Room 2B did not always have peace. Ten years ago, students argued about the pencil sharpener near the window.

The first group said the sharpener belonged to the whole class. They believed anyone could use it before a test. The second group said it should be reserved for students with emergency pencils.

The debate became intense after one student sharpened three pencils in a row. Witnesses said the sound lasted "almost forever," although the school clock showed only forty seconds.

Ms. Hayashi, the homeroom teacher, created a simple agreement. Each student could sharpen one pencil before class. Extra pencils required permission and a calm reason.

The agreement worked for many years. Today, the old sharpener is kept in a small display case. New students often ask why it is important.

The answer is simple: every classroom needs rules, but every rule starts with one tiny disaster.