Principal Donadoni would like to announce that one of the students is now driving independently. He went quickly from driving his mother up a wall and driving me crazy (short trip, I know), to driving himself across the town for whatever he needs to do. The Real Boss is thrilled to have one less passenger on the Uber mom bus of love. The principal is pleased, as driving a student who can see the stop signs before he can often led to some conflict. I never thought that simply asking passengers how intersections were governed could be anxiety provoking- but then I have never had to ride as a passenger in a car I was driving either. Nevertheless, we continue to be as proud of him as ever. Of course, the 5th grade class of the Academy also has an independent bicycle driver who has established her routines of independence so well she is almost ready to clean her room. Or so we dream. But, the pride and gratitude for our students -who are clearly ready for me to retire from the Academy-is abundant.

Hopefully we can get our awards night, spring concert and field day information out to the school community as soon as I can get the lawn mowed and yard waste picked up. As the end of the year flies by faster than Wally can chase down cars that excite him, we are balancing our newfound independence with reminders to stay balanced. And responsible. The school committee did NOT approve the extra custodians so the Real Boss and I are concerned that power habits of picking up dishes and clothes will go by the wayside as students celebrate and take over the town of Danvers. First things first, I like to say. Mostly to myself as no one stays in the room long enough to listen to me- but hey I am used to that. Heck, I have been a teacher or administrator for over 25 years without anyone listening to me. (That’s partly me just pretending to be humble).

Anyway- short post today, the weather is summer like. The students are flexing independence and the Real Boss smells summer vacation. Principal Donadoni will soon be relegated to walking the dog and twiddling his thumbs- or if all else fails he can start a blog and write about it all. Oh wait. We did that. Any other ideas for a proud principal with time on his hands?

Have an amazing Memorial Day weekend. I know where Wally and I will be. Who knows where the free-range students will be, but if you see them please let them know the trash needs to go out and the floors swept.

Thanks for Coming!