Every good principal knows when it’s time to thank his or her staff. Now, believe me teachers will tell you not every principal is good. But the really good ones, the ones who stand out are the ones who know the value of the people who truly make a difference in the school- the amazin front office staff and custodians and nurses and cafeteria workers, department heads, teachers, paraprofessional, and yes even the guidance counselors…can’t forget them. I better not. I am pretty sure a couple of them would storm my castle if I didn’t recognize counselors. So, in light of the fact that I am not just a good, but a great principal (in my own mind at least) I want to thank my staff for their tremendous help during the Thanksgiving feast.

First, the 10 year old IT teacher/gravy maker/positive energy giver blew me away as she successfully conducted a Kahoot game with the Principal’s parents. I mean conducting a Zoom call with techno-neophytes is a feat alone worthy of praise. But to get Nana to use her cell phone, AND the computer (some help from Grandpa) at the same time while facing interference from an unruly class next door was truly impressive. And not only did she pull off the technology trick of the day – she managed to make her bed. Actually no, she probably didn’t- but hey you can’t have everything. As many of you probably know Zooming and teaching can be more headache inducing than zooming with family, so she deserves kudos, and maybe extra bacon on Monday.

The second staff member who deserves praise is the Athletic Director who lives next door to the 10 year old. While only a teenager, he is able to gather the stats, find the appropriate games to watch for Papa, and was able to discuss enough basketball to keep Papa awake after eating too much turkey. Also, the perseverance he displayed in staying awake and bouncing around the house during the (for a teenager) too early morning hours of 10AM-3PM which are normally reserved for sleeping and video games and more sleeping demonstrated his true grit. Moreover, when it comes to lifting big things, he is by far the most competent staff member we have in the building. We were grateful to have his presence for such an extended period during waking hours. I am sure he will someday reflect on his time with us as more than something to be endured, but until then we are thankful for his strong presence.

I think every successful principal has an assistant who they can lean on in times of craziness. And so I am fortunate to have a fantastic sidekick who gracefully faced the day with dignity and provided superior mashed potatoes and squash in addition to amazing table service. Doing the dishes was not her favorite activity of the day, but was carried out without complaint, even as my clean underwear continued to be folded and pressed neatly. Truly exceptional. And to top it off, she entertained the guest and IT teacher with a game of Yahtzee so that the Principal could enjoy the pain and agony of watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys.

Principal Donadoni continues to be blessed in many ways and filled with gratitude. So, this is a special blog post to thank his staff for a day well done. Because if you don’t thank those who do the real work in your school…well, I don’t have to tell you what happens. But Mutiny on the Bounty is more than a great read. (One of my favorite books by the way). I love sea novels. I love sea metaphors. So as you row your boats today, thank your crew. And as I have been lucky to be a Captain to many a great crew, I continue to thank those who help me reach my islands of success.

Looking forward to finding ways to pay the staff back today. I don’t want to be too nice to them because then they might think something is wrong with me. But I should do something nice to repay them. If I can find the bacon and eggs behind the turkey and mashed potatoes I guess I could risk blowing the house up and turn the stove on. Or I could figure out how to use the waffle iron and make something in that. Or I could get truly dangerous and attempt to make biscuits or cinnamon buns in the oven. But, like a good administrator I think I will do my best Mr. Magoo goes through the drive-thru and grab some munchkins they can fight over. Because I am sure they will fight. I mean… because they will love munchkins and I won’t set the house on fire. Here’s hoping that A) I don’t damage my car in the drive through and B) I am out walking the dog when they start fighting again…

Thanks for Coming!