All language subtitles for An.American.Girl.Chrissa.Stands.Strong.2009.ALL.WEBRip.en

Here we are.

Tyler, wake up.
We're here.

Finally.

Watch your step.
Icy over here. Careful.

- It's really slippery.
- I know.

I got it.

- Hey, Tyler!
- Yeah? Hey.

Is Mom here yet?

No, she had to stop
at the hospital first.

It's cold.

She'll be here in about an hour.

Let's go. Come on.

Oh, come in.

- Welcome to you.
- It's cold.

I'm so glad to see you.
Let me see you.

Jeez.

- You must be exhausted.
- Hi, Louise. Oh, yeah.

Yeah. Well, Tyler slept the
whole way and snored.

I did not.

There's coffee, cocoa and
cookies in the kitchen.

Oh yes!
Awesome!

Come on in, I'll give
you a shoulder rub.

Good morning.

- Hi, Mom.
- Did you sleep well?

Listen, the moving van is here
and have to run to the hospital.

But I can't wait to hear all
about your new school.

Just wanted to tell you to have
a great day, okay? Bye.

Wait. Mom,
wait a second.

How 'bout you measure me?
Come on. Please?

Okay.
Where's the pen?

It's in there.

Okay. Standing tall.

There you go. Look.

Yes! Finally, I'm taller
than you were.

And smarter, and more
clever, and sweeter.

There you go. Bye.

Mom.

- You have a great day, too.
- Thanks.

- You want to know a secret?
- Yeah.

I'm a little nervous.

Bye.

Did you know that
Minnesota is the Gopher State?

Did you know that all gophers
go away in the winter?

Oh, good morning, Nana.

- Hi, Nana.
- Good morning, you two.

Your father's setting up his studio
and there's your lunch money.

Sunglasses, please.

I'm going to my
Jazzercise class later.

And why aren't you eating?

I guess I'm not very hungry.

She's nervous about
starting her new school.

Tyler! No, I'm not.

Chrissa, think of it.

This is a fabulous opportunity.
You get to make new friends.

And by the way, don't wait
for them to come up and say hi.

She means don't do your shy thing.

Chrissa, I want you to march up
to the first person you see

and say, "Hello there."

"Hello" is the first
word in a friendship.

Okay, Nana.

And if you need to break
the ice think of a good joke.

You want to think of one now?

No, that's okay, Nana.

Okay.

Hey, you two. I have a big
surprise for both of you.

What is it?

Come on. Bring your things.

- Come on, hurry up.
- All right, I'm coming.

Slowpoke.

Be quiet.

Oh, my gosh. Cosmos had a baby.

- Why didn't you tell us?
- Because I love surprises.

I wanted to wait
till you were here.

This little one
belongs to you two.

- Yes!
- Oh, awesome!

So cute. Is it a boy or a girl?

Little girl.

What should we name her?

How 'bout Bubba?

Bubba? Why would we
name a girl Bubba?

Why not?

- Do you want to feed her?
- Yeah.

Here you go, Tyler.

I just don't want her to spit at me.

Chrissa, llamas don't spit at people.
Especially not Cosmos and Checkers.

Llamas only spit at each other,
and only when provoked.

- Okay.
- Come here, honey.

There you go. See?

- See? She just...
- Oh, boy.

She loves you now.

- Gross!
- Sweet!

Cosmos! And after I said
what a lady you are.

Nana.

Excuse me. Come on, Tyler, come on.

I'm coming.

I'll show you our home room.

So, how's the teacher?

Hello?

Excuse me!

Oh, sorry.

- Who is she?
- Who cares?

Who starts school on a Friday?

Like she can't walk to class.

Adverbs end in the letters what?

- Generally.
- Mr. Beck?

Class, I have a new
friend for you to meet.

Chrissa Maxwell.

She's gonna be joining your class.

Chrissa, we've been expecting you.

Now, want you all to make
Chrissa feel at home.

Mr. Beck, maybe you could
assign a lunchroom buddy.

Unless you want to have
lunch with the principal.

I didn't think so.

Sonali, what about you?

Thank you, Sonali.

I think you'll take it from
here, Mr. Beck. Goodbye.

- Bye, Mrs. Ziminsky.
- Bye-bye.

Guys, Chrissa decided to start
school today on a Friday

because we're celebrating
Valentine's Day today.

And what better way to get
to know our new friend

than on the day that celebrates what?

- Friendship.
- Yes.

So, did you get the list of students?

- Yeah, it's in here.
- Good.

Because we are gonna be
passing out valentines all day.

Yes, sir.

This is for you. A little mailbox

- from the class.
- Thanks.

So, why don't you tell
us about yourself?

Well, I just moved here from Iowa

and have a brother named
Tyler who's in fifth grade.

My mom just got a new job
as a doctor at St. Luke's.

And my dad owns a pottery studio.

A pilates studio?

- What?
- You know, exercise. Yoga.

- Oh yeah, my mom goes there...
- Tara, slow down.

Give her a chance to answer.

No, it's a pottery studio.
He's a ceramic artist.

And I understand you moved in with
your grandmother on Lake Chandler?

Yeah.

My grandpa died a few months back.

It's just been hard for her
to take care of the house.

It just made sense. Yeah.

Well, why don't you take
a seat here with cluster four.

This is Jayden, Tara, and Sonali.

Hello.

Hey, I guess I didn't get
the ponytail memo.

- That was a lame joke.
- It was lame.

Okay, guys, listen up.
Let's continue listing adverbs.

- Next.
- Hi.

Yes. Come on, honey.
Punch in your code.

Okay, next.

Chrissa. That's your sister, right?

