This is because “D’Matz” is almost a swear. Actually, it’s almost two swears.
If you say the first part wrong, it could sound like a word that also means a wall that holds back water.
If you say the second part wrong, it could sound like a word that also means a donkey. But no one would think you meant those words.
On the first day of school, I was trying so hard not to make a mistake with either part of his name that I made a mistake about both parts. I am not even kidding about that.
At recess, I apologized and explained that I only said his name wrong because I was so worried about saying his name wrong. Mr. D’Matz said he understood and besides, it was bound to happen one day.
But since then, all the kids just call him “Teacher.” We aren’t taking any chances.
I guess Mrs. Rice didn’t care about making a mistake. She probably thought, So what if I get sent to the principal’s office? I live there!
“Mr. D’Matz will be leaving after lunch today—he’ll spend the week with the Adventures for Teachers Committee.
