The Best School Year Ever

The school’s janitor insists on having the trash masher removed, because the Herdmans keep mashing things up in it. Mrs. Wendleken, disgusted by everything happening at the school, resigns from the PTA. Beth’s father says that this is fortunate for the PTA. The school talent show is coming up, and after reading the lineup of acts, Beth’s father complains about the lack of talent that will be on display. Beth’s mother, who is running the show for the PTA, decides to add refreshments to the evening as a way to encourage people to attend. Beth and Alice discuss the probability that the Herdmans will try to find a way to get into the talent show so that they can make off with these refreshments.

Gladys Herdman cuts Eugene Preston’s hair into the shape of a dog. Beth says that it is easier to see the shape because Eugene is so short, and so most people are looking down at the top of his head. Eugene gets bullied because of his height, and Beth is not surprised that Gladys chose him as the recipient of her dog-shaped haircut. Eugene is even more nervous than usual after the haircut, and he develops tics like biting his fingernails and hitting himself on the head.