Barbara’s candle accidentally starts a small fire in the teacher’s lounge and a counselor suggests that she might not be handling the aftermath well. Meanwhile, Melissa rekindles her childhood dream of being a firefighter.

After a student is caught smoking, the Abbott staff come together to revamp the outdated drug policy. Meanwhile, Janine tries to prep the new substitute teacher for her class but finds it challenging to give up her former role.

Ava and Gregory are invited to speak on a panel about public schools. Elsewhere, the other teachers must complete CPR training, and Janine faces challenges securing district approval for her librarian extension program.

Melissa hosts the Schemmenti family Christmas Eve dinner and goes to great lengths to make sure everything is perfect. Meanwhile, Janine and Gregory get an unexpected guest.

A debate over a controversial book leads Ava to remove it from the library, but some parents push for its return.

The Abbott teachers turn their open house into a car wash to help raise money for the school.