BLOG: Education thoughts...

I hope everyone survived the Blizzard of 2013.  I don't think it was as bad as the Blizzard of 1978 but it was a pretty big event here in New England.  I just wanted to share an education thought or two...

The Easton Public Schools will find it extremely hard to replace retiring Center School Principal Debbie DiCenso!  I had the pleasure of working with her for over five years and every day I was impressed with her professionalism, sincere love of children and determined work ethic.  Her tireless efforts on behalf of the students and their families in Easton will be sorely missed.  Anyone who had a child at Center School knew that she was the first one to arrive at school each day and the last one to leave.  I wish her the very best in her retirement.

Thinking of Debbie made me look back into the book I wrote ("180 Days") about my last year as an elementary school principal in Easton.  On Dec. 9, 2009 I wrote..."We adults have to constantly remind ourselves that we are always imprinting on our children.  Think back to a great teacher you had or a loving grandparent or helpful neighbor.  You can see them in your mind.  This is called imprinting.  These are people who leave an imprint in your brain forever.  This is a huge thing for those of us who work with children.  Children may not remember what you said but they will remember how you said it."

On April 14, 2010 I wrote..."There is a little girl at our school who has some serious anxiety issues and everyone here has been great helping her feel more comfortable with herself and the school.  She wrote a note to her teacher and said that she would be sad not being at our school next year (she is moving up to the bigger elementary school in town).  She also said that she was sad because I was retiring.  I called her to my office and asked her to be my pen pal.  She lit up!  I told her that I would give her my address and that she could write to me next year.  What a way to make a child feel good!  Ahhh..."  Note:  I continue to write to this student and I am pleased to report that she is doing very well!

As I turn 60 years old this upcoming year I thought that the bumper sticker I saw on a car last week was particularly appropriate.  It read...

"At my age Happy Hour is taking a nap!"