Oh, look, Sonali. It's your lunch
buddy. Is she going to sit here?

Don't look at her.

Hi.

You're in my class, aren't you?

Yeah.

I'm finished.

I have to go.

Okay, almost done.

Done! We're best friends
forever, right?

Best friends.

- BFF!
- BFF!

I especially like your use of color.

Thank you very much, Karen.
That was lovely. Thank you.

Let's see, which artiste
would like to present next?

How about Jayden?

I saw you were very busy
back there, Jayden.

What did you make for us?

Well, something that
makes my life special is

my cell phone.

Neat.

And how does your cell phone
make your life special?

Well, it's pink with sparkles.

And it has a thousand free minutes
can use whichever way want.

Oh, thank you, Jayden.

Thank you very much.

How about our new student,
Chrissa Maxwell?

Chrissa?

What makes my life
special is my friends.

This is me and this is
my best friend Amanda.

And what are you doing there?

We're all swimming with our friends.

And our friends do make our
lives special, don't they?

Very nice. Lovely lovely composition.
Lovely use of color.

Thank you, Chrissa. That was lovely.
Thank you.

Thank you.

Who's next?

Happy Valentine's Day.

Guys, listen.

"Roses are red, violets are blue."

"You're the loser girl,
and no one likes you.

"Ha-ha, just kidding."

"Happy Valentine's Day."
From, you know, who.

You go send it. You know who.

Watch this.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Wait till she opens it.

Happy when she gets it.
Sad when she reads it.

Okay, guys. It's time
to open the mailboxes.

- Finally.
- I'll even open mine.

- I have so many.
- I know, it's overflowing.

Glowing! Yeah.

Oh, you didn't get
any valentines. I'm sad.

- Whoa. Homemade?
- Yeah.

- I like making them myself.
- Really?

I like buying them way better.

Hey, maybe yours all
fell on the floor.

Yeah.

- She believed it.
- She fell for it.

Well, we can't have
anyone in our club

who didn't get any
valentines, can we?

No.

We can't.

We can't have anyone who didn't
get any valentines in our club.

- Now can we, girls?
- No.

Sorry.

Who said I want to be
in your club anyway?

Guys, remember.

Swim club at the community
center starts in two weeks.

- Permission slips are due tomorrow.
- Do you think you're gonna try out?

Try out? I'm the star swimmer.

Oh, you're right. You'll just get it.

Chrissa, everything okay?

Yeah.

Have a nice weekend, Mr. Beck.

Thank you.

Tyler.

So, how'd you do?

No complaints.

Hi, Tyler.

- Hi.
- Heard you're new.

- I can't believe he fell for it.
- I know.

- Boys are dumb.
- Don't trust them, Tyler.

- What?
- Believe me, okay?

- They can't be trusted.
- Don't be such a head case.

- Gwen!
- Gwen, I love the hat.

Gwen, up here. I can't believe
you have that outfit.

- Are you upset?
- Look at her.

- Oh poor Gwen.
- You're such a loser.

Close your eyes.

- Okay.
- Everyone?

- No peeking, no cheating.
- They're closed.

- Oh, okay.
- Now, don't cheat.

Okay, you can open 'em.

I know it's your first Valentine's
Day without Grandpa, so...

- We love you, Mom.
- That is so sweet.

- I will treasure this always.
- Oh, thank you.

I cut out the cupid.

Oh, it is the most beautiful
cupid I have ever seen.

And this is for my ladies.

Oh, chocolates, my undoing.

- For you, Mom. Give me a kiss.
- Thank you.

Here you go, sweetie.

Happy Valentine's Day.

- This is for you, bud.
- Thank you.

And they call Minnesota...

The Gopher State! "I gopher you."

They also call it the Lutefisk
capital of the world.

What's Lutefisk?

Air-dried whitefish.

We could have some
tomorrow if you like.

- No, thank you.
- Okay, guys

so I'm dying to know, how was
the first day of school?

Oh, mom.

Okay, let's start with
how did math go?

Okay. I already know the
math that we're doing.

- That's good.
- He does not get that from me.

And met some really cool kids,
like this one guy named Joel.

And even Chrissa's
friend said hi to me.

No.

No, they're not my friends.
They're just some kids in my class.

Did you know that more parents
are homeschooling their children?

And apparently the student's
chance of getting into a top college

is increased by 12 percent when
the student's homeschooled.

- Really?
- Did something happen today, honey?

No.

I just miss Amanda and my friends.

Yeah, I want to join the swim club.

They even let you dive.

That is so cool.

Actually I was thinking
of joining too.

That'd be great.

Why do you have to be such a copycat?

Tyler, I'm sure the pool is big
enough for the both of you.

- I'll get it.
- Chrissa.

I'll bet you can't join the school
swim club if you're homeschooled.

I bet you can.

- 20 bucks.
- Chrissa. It's one of your friends.

Hey. Go on.

- It's one of your friends.
- Okay.

Invite her in for dessert.

Hi.

Hi.

These are yours.

My valentines?

I'm supposed to say I'm sorry.

Why did you take them?

Tara told me to. She thought
it would be funny.

So, you do whatever she asks you?

She said to take them
home and not say a word.

But my mom found them.

She made you return them.

Did she make you say
you're sorry, too?

And if it makes you feel any better,
I'm grounded for a week.

Well, I have to go.

Bye.

- Did you tell her you're sorry?
- Yes mom, I did.

Get in the car.

- Oh, thanks, Louise.
- Where do you want 'em?

Put it right there.
Right on the table.

Is this for your show in Minneapolis?

Yeah. You like it?

You know, just the other day I was
bragging about how talented you are.

That's nice.

