Dear Friends and Important Families of the Donadoni Academy and of course- anyone who will listen,

Thank you for listening (reading) and or Coming! As we like to say. This is the most important season for our schools and most importantly for our children. Remember the children are our future. We must believe in them unconditionally- at all times. Even when it gets hard- especially in March. Trust me. Beware of the Ides of March. Stay vigilant.

But remember to stay grateful and positive and do not let others see your pain and suffering as you work harder than ever to prepare the children. Grace under Fire is a helpful trait. See- the children are the most important thing. And every thing we do is to teach them well. If we are struggling with stress or anxiety- most of the time it comes down to our lack of faith. Faith in the children and faith in our own abilities to help them. This is the most common mistake we can make. But also the most important piece of the puzzle. So please pay attention and put down your Wordle. The words are right here.

In order for us to know how we are doing as a community and a school, the MCAS (whether we want to like it or not, listen to it or not) will give us some answers and data for one reason only. To help the children. And that is why we go to work every day at the Academy and in Life. We don’t have to like it. We just have to listen to it. (Lucy told me that a few thousand times). And see what the data says. Good teachers always look at their formative data, to see how the children are doing. I hope someday to become a good teacher. Thank God for Good Deans too. Right now I need improvement. Literally and figuratively. But soon the ones who really count will know that I am doing ok. The ones who don’t believe in me yet- they will come aboard. Trust me. They always do. Eventually. Just not at the same time. It’s why I am patient. You know what I mean? And sit down in the boat, you don’t want to rock it. Just be patient. Your time will come. So just remember, The MCAS is just our collective summative Conscience. Nothing more and nothing less. It is nothing to fear. Fear will get in the way. And we can’t be stopped. Too much to do. I have things to get done, so get out of my way. In a nice way. I will listen to you if you listen to me. Ok? It is the ONLY way for us to truly have the things we want. And things we want we can get. If we stay on the right path.

When the children do not listen to the teachers, and the teachers lose faith in the children as a result- the answer lies in ourselves. Look at what you are doing. Examine your conscience and your lesson plans for ways to overcome your lack of faith and continue to strive for perfection in your attitude and preparation. Lesson plans do matter. We do need evidence of our faith so that the children will believe.

The best way to get all of us to believe that the children can and will, is to practice our faith in them. Make every move you make a step in the direction towards building the children up, and letting them see how faith in themselves will lead to greater light and opportunity.

Thank you for listening to the message. The title was only an attention grabber. Nothing more and nothing less. But do tell Eva the bins are coming. I know this seems serious, but that’s because this is a serious time of preparation. Eva really, really tried to teach me to be serious at school even after all the teachers I had failed. I hope they see me now. And right now, I am trying to show that I am learning the lesson of restraint in my expression. As my teachers told me, there is a time and a place for everything. Just listen to them. There is always a Right Time and a Right Place.

I am here if you need help keeping faith too- it’s what I do. I have been to places where the only thing I ever had was my faith in the children, and that has always been what pulled me through to the other side. I have tried desperately at times to keep the faith in myself too, which is why sometimes I look cocky. And sometimes I am sad and frustrated. But I am always ok. And I am alway sure. And I always have the words to help. That is my gift. What is yours? I hope you find it and treasure it as much as I do. It is why I talk too much. So bear with me. It can be a roller-coaster ride. I think the white knuckles have accelerated my arthritis, but I am not here to complain. I learned that lesson. People don’t listen if you complain. Get it?

I am thankful the Real Boss and My Twin have helped me believe in me so I can help you too. I wish I had a nickel for every time they told me I talk too much. If I do it right- my daughter won’t have to tell me anymore either. Of course, let her know I see that she can do it too if she listens first. Even when it’s not easy. But when I am on the right path, I listen to the women in my life, in case my timing is off. That is why I know they are always right. My mom too has that gift of knowing, but I struggle to listen to her. Just ask her. That’s what my other most important women give to me- sort of like my regulators if you know what I mean. Thank God for Baby Joe who has given me the opportunity to practice my faith in more ways than one. Sometimes, he doesn’t he even know it. So now we can be stronger together as well. Does that make sense? It is about the family. After faith.

I only want to help. Trust me. That is not overconfidence. It is just my flaw of lack of humility. But I am getting better. Most of the time. As long as I have a place to be heard, I will be whole. When I am safe and on terra firma, I can slay the evil that exists in all its forms. Even when my my body is weak. My Spirit and my Will-ing are strong. That’s just my faith talking. Not my overconfidence. Or mania. Or too much testosterone (hence baldness). Or any drugs or alcohol. This is important for clarity. Just me. Being me. You know what I mean? It is just how I live the dream. And the Real Boss and I can help you reach your dreams too. We just want to help.

