Parker’s schedule
Kiana accidentally takes Parker’s schedule and with it ends up in Room 117. The schedule represents the destined path that Kiana is about to go on, a path that will change her life and the life of the rest of the Unteachables. Parker is Kiana's first touch with the new school, and it changes her entire course.
Names
There are interesting references with the use of characters’ names in the novel. Mr. Kermit’s name is a reference to the frog character and his students make fun of him in accordance with that, calling him Ribble, and making frog sounds. They also nickname him Squidward, which is a reference to the famous cartoon. What is interesting is that the superintendent’s name is Thaddeus, which is another name for Squidward, and whether accidental or not, the character of the superintendent falls more into the stereotype of that cartoon character.
Fire
Fire is symbolic of the chaos surrounding the Unteachables. They are introduced while standing over a fire, and at the end, fire is a part of their science fair project, which also has a chaotic conclusion. It is a symbol of their passionate, fiery spirits.
Coco Nerd
Coco Nerd is a name for Mr. Kermit’s car, unintentionally given by Parker, who has difficulties in reading and misspelled the word Concorde. The car is a remnant of Kermit’s happy past, and was given to him by Emma’s mother and his ex fiancé. It represents Mr. Kermit’s attachment to his old self, his refusal to give up and hope that things still can change for him.
