effrey concentrates on his studies at the expense of making friends. It’s a surprise, therefore, when Connie beats him in a math test. She brags that she doesn’t need to study and can beat Jeff again on the next test. Griff, who is in danger of failing, asks Connie for help but she refuses, revealing…

Rachel Hewitt and Billy Martin are opposing candidates in a school election. With Pete Riley as campaign manager, Billy runs on personality and dancing talent to attract votes. Rachel takes a serious approach and sticks strictly with the issues. When given some personal information about Billy, Rachel refuses to use it even though it could…

When city-girl Lisa goes to visit country-cousin Samantha, she is thrilled at the prospect of exploring the great outdoors, and disappointed that her cousin does not share her enthusiasm. Samantha finally agrees to go on a fishing trip with her younger brother, Tom, and Lisa. Problems ensue when they find they will not be able…

Griff and Lisa begin to like each other. Lisa learns that her new baby brother has a mental handicap and will learn more slowly than other children. She hears Griff call Danny, the crossing guard offensive names and gets mad at him. Realizing that this has jepordized their friendship, after he hears Lisa’s speech on…

Casey accuses Connie of stealing $5 from the gift fund for their teacher. Inspired by their recent class reading of the The Merchant of Venice, their classmates decide to hold a trial to settle the matter. The decision goes against Casey, but Connie feels guilty about the outcome. Although she did not actually steal the…

Pete Riley has hired Melanie as a helper in his car wash. The business is doing well when a street gang, the Pirates, appears and demands protection money. When Pete refuses, the gang roughs up Pete and Melanie. Unable to get help to resist the bullies, Pete reluctantly figures he’ll have to give in. But…

Lisa’s father is having serious problems in his business. Lisa’s stepmother Gayle convinces her husband that accepting a partnership with his brother will solve the financial problems–but it involves moving the family out west. Lisa hates the idea of leaving and lashes out at her best friend, Casey, and particularly at Gayle. Lisa finally realizes…

Liz gets a job as babysitter for the three Schlegel children. Liz handles the kids well–keeping a watchful eye on baby Calvin, reading bedtime stories to Melanie, and monitoring the children’s TV viewing. But the eldest, Martin, resents Liz. It is not until he gets involved in a situation that could have endangered his brother…

As far as Billy is concerned, his little brother, Benjy is and embarrassing tagalong. When Billy and his best friend Peter, get a dog-walking job, they turn the chore over to Benjy. Meanwhile, they sneak into the clubhouse and try experimental puffs on some cigars. The boys get horribly sick, and then spend a frantic…

Catherine (Cookie) Peters’ parents have been separated for some time. It is not an amicable situation and Catherine feels caught in the middle. When she is chosen to represent her school on the gymnastics team, both parents want to see her perform. But neither parent is present when she wins.