And also how you love helping others.

Okay, Louise.

Spill it.

Well, I'm on the board
of our local homeless shelter.

And we're having our
annual fundraiser.

Every year, people come
and buy a very expensive

soup bowl dinner, and they get
to take the bowl home with them.

It's a very festive affair.

Sounds fun.

And you know what? I think
it'd be perfectly wonderful?

What?

Well, I was thinking, why not have
one-of-a-kind soup bowls

created by a real artist
as a special thank-you?

Okay.

So, I was mentioning this,
and someone said

"Why not have your son-in-law, who's
a famous ceramicist, make them?"

Of course, I said,
I couldn't possibly impose.

Okay, Louise, I'll do it.

We'll need 120, or so.

Wait. Louise?

- When?
- Six weeks.

Oh, gee, I get a whole six weeks.

Thank you.

Hi, Gwen.

Oh, don't go.

I brought you some of my Nana's
cookies. They're really good.

- Why, thank you, Chrissa.
- Thanks, Chrissa.

Chocolate.

- Thank you, Chrissa.
- Good one, Tara.

Nana packed two bags.

They're good.

There you go, babies.

Oh, hi, Nana.

Hi, honey.

I joined the swim team.

Excellent.

- How's the baby?
- Oh, she's hungry.

Are you okay, Nana?

Oh, yes.

I was just thinking
about your grandpa.

How much he would've loved
having you all here.

Would you get me that pail?

Yeah.

You know, it was his idea
to get these mini-llamas.

- Grandpa's?
- Yeah.

You know why we got two?

So that they can have babies?

No. Because llamas are
very social animals.

They don't do well by themselves.

They always need to have
a best friend nearby.

Was grandpa your best friend?

Well, yes, he was.

I miss my best friends, too.

Oh, know you do, sweetie.

But do you want to know
the best cure for that?

Find someone else who needs
a good friend, too.

Hey, ladies, you're getting

you're getting' alfalfa in your hair.
You're ruining your hairdo.

Okay, whoever has permission
slips for swim club.

Last chance. Pass 'em up.

Come on, Chrissa.

Permission slips?

Thank you.

Here you go, Mr. Beck.

Now, I need somebody to
take these to the office.

Chrissa, why don't you
give it a shot?

Okay.

Thank you, Tara.

Sorry.

You remember where the office is?

Yeah.

Okay, page 219, guys.

Let's do a little review on
inequalities and the rules thereof.

- Mr. Beck?
- Yes?

Can I please go to the restroom?

Hey, what's that?

Wasn't this supposed
to go straight to the office?

What to do?

Thank you, Tara.

Tara. Why did you take that envelope?

Why did you leave it laying
on the bathroom floor?

I took care of it. That was
very irresponsible of you.

Don't worry. I didn't tell on you.
I'm not a tattletale.

Okay. Alexandra.

Rachel and Tara.

Okay, guys. We got a team.
Let's stretch it out, warm it up.

Chrissa, hang on.
I want to talk to you.

Didn't you give me a permission slip?

Yeah. You saw me.

Well, it's not here.

- But it has to be.
- Nope.

I'm sorry. No permission
slip, you can't swim.

You're going to have to sit
this one out. I'm sorry.

Okay, girls, breaststroke.
I need 50 meters.

Five-zero meters.

Swimmers, take your marks. Let's go.

Boys, keep stretching.
I don't want any injuries this year.

Guys, listen for the whistle.
No false starts today.

- What happened?
- Keep stretching, boys.

It's okay. Just go.

Okay, swimmers, take your mark.

Did you

or did you not steal
my client's permission slip?

I... Okay! I did it!

I did it!

Guilty!

The court sentences you to
101 years of detention.

No, please! No!

No, I'm begging you! No!

Strong kicks, guys.

Pull. Pull it through. Nice.
Very nice. Great job, Tara.

- Thanks.
- You're looking even stronger

than you were last year. Keep it up.

Okay, boys, shake it out.
Let's hit the marks.

Amanda, they act
like they rule the school.

Oh, real queen bees?

Mean bees is more like it.

And the head mean bee is so...

Oh, so the queens have a boss?

Yeah. She's the queen
of the mean queen bees.

Anyway, she's the one who's
been doing all the mean things.

You can't tell on her, because
everyone will think you're tattletale

so just try to ignore her.

I know. You're right.

- I really miss you, Amanda.
- I miss you, too.

But it'll be summer before
you know it, and I'm coming there.

I can't wait to see you
and your new house.

I can't wait, either. And
don't forget, it's llama central.

Chrissa, Tyler, it's dinner.

Oh, gotta go, okay? Okay. Bye.

So, how was school today?

Mom, when are you
going to realize that

that's the number one
question every kid hates?

I still want to know.

- It was okay.
- It was fine.

Just okay?

Oh, hey. Today was the first day
of swim practice, right?

- You know they have a high dive?
- That is cool.

So, how'd it go?

Good.

By the way, you have to sign
another permission slip.

Have you guys thought of a name
for the baby llama yet?

Well, so far we have...

Bubba, Claude, Cynthia and Minnie.

Minnie the mini llama?

That was my idea.

You know what your grandpa
was going to call her?

- What?
- Starburst.

- That's perfect.
- That's perfect. Yeah.

Hey, good morning.

- Hey.
- Here's your coffee.

Oh, thank you. Hold on just a minute.

What are you making?

- Well, I'm helping Nana.
- Yeah?

She's putting together a fundraiser
for the homeless shelter.

You can get a lot of money
for all these bowls.

Well, do you think I can help?

Positively.

Take the air out of that little
piece of clay right there.

- Okay, ready?
- Yeah, pound it. Good.

