemed suitable for sharing. “How goes it, Carrots?”

“Great! In fact, I'm planning a school visit; you want in?” All traces of enthusiasm at seeing her fled Nick's face.

“Do you really have to ask? In case you haven't noticed, kits aren't really my thing. The closest I've been to one is...” he shrugged, “well, you know.”

“Little Toot-Toot,” Judy said dryly, even as a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. Still, she blew out a sigh. “Fine. Wish me luck, Slick.”

“Good luck, Carrots.”

Judy took her time getting back to her desk, hoping she'd hatch a plan before she got there...After all, as soon as she arrived, she wanted to be ready for action. She was a bit disappointed that Nick turned her down, though she'd had a feeling he would. She considered what he'd said...Come to think of it, she didn't have much more experience than he did. Sure, she had her brothers and sisters, but she hadn't given much thought to putting police work into words they would understand...not since the play, anyway. And she'd been 9!

But, so what?! She loved a good challenge. She reached her desk and bounded into her chair, resolute. To do this right, she would need some kind of consultation. Who could she get that respected her profession as much as she did, but knew how to tailor it to kits? Preferably, this someone would also be an adept public speaker…

Judy was suddenly so swept up in the midst of what had to be one of, if not the, greatest idea she'd ever had when her partner approached, undetected, and settled into his cubicle. Judy worked quietly, nose and tail twitching, but Nick knew what she was up to just by the smile on her face.

Hours later, feeling confident in her quest, Judy took the notes she'd been compiling and left the precinct. She had a date with the Mayor. After all, if ever a mammal was to say, 'you'll always have a friend at City Hall' and mean it, that was him.

Chapter 2: Summer Sunshine is Calling

She waved to Assistant Mayor Fairchild, who smiled as he ushered her inside. “Good morning, Judy! Go right on up; the Mayor is expecting you.” Judy practically dove for the elevators, she was so eager to get her plan off the ground...And it certainly didn't hurt to have an ally aid in the process.

“Ju-dy!” He rose from his seat when she appeared, pronouncing her name with playful bravado. For all her poise, she briefly blushed at the attention, but otherwise remained as unflappable as ever.

“Good morning, Herb! How are you?

“Busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Have a seat.” Judy deposited herself in the chair opposite his desk.

“Thanks. I took some notes: a list of schools we could try, and a list of topics we could cover.” Herb studied her findings with interest. “I was excited to get going, so sorry if my penmanship is a little substandard.” Herb paused his perusal and looked up.

“I know you're a good student, Judy.” Try as she might, Judy couldn't keep from comparing this statement to Bogo's abrupt brush-off earlier. Whereas the Chief's remark had been hasty, the Mayor's was imbued with compassion. By now she was more or less immune to the former, but that didn't preclude her from finding satisfaction in the latter's words. No matter what Herb had to say, she relished hearing him out--not only for what he said, but also how he said it.

“Judy—when we spoke on the phone, you seemed hesitant to give this talk to younger mammals. Why is that?”

“Well, for one thing, I've never done this before, so...Let's just say that police work might be a lot for kits that age to take in. I'm thinking that once I get some of the kinks worked out with older kits, I'll give the little ones a try.”

“So you're not ruling out the little guys?”

“No.”

“Excellent idea, my friend.”

Somewhere beyond the Mayor's grand office doors, a muffled but distinctly bell-like trill rang out.

“What was that?” Judy asked, curious.

“The short answer is, it's Phinn's clock. The long answer is, on my crazier days, it's the bane of my existence. Apparently it's a ship's clock, which means it goes off according to each crew member's shift.” He gave a good-natured sigh of exasperation. “Every half-hour.”

So saying, he wearily doffed his glasses, closed his eyes, and swiped a hoof across his face. Judy attempted to stifle a laugh, letting it trail off into a sympathetic,

“Awww!” Herb smiled.

“Never mind that clock, my friend; you are a ray on sunshine on on otherwise mundane day.” Judy smiled back.

“I could say the same of you, but thanks.” With an amused yet authoritative lilt in his tone, he replied,

“We here at Zootopia City Hall tell it like it is.”

“My point being,” Herb continued, “There might be some merit in associating our good ideas with all that dinging going on.” Judy leaned in, teasingly conspiratorial.

“As in, 'it won't quit, so neither will we'?” Herb laughed.

“That's the spirit, my friend!”

Chapter 3: Time Flies When You're Having Fun

Judy glanced at her notes again, thoughtful. “What if I build the presentation around my first case? After all, it shaped who I am as an officer.” Her eyes lit up. “If I focus on how Nick and I got to be friends because of it...That will give it framework, and also soften the edges a bit.” Herb nodded; the clock dinged again, and they both laughed.

