Middle schools can be rumor mills where improbable stories and outright lies are passed on from one student to another until a lie is accepted as truth and fiction as fact. Reputations can be ruined and a situation can escalate out of control. This program challenges young people to assess information and take what they hear with a healthy dose of skepticism.

In art class, Lily is jealous of the attention Chloe's paintings are getting. After Chloe throws up in the bathroom, Lily takes the opportunity to foster the rumor that Chloe has bulimia. The rumor spreads quickly and kids start treating Chloe differently. Connor seems to back away from his offer to meet her at the school dance. When Chloe confronts Lily, rumors fly that they had a fight in the girl's bathroom. Both end up in the principal's office and are placed on probation.

Justin spreads a rumor that Mike, the new student at school, had to leave his old school to start over after being arrested for shop-lifting. The other boys believe the rumor and begin to exclude Mike. Only Chloe takes the time to find out the truth: that Mike was never arrested but stole a CD on a dare, was caught and quickly learned a hard lesson.

Chloe presents an oral report to her health class on the damaging effects of spreading half-truths and out-and-out lies. She concludes by encouraging everyone to check out the facts and refrain from gossiping. Afterwards Lily and Chloe establish a truce and the boys begin to include Mike in their pick-up games.

***Includes Teacher's Guide