You know happens if you
get an air bubble in there.

Yes. Otherwise, it explodes.

Oh, you know what?

I'll tell you what. You and Tyler
can help me paint the glazes.

Because that's when I'm really
going to need the help.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

Hey, maybe I could ask
some of the kids in my art class

- to come and help.
- Oh hey, that would be perfect.

- Wouldn't it?
- Yeah.

Yeah, because then you'd get to
know some of the other kids better.

Yeah. All help accepted.

- Pass me that dry sponge there.
- Yeah.

You know, Chrissa,
you're a lot like me.

I am?

You know how Tyler just jumps in?

I mean, he's already made
a whole lot of friends.

Well, you and I...

we like to test the waters first.

You know, see what
the temperature's like.

- I guess so.
- Yeah. It's a good strategy.

But, once you've tested the waters...

You gotta be ready.
You gotta just dive right in.

Okay.

Pound that clay.

Chrissa, you're up.

Excuse me? Excuse me, you guys.

My dad's working on bowls for our
fundraiser at the Sunrise House.

He needs help painting and glazing.

If anyone wants to come by my dad's
studio on Saturday and help

it would really be appreciated.

- Class?
- Sounds super, boring.

I thought I saw some hands
over here. Who's first?

Just sign up and pass it along.

Sonali.

I thought I might find the time.

Gwen, can you come? Maybe you
can stay overnight, too.

I don't think so.

But thanks.

Loser One's making friends
with Loser Two. How sweet.

What?

Did you see her face?
Totally pathetic.

Thanks.

Gwen, you're really good.

I used to have a violin.

What happened to it?

Gwen?

My mom's waiting for me outside.

I have to go.

Swimmers, on my whistle,
two laps-freestyle. Ready.

- Pull. Pull strong.
- Go, Chrissa!

Nice.

- You can do it, Tara!
- Nice job, Chrissa.

Very strong kicks.

Go, Tara, go!

- Coming up on the turn.
- Great job!

- Go!
- Keep kicking, Chrissa!

- Chrissa!
- Come on, Chrissa!

- Come on, Chrissa, hurry!
- Keep going, Tara, keep going!

You can do it, Tara!

Go!

Whoa!

Chrissa. Wow.

Where did you learn
how to swim like that, girl?

At the lake back at the house.

We're gonna work on those flip turns

and you're gonna be forced
to be reckoned with.

Good job. Tara, nice.

That was great, Chrissa!

Oh, thanks!

Keep stretching, guys.

You know, I let you win. I don't
really try until the competition.

You know, Chrissa? I'm gonna
put you in the relay team

with Tara, Alexandra, and Rachel.
Okay? You're gonna swim second.

- Second!
- Good job.

That's where they put
the weakest swimmer.

Hey, have you guys seen my clothes?

No. No. Sorry.

Come on, Sam, let's go.

Gee Chrissa. Something really stinks.

Hey, Rachel. Wait up.

Hi, darling.

How was school today?

It was okay.

If there were something wrong,
Sweetie, you'd tell me, wouldn't you?

It's just so hard, Mom.

I mean, can't seem to make any
friends, and nobody likes me.

Nobody?

I even found a person who
looked like they needed a friend.

Even she doesn't want me as a friend.

Well, Chrissa, maybe there's
something going on with her

that you don't know.

You mean maybe it isn't me?

Have you done anything to her?

No.

Then it isn't you.

I didn't think of it like that.

Look, if you really like this girl,
then you shouldn't give up.

- Thanks, Mom.
- I love you.

- You, too.
- What are you working on?

Well, I'm doing...

Did you get an "A"?

We did, like a class thing
that he had us write.

Like a little report while
we were in class.

- Paul?
- Yeah?

There's something
going on with Chrissa.

Really? What?

That's just it. I don't know.

I figure out people's life-and-death
problems all the time.

And can't figure out what's
bothering my 10-year-old daughter.

Listen, she just needs
time to adjust. That's all.

Tyler already has new friends.

Yeah, well, come on, Meg.
Chrissa's not Tyler.

Has she said anything to you?

Yeah, we talked. You know.

Listen.

Honey, she's just
figuring it out, that's all.

Yeah, but she's not happy.

Was coming here a mistake?

I took this job because I thought it
would give me more family time

and would help out my mom.

It will.

You know what?
You're the new kid, too.

And your mom needs us.

I'll tell you what, if anything were
really bothering her, she'd come.

She'd talk to us.

So...

I trust her on that.

Come here.

It'll be okay.

Very nice, you guys. Very nice.
Anybody want some lemonade here?

How 'bout you?

Dude, that's the worst-looking
hamburger I've ever seen.

That's 'cause it's a spaceship.

Yeah, I see that.

Anybody want some lemonade here?

Nice hamburger.

I could tell you've done this
before. That's really pretty.

Thanks. Yeah, I've been
doing it since I was three.

Or possibly before that.

Wow.

I'm surprised you came
without Tara or Jayden.

I know. It seems like
we're always together.

We've been friends since preschool.

Or possibly before that.

I have friends like
that back at home.

You know, Tara's mad
you're such a good swimmer.

- Here, put that down.
- What?

- I wanna show you something.
- Oh, okay.

Okay, where are we going?

- Come on, just follow me.
- Okay.

Just one second. Come on.
Okay, come on in.

Gently. She's very shy.

It's so cute.

Thanks. My grandpa
named her Starburst.

What's this?

Llama beans.

Llama poop.

Okay.

You know, llama beans
are a perfect fertilizer.

Is she eating my shirt?

No, she's kissing you.
That's how llamas kiss. Here.

