Principal for the day learned a lot from kids

One of the highlights of my year so far, has to be the day I spent as principal of Everett’s Eisenhower Middle School. This great honor came as a result of a successful bid I made at a recent community organization’s auction. Real principal, Dr. David Jones, greeted me at the school on May 30, and immediately gave me the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. I actually set off a fire alarm and started a surprise fire drill. The cool, organized way the students filed outside to form straight lines behind their homeroom teacher became one of many reasons I have high hopes for our next generation.

During my visit I saw students actually listening to their teacher as they learned about bone marrow. I saw laughing and smiling and teamwork while watching a new kind of foursquare during recess. I saw a kid who overcame extreme learning disabilities having a great conversation with his two principals. I saw one of the emotionally challenged students actually walk up and invite me to his classroom to learn about the way Indians create a peaceful atmosphere. I learned how kids work off steam by just walking around the track.

I watched principal and student discuss respect for teachers and for students. I saw the kids actually caring about how one of their terribly sick peers was feeling, actually walking up to him, shaking his hand and asking how he was doing. I saw the day capped off by an hour and a half choir concert; I was equally amazed at the talent of the students on the stage, and the ability of the 750 other students to remain relatively quiet and respectful sitting in the stands.

This just can’t be done without an incredible group of adults. My hat is off to David and the way that the school is run, the way that it’s organized with a great group of teachers, cooks and parent supporters.

It gives at least one person – the principal for a day at Eisenhower – wonderful hope for the future of humankind.

Lake Forest Park