It's our bad luck to have teachers in this world, but since we're stuck with them, the best we can do is hope to get a brand-new one instead of a mean old fart.
-- Peter (September: Peter paragraph 1)

Importance: This establishes the fact that the book will involve a new teacher, and it establishes Peter's irreverent personality.

Then recess ended. That's how I got the girl war started.
-- Alexia (September: Alexia paragraph 5)

Importance: This establishes the fact that Alexia purposely stirred up trouble between the various girls in her class in order to ensure that she remained its leader.

I think the fire marshal was just mad about our false alarm, and I think Terupt knew that, too. He wasn't gonna get pushed around. Our hard work mattered to Terupt -- even mine. I owed him now. I had to try, even if only a little.
-- Jeffrey (October: Jeffrey paragraph 7)

Importance: This establishes the fact that Mr. Terupt is beginning to have a positive effect...