I heard you ask Gwen
to stay overnight.

Yeah.

Well, where is she?

I don't know.

I know you're not supposed
to invite yourself over, but...

maybe I could stay
overnight sometime.

What would Tara and Jayden say?

I don't have to tell them.

Yeah.

Well, this one's the mama.
Her name's Cosmos. Right there.

And this is Checkers.

Come on! Come on, guys!

Pull!

Come on!

Yes! Pull it up!

Timothy Gaines wins the 50-meter
freestyle for the Mustangs.

- Next race, girls 50-meter freestyle
- Nice work, guys.

Swimmers, take your mark.

- Hey, Chrissa?
- Yeah?

I expect to win this.

Come on, go!

- Come on, sweetie!
- Pull!

Tara James wins the 50-meter
freestyle for the Tigers.

Good choice.

Am I in trouble?

No.

It's just...

Is there something going
on with your sister?

Like what?

Well, she didn't seem that
happy after the meet today.

Well, that's 'cause she could've won.

Oh, look, Tyler, she did very well.

She could've done better.

But she hasn't been
swimming that long.

Trust me, Mom, she's really
fast when she wants to be.

Really?

So, homework?

Oh, yeah.

Yeah. We are pro-homework.

Good.

- Okay, you gotta line 'em up, Tyler.
- Sure, Dad.

- Throw that paper over there.
- Everybody?

Everybody, may I have
your attention, please?

I just want to thank you
all for being here today.

I love this event. It just gets
more exciting every year.

Who knew when we started that
we would impact so many lives?

And this year, we have
the most amazing soup bowls

thanks to my wonderful
son-in-law and my beautiful

granddaughter and her
fourth-grade class.

Yeah, Chrissa!

I'd like to say something, too.

It means so much to me
to be helping today, because

I'm one of the people on the other
side of the equation.

18 months ago, I lost my husband.

And then my house. And then,
simply had nowhere to go.

The most terrifying part is
I had a daughter to raise.

Sunrise House was a godsend.

Here, my daughter could go to
school and could find a job.

My daughter and I are a living
example of the hard work you do here.

And I just want you to know

that it's real.

That it means something.

Chrissa, you cannot tell anyone.

I won't. I promise.

This is why you didn't
want to be friends?

It's embarrassing.

When you ask me to come over

I really can't ask you back.

I want you to come over anyway.

Gwen, we need more butterflies.

Thank you.

Okay, I'll write tonight's homework
assignment on the board.

Guys, don't forget to
check your spelling.

Sonali, you can't tell anybody.

Tell anybody about what?

That, Chrissa heard we have
a pop quiz in science tomorrow.

We already knew that.

Oh, yeah, we already knew that.

Okay, class. It is time to start
thinking about our big class project.

Now, in the past we've taken on
things like pollution, school safety.

You guys get to pick.

So, think it over,
give it some thought

and we'll talk about it over
the next couple days.

California?

- Sacramento.
- Good.

New York?

Albany.

Alaska.

Alaska? Alaska.

- Juneau.
- Yes.

Girls, dinner's in ten minutes.

- Okay, Mom.
- Thanks, Mrs. Maxwell.

What about, Ohio?

Ohio?

Hello?

Oh, hi.

- Now?
- Yeah.

Does it have to be now?

Sonali?

Yeah, that'll be okay.

Bye.

That was my mom.
She has to pick me up now.

I thought you were
gonna stay for dinner.

Now I can't.

Why?

We have relatives coming over
all of a sudden. I have to go.

Right now. Bye.

Bye.

- Hi.
- Sonali?

- Mom, can you pick me up now?
- Oh, why?

I forgot. I have to go
to Tara's house.

You're supposed to stay
there for dinner.

But she needs
help with homework.

Sonali, that is not your problem.

Just come, okay?

- Oh, my gosh, guess what?
- What?

My mom, she got the job she wanted,
and we're moving into an apartment!

- And, so, it's out of the shelter?
- Yeah!

Oh, gosh!

This is fantastic!

Goodbye, Sunrise House. Goodbye,
dormitory. Hello, my own room!

We should have a party. You know.
Like, "I'm moving into an apartment."

Oh, my God! Yeah.
No more Sunrise House.

Isn't that the homeless shelter?

I had no idea.

Come on.

I'm not sure about this.

Come on, Chrissa, cut.

I've never cut anyone's hair before.

Chrissa, I know you can do it.

I really want bangs.

Okay.

You're doing that all wrong, Chrissa.
I could cut your hair for you, Gwen.

I don't think so.

Oh, come on, Gwen.

Tara's mom's a hairdresser.

She's seen a million
people get their hair cut.

- Yeah!
- She is really good.

I think you'd look really pretty.

Your bangs should come right
about where your eyebrows are.

Come on, please. You'd look adorable.

- Precious!
- Well...

- Okay.
- Okay, face me.

This is how you cut bangs.
My mom showed me.

Do you like it?

Yes. I love it.

You look great, Gwen. Come on.

Oops! I made a little mistake.

Now you really look like
a homeless person.

Come on, girls.

Sonali!

Gwen.

How could you?

Gwen! I...

If you girls thought that this
was some kind of a joke. Well.

I can assure you that Gwen Thompson
didn't think it was funny.

I want to hear what
happened in that bathroom.

Well...

We were trying to help her.

After all, she is homeless.

And how do you know
that she's homeless?

That's a private piece
of information.

Chrissa told me.

No, I didn't!

Chrissa

Gwen told me that she confided in you
and that she didn't tell anyone else.

And neither did I. Honest! I promise!

Jayden

what happened?

I didn't see anything.

Now, find that hard to believe.

Sonali?

