Sam rapped lightly on Ms. Lawrence’s classroom door before pulling it open even though she had yet to acknowledge him. She was sitting on a stool near the front of the classroom, a chapter book in her hand. The kids seemed to be listening to a story, and while he should be concerned about interrupting, at this point, his only interest lay in retrieving the phone. “‘Scuse me, Ms. Lawrence,” he began as soon as he had her attention.

“Mr. Danny!” she acknowledged, a wide smile on her face. “It’s so nice to see you! Everyone, say hi to Mr. Danny.”

As the class rang out, “Hi, Mr. Danny!” Sam...