In Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, what change occurred around Thanksgiving?

The major
change that occurs in Spinelli's  around Thanksgiving is when students
start to treat Stargirl better. First, Stargirl becomes popular for her cheerleading antics
during the high school football season. Then, the student population's mental attitude towards
Stargirl shifts from bewilderment and disgust to one of support and acceptance. Leo describes
the change as follows:

"No longer did Stargirl eat
lunch--or walk the hallways or do anything else at school--alone . . . Whatever the reason, by
the time we returned from Thanksgiving break, it was clear that the change had occurred"
(38).

Leo goes on to say that students stop viewing
Stargirl as dangerous. For example, girls don't feel threatened by her different style of
clothing, and they aren't even jealous of her for her cheerleading success. In fact, students
from every clique in school begin to embrace her! As a result, students "honored her by
imitation" (38). Suddenly, students bring ukuleles to school and play them in the cafeteria
just like she does. They talk to her like she is one of the popular kids, and everything seems
to be looking up for her as far as being accepted by her peers is
concerned.