Sonali?

Tara started to cut Gwen's hair,
and there was an accident.

You know, it's very hard for
someone in Gwen's circumstances

to come to school every day.

She's now been devastated.
She's afraid to come back to school.

It wasn't Chrissa who told Tara
about Gwen being homeless.

At least, not on purpose.

We overheard them talking
in the music room.

That's how Tara knew.

An incident like this is never going
to happen at this school again.

Tara, I am going to suspend
you three days.

And while you're at home, I want you
to think about what Gwen is feeling.

How would you feel if the same
thing happened to you?

I will, Mrs. Ziminsky.

I understand this is
not the first time

that you three girls
have ganged up on her.

So, Jayden and Sonali,
you're suspended for a day.

Will this go on my record?

Sonali, I want to thank you.

It's hard telling the truth. It's not
always an easy thing to do.

And, Chrissa.

I'm glad that Gwen has
a friend like you.

Well, girls

let's call your parents. Tara.

That must've been so
hard on you, sweetie.

Watching those girls do
that to your friends.

I can't believe they
would call Gwen homeless

unless they really wanted
to hurt her feelings.

Well, they did want
to hurt her feelings.

Those girls are bullies.

You know, when I was a girl,
there was a saying

"Sticks and stones may break your
bones, but words can never hurt me."

- I've heard of that.
- Yeah, well, it's not true.

Words can hurt. They can
do a lot of damage.

And once they're out there,
you can't take 'em back.

I know.

You guys got that? The three
branches of government.

She's now been devastated.

She's afraid to come back to school.

Sunrise House.

Hello, is Gwen Thompson
there, please?

She's not here anymore.

Oh.

- She moved already?
- Yes. Yes, she did.

Well, do you think can
have her new number?

I'm sorry. Can't give
that information out.

- Okay.
- Is there anything else?

Okay. Thanks anyway.

- All right.
- Bye.

I need to talk to you.

I don't want to talk to you.

- Gwen, Chrissa didn't tell...
- Sonali, let's go!

Wait a second.

Gwen, Chrissa didn't tell
Tara your secret.

We heard you guys talking in
the music room. That's how Tara knew.

And, Gwen, I'm really sorry about
how mean I've been to you.

You know, Tara's gonna be really mad.

You know what, Jayden? I don't care.

Mine is just, like, so out there.

Yours is, like, everywhere.

- It does.
- I like the colors.

I kind of like this swirly stuff.

Our scarves are gonna look so cool.

It's nothing.

I have been thinking about,
these girls all weekend.

I don't know what we're gonna do.

Well, it's becoming a problem.

Tara's always been
a little highstrung, but

she's always been a good student.

What about Chrissa? What is she like?

She's quiet, finishes all her work.

Chrissa is a good kid.

Okay.

But we're gonna have to do something.

You're right.
You are right and I have an idea.

I'll see you at lunch, Gwen.

All right, bye.

What is that thing on your head?

Are you trying to look stupid?

Take it off or you're
out of our club.

I'm not taking it off. I like it.

Whatever.

Tara, Jayden, don't
get too comfortable.

Jayden, I'm moving
you to cluster three.

What? This isn't fair!

Tara, you switch with Brock.

But I can't see way back there.

We'll send a note home to your
mom to get your vision checked.

In the meantime, take a
seat in cluster one.

And, Gwen.

I'm moving you to cluster four.

Gwen, come on.

I brought in a hairbrush.

- Guys, stop laughing!
- It's not funny!

Stop it! It's not funny!

Stop it. Stop!

- Guys, it's not funny. Stop it.
- It's really mean.

Gee, Chrissa. I guess
nobody likes you.

Guess not.

Tara, you have to cut this out.

What? We didn't do anything.

- Did we?
- No, we didn't.

No.

Just stop it, okay?

Or what?

Or what?

Just stop it.

Ooh, we're shaking!

- Shaking!
- Yeah we're so scared we're shaking.

- We're so scared!
- Bye, Chrissa!

Are you okay?

Yeah.

My stomach hurts.

Well, hello, ladies. Come on in!

- She's in there.
- Oh, thanks

- Hey, guys.
- Hey!

Hi. Are you okay?

Yeah.

Were there any signs
hanging around today?

No. Was that why you stayed home?

I just couldn't stand going
back there again.

I'm really considering homeschooling.

Chrissa, I know how hard it can be
to go to school some days, but

if there's one thing I've learned

staying home means you
lose and they win.

I mean, you're gonna
get behind in school.

And then you'll have two
problems Tara and bad grades.

Besides, we stronger
than they are.

Yeah!

- Yeah!
- Yeah!

Today we learned about
diagramming sentences.

Here.

What page is it?

I think 21.

- I'm a little off, right?
- Here it is! Okay.

Guys, teammates don't
do this to one another.

Now, I'm gonna ask one last time.

Who posted that message?

Okay, from now on. Nothing
gets posted until I see it first.

And since no one's willing
to come forward...

I have no choice but
to punish all of you.

So we're gonna knock off
practice today half-hour early.

And we are going to clean
this facility until it shines.

And if ever, ever see
anything like that again

I promise you will cancel
the rest of this season.

Yes, Tara?

Is it true?

Is what true?

About the skin disease.

Because if it is, I can't
be swimming in that water.

You know what, Tara?
You sit out today.

Let's go, young lady.

Let's get to work. Group one, diving.

Group two, conditioning.
Group three, kick practice.

Let's go. Move it. Come on.

Look at this, you do
great in practice.

And then in competition,
you freeze up. What's up?

You get nervous?

Look, you just gotta pretend
there's nobody else there.

It's just you and the water.
You gotta block everything else out.