“Is Nick behaving himself?” The timing of her friend's inquiry took Judy by surprise. Still, she shrugged and fought back a smile, her reply nonchalant. “He is...by Nick standards. Why do you ask?” Her smile broke free. “Besides to tease me, that is…?”

“Well, it's just that...according to you, he ought to co-star in this showcase, and he's...”

“A no-show?” Judy supplied the quip. Herb nodded, and Judy was touched by the concern in his eyes.

“That's Nick for you. There's a chance that once I have a few run-throughs under my belt, I can convince him to come with me.”

“Fair enough. But, until then, I guess you're stuck with me.” Judy face-pawed in mock annoyance.

“I'm not stuck with you, Herb. I asked you to join me.” The tiniest bit of Judy's police officer persona slipped into her tone. “I wouldn't be sitting here if I didn't think you're the one for the job.”

“Well, since you so graciously put it that way...If you insist. Thank you.”

“I insist.” She smiled, and her firm tone of voice disappeared. “And you're very welcome. By the way, if you have any ideas, go for it. I'm not quite sure where to start, so...”

“Actually, Judy, you have a good start right there. But I would suggest that you formulate a list of questions that the class can answer either during or after your presentation. That way, you'll give them things to think about, and guide the kinds of questions they ask—at least in part—so you'll know where the discussion's going and how to handle it.”

“I like it!” Enthusiastically, Judy began scribbling a note about her friend's idea.

“I wonder what kinds of questions we should…?” In short order, Judy had answered her own question; by the time that abrasive clock dinged again, she had come up with a lengthy list.

“Impressive.” Herb said so with a smile, as he gave her efforts a once-over.

“Thanks, but I can't take all the credit; it helps to be in the company of such an inspiring individual.”

“Have you...” Herb paused to gather his thoughts. “This is me switching gears again...Have you given any thought to which schools you want to cover?”

“Hmmm...Not just yet.” Tapping her trusty carrot pen against the desk, she mused, “Let's see...Well, I should make sure I get to one in every district.” Herb nodded. “So that means—the Rainforest District, Tundratown, Savanna Central, Sahara Square, Meadowlands...I think I'll save Little Rodentia and Bunnyburrow for after I get the kinks worked out.”

“You know—I am the mayor, so...Maybe I can help you get the bookings squared away.” Judy was ecstatic.

“That would be great! Chief Bogo didn't want anything to do with this, so...” The nonchalant tone and shrug that accompanied the latter words belied the disappointment in her eyes.

“I can't speak for the Chief, but—remember, Judy, everyone has their own story. There's probably a reason—many, even—why he's become as distant as he is.” Judy's disappointment turned to guilt.

“You're right, Herb. What we do isn't easy. I should just let Chief do his thing, and I'll do mine.” Herb smiled encouragingly.

“Good girl.” The clock pealed yet again.

Chapter 4: Let's Get the Ball Rolling

In no time at all, it was the morning of Judy's first speaking engagement—at PS 91 in Meadowlands. It was a beautiful day for enlightening the city's young minds. Having set aside several hours throughout the coming weeks to devote to the all-important aspect of community outreach, Herb was there to lend a helping hoof as promised.

The two friends met on the school grounds. Together, they took a leisurely traipse to the front door.

“Thanks again for doing this, Herb.”

“My pleasure. I always look forward to hanging out with you; the whole community outreach thing is just a bonus.” Judy beamed. “It's true, my friend. That you have invited me to tag along on this esteemed passion project of yours is quite the honor.”

Just when Judy thought she couldn't be any more enchanted by her present surroundings, they reached the entrance, and her friend spoke. “Allow me.” Herb took it upon himself to open the door for her. It was then that she had the distinct feeling that the day could only get better from there.

Following the signs to the main office, the pair were greeted by a snowshoe hare. “Welcome to PS 91!” The doe spotted Judy first. “What can I do for you, Officer Hopps?”

“Hi! We have a class visit today?”

“Of course; let me double-check the calendar.” As she skimmed the schedule, she glanced up, doing a double-take. “Mr. Mayor! What brings you here?”

“I'll be accompanying Officer Hopps today. I believe we arranged that earlier?” The doe nodded.

“I'd lose my head if it weren't attached to my neck, that's for sure!” Judy smiled; Nick had said something very similar when they first met...only she suspected that the doe actually meant it. Herb smiled at the harried hare.

