On Career Day at Ella Mentry School, local reporter Mrs. Lilly helps A.J. and his fellow third-graders start a school newspaper, but their efforts have unexpected, and terrible, consequences.
After budget cuts threaten the art and music programs at Ella Mentry School, as well as some services, groundskeeper Burke finds gold and "gilver" on the playground, causing a modern-day gold rush.
When the hippie crossing guard, Mr. Louie, puts a love potion in the water fountain before Valentine's Day, everyone at Ella Mentry School falls in love.