All right?

Okay.

Nice, Tyler. Keep it up.

Thanks!

Okay, guys, conditioning.
Get the kickboards out.

Nice. Don't look so excited, Reamer.

All right, nice. Good and strong.

- I can do that dive, Tyler.
- Yeah?

It's not so hard. In fact, I won
a medal for it in summer camp.

That's good for you, Tara.

Of course, my dive's harder
because I do a corkscrew twist.

That doesn't sound that hard.

I learned it from an Olympic champ.

He said I was a natural, and
he complimented my form.

Tara, get down. You're not
supposed to be up here.

What, are you gonna
go tattletale on me?

Tara, leave him alone.

No.

Bet you can't do it, Tyler,
because it's too hard.

- My corkscrew has two twists.
- Tara, come on.

- Whatever.
- You won't be able to do it, chicken

You're not going to be able to do it.

- Tara, get down.
- No!

- You're not gonna be able to do it.
- Just stop it.

Only I can do it. You won't
be able to do it, chicken.

- Tara!
- I'm the only one that can do it.

- Tara!
- You won't do this!

Twist!

Tyler!

Tyler. Oh, my gosh.

Honey, don't cry.
He's gonna be all right.

You don't know that.

This is all my fault.

Oh, really? Did you
push him off the board?

No. But I didn't do anything.

I mean, all I kept on thinking was,
"I've gotta go get Mr. Beck."

And I didn't.

It all happened so fast.

Honey, it's a really horrible
thing that happened.

But it is absolutely not your fault.

Hey, Tyler's gonna be okay.

It isn't a concussion, but they're
gonna keep him here overnight.

Well, can I go see him?

He's sleeping right now, sweetie.

I think you should go home.

He'll be home tomorrow, okay?

Come on.

Come on, honey. It's gonna be okay.

I was only fooling around. I didn't
mean for anyone to get hurt.

Save it, Tara. Neither one of you had
any business being up on that ladder.

Do you see why
the rules are in place?

And we just talked about
horsing around, remember?

Yes. I'm really upset.

I'm so sorry.

What am I gonna do with you two?
I gotta separate you in class.

I gotta separate you in swimming too?

Tara.

You're on towel duty for
the rest of the season.

- Do I still get to swim?
- Yes.

And after each and every
meet and practice

you'll be responsible for all
the wet and dirty towels.

What about her?

- Chrissa.
- It's okay.

I decided I'm gonna quit the team.

Chrissa, that isn't necessary.

Now, Chrissa, I know you're
upset about your brother

but there have to be consequences
when you break the rules.

I'm not quitting just
to get out of punishment.

Okay, then why?

Okay, Chrissa.

You're gonna be cleaning up the
classroom for the next two weeks.

- Bring it on.
- You don't want me to bring it on.

- Tyler!
- We have something for you.

Yes, we do.

What? pound of chocolate Raisinets?

No.

- New Gameboy?
- No!

Then what?

Solidarity scarf, silly.

Oh, sweet!

No way I am wearing this.

Whoa. Dig it.

Lemonade and cookies in the kitchen!

- I'm totally there.
- Do you want some?

Sure. But wait!

I heard you quit the swim team.

- Well, yeah, I had to.
- Why?

Because you're out for
the rest of the season.

So I'm gonna stay out, too.

Well, that's stupid.

Tyler.

I'm really sorry
this happened to you.

Me too. I'm never listening
to Tara again.

This is all my fault.

Chrissa, it isn't about you.
I should never have listen to her.

No. No, if Tara didn't
hate me so much

she would've never done this to you.

I don't want to be
around her anymore.

So, you're a quitter?

I guess so.

The Tigers will be inspired to win
after they see this poster.

I hope so.

So...

I hear you quit the swim team.

Yeah, I decided I don't
really like swimming.

Really?

And if Tyler can't swim...

I don't think this has
anything to do with Tyler.

I do, however, think this has
something to do with Tara.

You know

I've always felt sorry for Tara.

Why?

Well, because when
someone is determined

to make other people feel
bad about themselves

it's usually so they can feel
good about themselves.

How can making someone
feel bad make you feel good?

Because in order to feel
like you're worth something

you need other people to
feel less than their best.

It sounds to me like that's
what Tara's done to you.

She doesn't act like she
feels bad about herself.

Saying mean things, hurting other
people, cutting you down...

She must be very insecure.

If you could wave a magic wand and
change something, what would you do?

You won't be able
to do it, chicken.

Tara, get down.

I would take back Tyler's accident.

And make it so that no one's
ever mean to anyone again.

That would be lovely,
wouldn't it? But

it's not very realistic.

I find that sometimes when
kids have a big problem

they try to solve it themselves.

But sometimes

problems are too big and complicated
for kids to solve on their own.

They need help, and they need to know
that it's okay to ask for help.

Well, grown-ups say that.
But what if it doesn't work?

We're the ones who
have to go to school

with the mean kids
who just get meaner.

I see your point.

But I think you'd be surprised
at how turning to an adult

you trust can help.

Sometimes, they can help in a way
where it's not really obvious.

Don't you have an adult you can
turn to when you have a problem?

My mom says I can tell her
and my dad anything.

That would be a very
good place to start.

Thanks.

Don't spoil your appetite.
Oh, hey, Chrissa.

Chicken fricassee's on the menu.

- With paprika, without?
- With.

- Hand me that.
- Mom, Dad.

Moving out here has been really hard.

Because you miss your friends?

Not just because of that

because of this.

Oh, Chrissa.

Can I see that? Let me see.

You know who did this?

I'm betting it was Tara.

Swim team Tara?

Yeah.