“No problem...Hannah, isn't it?” She nodded, eyes wide, seemingly astonished that the Mayor, of all mammals, remembered her name. But it was that kind of attention to others that made Herb not only an amazing mayor, but also a wonderful friend and an all-around great guy. Judy knew this well, but that didn't make her any less appreciative of it. In fact, if anything, having been on the receiving end of his presumably perennial good graces made her even more so.

It soon became clear that Hannah the hare's hospitality was reflected throughout P.S. 91. Both guests received warm welcomes as they made their way to the appointed classroom. By now the public's reaction to Judy's position in the force had worn off. She was glad the novelty had waned—she didn't mind, because she wasn't a hero; she was just doing her job.

However, the reaction to her equine companion was another story entirely. From the moment they stepped into the classroom, Judy heard the excited whispers:

“Mayor Horse is here!”

“Look, it's him!

“Nobody said we'd get to see a celebrity today!” Judy thought she sensed a few camera flashes go off, but she couldn't say for sure...They weren't directed at her, after all. But, what with the disaster Bellwether had left in her wake, Herb had managed to restore the esteem attached to his title, in large part due to his winning ways. For his integrity alone, he deserved every accolade he got.

The teacher, a young deer, introduced herself as Dora, then called for the class to quiet down. The floor was theirs. “Hi, everyone, I'm Judy. Today I'm going to tell you all about my first case with the ZPD—with a little help from my friend Mayor Horse.”

“Thank you, Judy. We've put together a short worksheet for you to think about while Officer Hopps is speaking; we encourage you to take notes.” He smiled as he spoke.

There wasn't so much as one whimper of dissent in the room. What's more, when he took the liberty of distributing the worksheets, there were more excited murmurs—and, yes, a few camera flashes going off. Even Dora couldn't resist apple-polishing as she offered to help administer the worksheets. Marveling at the way her friend commanded attention—and obedience—so effortlessly (; they hadn't even whined when he'd used the word 'worksheet'!) she took a cue from him and began.

Chapter 5: 'It's An Officer's Life For Me'

“I couldn't help but notice that you're all happy to see Mayor Horse. I don't blame you, because what you see is what you get. But, when it comes to the missing mammals case, I wouldn't be where I am today without the help of another friend of mine, one who's quite the opposite...”

Judy regaled them with her experience of the case, from the moment she first encountered Nick to her speech at his Police Academy graduation. At the conclusion of her tale, Judy received applause—including Herb's. She smiled at this, waiting patiently as the students wrapped up their worksheets:

Describe at least two of the stereotypes faced by Officers Hopps and Wilde. Use details from Officer Hopps' account to support your answer.

How do stereotypes shape and/or affect culture?

In what ways did Officers Hopps and Wilde attempt to fight prejudice?

Consider Officer Hopps' account. Why did she risk her job to find Mr. Otterton? Do you agree with her decision? Why or why not?

What is the relationship between stereotypes and prejudice? Use points and/or inferences drawn from Officer Hopps' account to support your answer.

Chapter 6: Do as Chief does, not as he says

The visit to Meadowlands PS 91 turned out to be a rousing success. Judy was still basking in the afterglow, skipping down the school steps, when she received an unexpected invitation—a pleasant one, posed as a question. “May I treat my favorite rabbit officer to lunch?” She stopped in her tracks.

“Well, it is a special occasion, so...Tell you what—let's go halfsies.” Herb laughed at her turn of phrase.

“Dutch it is, my friend!”

They stopped at a nearby cafe. As they took their seats, Judy was deep in thought. “Is something wrong, Judy?” She shook her head.

“Not wrong, per se, just...how can I ever repay you for this?” Herb smiled sympathetically.

“Friends don't need to repay one another, Judy,” he said simply.

“True. But what if I want to? You helped me out when no one else would.” Herb seemed to consider this for a moment; before he could reply… “Herb, do you think I'll end up like Chief Bogo?” A look of startled disbelief crossed his face before he composed himself. He gave her a reassuring smile.

“Judy--” He uttered something between a scoff and a chuckle. “There is no way you could end up like him. It's impossible. No disrespect to Bogo, of course. But you—You have too much love and light in you, Judy.” Still smiling, he leaned in closer, adding in a conspiratorial whisper, “Share it with the chief whenever you can; it's contagious.” Judy had already figured that out, but it meant a lot coming from Herb. A mixture of emotion and conviction poured forth as she replied,

“You'll always be 'Chief' to me. The stakes are different, but the rest is the same. No matter what we're doing, we're a dynamic duo!”

“I'd have to agree, my friend.”

“To answer your earlier question, dear Judy...just keep doing what you're doing—helping the city and being yourself.” It was days like this that reminded Judy: there are times it takes an ally to allay one's self-misgivings...and put the focus back on giving what one can to the world.