I hope that makes sense. It is a simple literal message that requires incredible strength to carry out. But I know we all have that faith, because I have seen how strong we can be. Strong as in like bull, and strong as in like our collective faith in humanity and each other will lead us to light. Strong. Not useless like the screen door on my submarine. That doesn’t make sense. Does it? Sound exquisite, but it isn’t. Faith can shine like a diamond. It’s why I took out a loan and sought Joan for help- to buy a nice one for my Real Boss. She was worth every penny. Do you agree?

She does- trust me. So does my family. They trust her. And they know she will help me keep finding the light, even when I cannot literally see. Or walk. Trust me we have been down that road too. Together. It is always easier together. Like walking the dog. Two make it easier. And Special. Especially when I can’t find the light. Switch or street lamp. Speaking of light, I give special thanks to all the lights that people have kept on in their hearts for me so that I had the courage to write this letter. Lucy is a bright light too that Kerry showed me…not just a desk lamp. Trust me- I can always hear her coming. She is bright. And you know she’s coming. Did I say that already?

Teachers and administrators would do well to heed this advice. When parents and caregivers listen and apply the message, the children benefit. And that is why we do what we do. Right?

Thanks for Coming, and thanks for having faith in me and the Academy. We will continue to shine our light bright for our friends and family and anyone who needs the light. I would be remiss if I didn’t tell Lucy and my dream team from EHS a special thanks for continuing to build my foundation in faith to help my own children see the way. Glad I got out of there when I did- timing is everything. Thank you to those who made it happen. Even if it was hard at the time.

I look back at all the special teams I was a part of and realize what made them special was the sense of family. With a strong family- whatever form it takes in your life, you will have a foundation for your faith. Thank you to Cluster 3, Freshmen Academy, Saugus Nation, and to the characters of Kildonan by Poughkeepsie, my Danvers Fathers of Handsome Young Men and (Women, because equality is important); your belief in family values held my faith in good stead until I came to the Garden of Eden by the River to build my castle.

Phew, I know this was longer than I intended. It usually is. If you have seen me speak publicly, especially to the children- you know I can go on forever. I love it. I always have. Let me speak to the children and I am filled with passion to help. And too many words. So I get that jumbled up sometimes…just my enthusiasm. That’s all. But I need you all to listen too- just a bit longer…just in a letter so I won’t stray from the important tasks at hand. Thank God for the teachers that have helped me keep my attention on what is important when I didn’t have control of my impulses or words that fly out of my mouth and still do. Staff meetings are hard for me. Ask anyone who knows.

That is why today, I am just writing a letter. I can keep it shorter. Hopefully. Maybe even more focused. My ADD seems to be in check. I hope. Read and reflect- but never REPLY ALL. And as always I appreciate your patience. Keep smiling. It is after all, the Lord’s Day today and I really, really need time to rest.

I know it doesn’t matter what else you may believe in, but for me Keeping the Faith and Walking Wally with One Eye, One Arm and One Leg can be exhausting. Why does gas and everything else cost the same arm and a leg? At least I have the The Right Side of my body in order to see. Not literally- my left eye actually does all the talking. I mean seeing. (btw I am down to One Leg because I tripped over a laundry basket I did not see- another story for another time, but it’ll be fine). And I know what I have to do. And wherever I go, no matter how stormy the seas are, I know I will get there. Because I have the faith. And lots of family to keep it that way.

So, now you know the road I am on. And I hope you know the roads you have to travel will best be traveled with faith and family. Friends will help. Believe me I know. You need more than what you think- all the time. So that is why you listen to your father and listen to your mother and listen to your conscience to know what to do. Be careful when you listen to other people who think they know. They may not have the faith you need to be strong. And your faith is more important than their perspective. Perspectives can provide a better picture of what you need to see, always be careful to trust in yourself the most…If you have your faith.

When you have to sing in the shower, “What Shall I Do?”- you will hear the words that you need- remember to keep the faith. Nothing more, nothing less. My first teachers told me it wouldn’t be easy, but that I would always know the Right Way. Even when I could not see. Be amazing. Grace can help, ask my niece. That is her name. She is special. Help us help her keep the faith so she can shine her light as bright as it needs to be for other people to see too. Let Janice know. If Jim is in from the shed, heck ask him too. Love Cammy- she needs extra too. Maybe we will get lucky and Grace will come to school up north. And visit the castle. It’s what it is here for. Plenty of spaces. We have a bedroom for her if she needs a place to stay. Having Grace helps us stay amazing to keep the faith. We’d love to help take care of Grace and give her what she may need too. When she is ready of course. You know how teenagers can be. They think they know everything. But we have to believe in them so they will keep their faith. You think it’s easy? Ask my father. Or Father-in Law. Timing is everything.