It's because of her that
she quit the team.

Chrissa, you quit the swim team?

Honey, I'm so sorry.
That Tara is bad news.

I knew something was going on.

It's just so hard. I've been
trying to make it work.

Oh, sweetheart. For how long?

Since the first day of school.

So, Gwen wasn't the only
one being bullied?

Oh, honey, I wish you'd come to us.

I don't wanna be called a tattletale.

Tattling's different. It's kind
of like getting even with someone.

Speaking up is protecting yourself.

I'm so sorry this has been going on.
Believe me, it stops now.

I'm gonna call the principal
and Mr. Beck.

We're gonna set up a meeting
and tell 'em what's gone on.

No, that's just gonna make it worse.

Sweetie, that's how bullies work.

They depend on kids being
too afraid to speak up.

That's how the bullying keeps going.

- Yeah?
- Yeah.

Are you sure, Mom?

I'm positive, baby.

Okay.

Oh, hey!

Are you still working on ideas
for that big fourth-grade

social studies project?

Yeah.

Maybe there's something
we can do about that.

Okay, class, let's open
our English book

- Mr. Beck!
- to page 50.

- Mr. Beck!
- Yes, Chrissa?

I have an idea for our
fourth-grade project.

Well, I love your enthusiasm

but we're gonna be talking
about that next week.

But have an idea today.

What? Did you have a "llama bean"
omelet this morning?

Tara!

Okay, Chrissa, what is it?

Let's do our project
about school bullying.

I think that's a great idea.

How many of you have felt bullied?

I wanna do this because
this happened to me.

And I didn't know
how to make it stop.

And then didn't even
want to go to school.

Wow! Okay, looks like
we have a project.

So?

You don't have to ask.

School was great. They loved my idea.

You know what? Lots of kids
have been bullied.

Did Tara or Jayden do
anything bad today?

No.

See, I knew you were
gonna have a good day.

So, tomorrow's the big
swim meet, isn't it?

Yeah, I guess it is.

I decided I'm not gonna go.

Did I ever tell you how
the kids were mean to me?

You, Mom?

Yep.

I was getting the highest
grades in the class

and the kids're calling me names like

egghead and braniac,
bookworm, Ms. Square.

So, to make it stop, I started
failing instead of succeeding.

And then I realized
how stupid that was.

Why?

Sweetie, it's never smart
to be less than who you are.

Or to let anyone take
anything away from you.

Thanks, Mom.

Wait up!

Chrissa!

Hey!

Well, looks like our team's
complete, guys.

Welcome back, Chrissa.

Come on, get in here!
We're warmin' up.

- Next race girls' 50M freestyle.
- Go!

- Go!
- Swimmers. Take your mark.

Come on, Chrissa!

Okay, Chrissa!

Come on! Go!

Go! Come on, Chrissa!

Chrissa Maxwell wins the 50M
freestyle for the Tigers!

Next race boys' 50M freestyle.

You did great!

Thanks.

Take your mark!

Tara!

What?

We may never be best friends,
we may never be any kind of friends.

But that's okay.

You and I are the best swimmers.

And if we work together,
our team could win.

James Spencer wins the 50M freestyle
for the Tigers and ties the score.

- Coming up, our last race of the day
- Come on!

- The girls' 200M medley relay!
- Come on.

Okay, listen, Chrissa, you're gonna
swim first, Alexandra second

Rachel third, and Tara,
you're gonna anchor.

- Mr. Beck.
- Yeah?

Chrissa should swim anchor.

But I've never swam anchor before.

Are you kidding me?

You're the strongest swimmer. You're
like a human fish at the crawl.

- But I don't know how...
- Come on.

Do you want this team to win or not?

Yes. Come on! Let's go!

Come on, Tara. Come on.

Come on, Tara! You can do it!

Swimmers, on your mark.

Go, Tara! Come on!

Go! Come on!

Go! Tara! Come on!

Keep going! Come on, Tara!

Come on! Tara!

Come on! Go Alexandra!

Come on! Go!

Please go!

Come on!

Come on, Rachel! Go, Tigers! Come on!

You can catch her! Go, Rachel, go!

Okay, don't overreach.
It'll make your back arch.

Keep your fingers open, not clenched.

And you're going to have to bend
your elbows sooner underwater.

If you do that, we're gonna win!
Come on, Rachel!

Yeah! Chrissa!

Go!

Chrissa! You can do it!

Just shuck it! Yeah!

I'm very proud of this year's
fourth-grade project.

And it will stand here at the school
as a permanent reminder.

Here to present our project
is Ms. Chrissa Maxwell.

- Chrissa!
- Hi.

Our project is on school bullying.

Kids who've been bullied are
afraid to speak out because

the bullying might get worse.

They think there's nothing
that they can do about it.

I know this from personal experience.

But if they stop and speak up,
things can get a lot better.

Never keep bullying a secret.

Whether it's about you or a friend.

This is the friendship arch.

And everyone in the fourth
grade chose a word.

And in the middle there's the word,
"Hello" because

my grandmother always told me.

"Hello" is the first word
in a friendship.

I love you, Nana.

I chose the word "Courage" cause it
takes courage to stand up to a bully.

And it takes courage
to stop being a bully.

"Accept" is my word, and
I realized that it starts with me.

No one is better or worse
than anyone else.

We all have the same problems.

I chose the word "Forgive." Once you
forgive, you can move forward.

I chose the word "Strength" because
no matter what's going on around you

it's important to be strong inside
and to be true to yourself.

I chose the word "Kind."

I chose the words "No Envy."

I chose the words "Loyal."

Come on, Amanda! We're taking
Starburst for her first swim.