For whatever reason, players sometimes lose connection to the server. The game thinks they're still in and won't allow them to rejoin with the same name.

I propose that if someone joins with the exact same name, it makes them that exact same player.

I think it would be rare for players to rejoin with the exact same name, and if it becomes an issue the teacher can deal with that in the classroom.

So, if Joe B. joins and then another Joe B. joins, the new Joe B. takes on the place and score of the previous Joe B. And the old Joe B. no longer exists to the game, or is the same.

If two children in the classroom decide to join as Joe B. the teacher can deal with that issue.