CLAYTON — Nate Thompson wouldn’t be fooled.
Thompson, 11, knew something was up when he walked into his fifth grade class at Glenridge Elementary on Tuesday.
Instead of his normal teacher, Kacie Cline, there was someone else at the front of the class. But not a stranger.
The school’s custodian, Cory Kent, told students he was the teacher. They didn’t buy it.
Aurora Levy, left, and her classmate Bale Saner investigate whether Cory Kent will actually be their teacher for the day on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Glenridge Elementary School in Clayton. Kent normally serves as the school’s custodian but took the role as a fifth-grade teacher during the elementary school's April Fool's Day celebration.
“Tell the truth!” Thompson said, standing inches away from Kent with his neck craned straight up to meet the imposter’s gaze. “Let me see your teacher degree. You’re supposed to carry it with you.”
Glenridge Elementary Principal Tarita Murdock wanted to have some fun this April Fools’ Day — even if her students were too smart to be fooled.
Students showed up to school to find second grade teachers teaching first grade, an administrative assistant acting as the custodian and Murdock teaching fourth grade.
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Murdock said she took inspiration from a viral TikTok trend of teachers swapping roles.
But the day wasn’t just about pranks, Murdock said. She wanted to build school spirit and strengthen students’ connections with staff.
“It builds trust with the kids to know that we also want to have fun with them,” Murdock said.
Glenridge Elementary School principal Tarita Murdock, center, plays along with fourth grade students after they realize they’ve been pranked on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at Glenridge Elementary School in Clayton. The elementary school hosted an April Fool’s Day celebration where teachers and staff swapped roles and surprised students when they walked into class.
In the fourth grade class, Murdock’s students were confused. Where was their normal teacher, Heather Carson? Was Dr. Murdock there to stay?
“I think they’re trying to fool us,” said student Avery Faupel, 10.
The teachers’ tricks foiled the students’ own pranks.
At 9:30 a.m. sharp, Faupel said, her classmates planned to launch out of their chairs and fall to the floor. She said she also tricked her mom that morning by saying she broke one of her favorite crystals, only to scream “April Fools” after her mom ran to check.
Thompson’s fifth grade class planned to switch desks when their teacher’s back was turned, he said.
By Glenridge’s start time at 8:40 a.m., the fifth graders were in a frenzy. They peppered Kent with questions. Some huddled around Thompson as he tried to find answers on his laptop. Others accepted the switch-up, and ate cereal quietly at their desks.
Thompson said he had reason to believe his teacher would return after the day’s electives.
“I know that there’s no (substitute teacher) plans,” Thompson said. “I was snooping around in my teacher’s desk. I’m betting after Specials, my teacher is gonna come back.”
April Fool's Day is celebrated annually on April 1. Here are some facts you probably didn’t know about the unofficial holiday. The exact history of April Fool’s Day, also known as All Fool’s Day, is unknown. Some historians believe that it started in France in the 16th century when the Gregorian calendar was adopted. The Gregorian calendar moved New Year’s Day from April 1 to January 1. Those who continued to celebrate New Year’s on April 1 were known as â€April Fools’. Others believe that the day originates from the vernal equinox, or the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. They think Mother Nature fools people with changing, unpredictable weather. One April Fool’s Day tradition involved sticking paper fish at the back of gullible people, suggesting that they resemble young fish who get caught or hooked. Another tradition involved sticking signs on people’s backs that say things like “kick me.”
