"Today is going to be so much fun," thought Mary Smith of Anywhere, USA. "That's because today, I get to go to Any School Anywhere."

Earlier that morning, Mary had dressed quickly and rushed through her breakfast. "Slow down, Mary," Friends said laughingly. Mary seemed more excited now than she had ever been before.

When Mary arrived at Any School Anywhere, she ran up the steps to catch up with the other children.

Mary ran to her very own locker. As she opened the locker, Mary thought she heard a rustling inside. "Is there something inside my locker?" Mary wondered. "What could it be?"

Just then, Ms. Jones walked up and said, "You'd better hurry to class, Mary." Mary decided to close her locker and investigate the noise later.

Mary was curious about the strange noise, but she joined the other children in the classroom. It was time for reading class -- One of her favorites! Ms. Jones opened a big book and said, "Today, we're going to study the raccoon. And at the end of the day, I have a special surprise for you!"

Mary forgot all about the strange noise and tried to figure out what the surprise was going to be.

After learning about raccoons, the children went to the art center.

"I want everyone to paint a picture of a raccoon," said Ms. Jones.

Mary worked very hard on her painting. When she was done, all the other children admired her painting.

"Mary, that is a wonderful painting of a raccoon," said Ms. Jones. "You are a very talented artist."

Mary couldn't wait to take the painting home and show it to her friends.

During lunchtime, Mary sat at the table with all her very best friends. They all laughed and shared stories about their summer vacations.

Suddenly, Mary felt something bump against her leg. Then the table gave a little shake, and a pitcher of milk spilled all over the table.

"There must be someone under the table playing a joke," said Mary. But when she looked under the table, Mary didn't see anyone.

"There are a lot of strange things happening today," thought Mary. Just then, the bell rang. It was time for music class. There were so many musical instruments from which to choose. Mary like the tambourines the best. Ms. Jones taught the children a special song about a raccoon.

As Mary played her tambourines, she kept thinking about the big surprise Ms. Jones had for the children at the end of the day.

Now it was time for Mary to go to science class. But when Mary got to the classroom, she couldn't find her lab goggles anywhere.

"Where could they be?" wondered Mary as she looked under the desk.

Ms. Jones was talking. "Pay attention, children. I'm going to reveal my surprise."

The teacher brought out a big box with a cloth covering it.

When Ms. Jones removed the cloth, there was nothing but a large, empty cage!

"The raccoon is mssing," gasped Ms. Jones. "It must be running around loose in the school."

Just then, Mary thought about the noise she had heard in her locker. Mary also remembered what had happened in the lunchroom today.

"I'll be right back," said Mary as she quickly ran from the room.

Mary knew just where to go. She ran right over to the lunchroom. As she listened at the door, Mary heard some strange sounds coming from inside.

Even though it was dark in the room, Mary wasn't afraid. She opened the door and saw the strangest sight in the world. A baby raccoon was wearing her goggles! And that's not all. The raccoon was eating a leftover sandwich!

"Look what I found," said Mary with a big smile as she brought her new fuzzy friend back into the classroom.

"Mary, you found the baby raccoon!" said Ms. Jones happily. "You've saved the day."

"This really has been the best first day of school ever," said Mary. "I was right when I told my friends that school is fun!'