Do you understand now? I hope so. In fact, I know you do. Because your faith comes from a place higher than us. And that is how you will always know what to do. Even if it is not what you want to do. Follow the path, keep the faith, and the light gets brighter. That is where your best life comes in. If for some reason, you don’t believe me, ask some of my friends, or better yet anyone of my “families”. They will tell you. This I know. That is why I keep them around.

This may sound corny, but I thought a letter to you all would be the best way to convey the messages in my heart. People have told me to use the right words. And not too many. As a comedian, I think everything is funny. But it really isn’t. As a visually impaired seer of many things others cannot, I lose my patience sometimes, okay- often. But when I do, I seek forgiveness. Thanks for your mercy- especially all of my former teachers. And co-teachers wherever you are. But you need that. Patience is a virtue after all. Glad Lori and Colleen had it in spades. I think my new ones have it too. I am a lucky guy. That’s what Steph D tells me every time I see her. Got to see her the other day. Right church. Wrong Pew. But Phew, it was good to see her. I hope Danny appreciates her as much as I do.

My friends and family have taught me to “stop talking” and God knows Sister Joan told me a million times to “pay attention” as I lost my way. But now, as a special educator I usually know the best way to deliver a message. You can take my wife. Not literally. But she is one too. So she can help as much as me. We both know that identifying your need, and applying faith in yourself is the answer to achievement. In all things. This, WE know. And we appreciate all of your roles, because you all knew the goal as well as we do- teach the children well. Believe in them. No matter what. All of the time. Even when it hurts. And everyone hurts sometimes. But this too shall pass. Now- remember also that timing is everything. So, that is why a decision can take time. But when you have made the right decision and are on the right path, like we are- your ship will come in. I promise. No matter how stormy the seas were. Even if your pants are too tight. You know, like the scene in Caddyshack. (Stay on topic Bill).

My father always told me to slow down and listen to the words. He taught me that it didn’t ever matter how stormy the seas were- he just wanted to know if I got there. Hey dad, I am getting there. But it is never easy. This I know. Mom reminds me we all have our burdens to carry ya know. Just pick up The Weights and your clothes and dirty dishes of life- and Keep Smiling. It is all we can do. Thanks Rich for the words.

Just sayin’. See- I don’t always have all the words. But at the right time. I always have the right ones to say. And I have listened to others for the words to know. If I pay attention and stay focused I even know when the right time and place is to share them. Mostly.

Again- thanks for letting me talk too much upon occasion. Sometimes, in my heart, I know it is the right thing to do, even if you all tell me to stop. But, believe in me- I hear you. See, I stopped. But only, when the time is RIGHT. And I am confident you understand. Then I will stop. See what I mean? Until then, I will continue to grow and talk and learn some more. I will make mistakes. But everyone does. Just own your actions and keep moving. It helps to be kind. You will get there. We always do.

Good writing starts with good listening. And then you have faith and trust in the process. Even if it takes 37 years to get the first lesson. Trust me. This I know. Ask my friends who have been there. Location is everything. And they have all been there. In good times and bad. Thanks for Coming- I hope you will join me.

In closing this letter, I thank you for your time and patience. Your cooperation is a critical piece of collaboration. Use your two ears, so that you can Lead with your Heart. And people will see. We can do this. We can Make MCAS our opportunity to shine this spring. I can see the sign on the wall of the OLD MARSHALL- MCAS- My Chance At Success. Silly but true. I may even get an Easter bonnet for our family Easter picture, but don’t tell the Real Boss that it’s for me- she likes us to look good. You know what I mean? I think my Vineyard Vines sweaters are shrinking but that is just me and my problem. Not yours. But she is right. I need to check myself in the mirror once in awhile to do more than tell myself how much better looking I am today than I was yesterday…it’s just growth. And I like that. See what I mean? I do tend to think I am a handsome young man after all.

Thank God I have friends and family who have given me all these words you see (quite literally) as well as the spaces to lead and share. Your patience is overwhelming. Your kindness necessary and appreciated. Good luck this spring. I will be thinking of you all. I hope Omar reads this and lets me know he knows his example is powerful for us all. May your dream teams help you conquer the the beasts. You will get there. I believe in you. All of the time. Unconditionally. Just keep rowing.

Thanks for Coming!