February Newsletter
Dear Friends of the Academy of Performing Arts and Fitness, The students of the Academy are flourishing in their spaces. The melodious saxophone coupled with the percussion provided by the sound of weights dropping (detonating TNT?) in the basement, make me happy. Special thanks to the family that donated the boxing equipment so now all …. Read More
What Wally Wants
I know what your thinking. we want more Wally! How does he like the new castle? Has he figured out how to use the doggie door?) NO! Has he found the river? Where does he go to the bathroom now? (He loves my friend John’s front garden of Eden). Most of all, is he as …. Read More
Happy 50th!- “DO NOW”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wombmate. No, that was not a typo. She has known me longer than even the original Mr. and Mrs. Donadoni the OG’s. AKA the original generation. They were founded in 1970, and established an amazing union that brought about the Twins and baby Joey. But they still haven’t known me as …. Read More
A New Year’s Lesson
From the desk of this humble teacher, I found a small note. And that note has made all the difference in my life. Let me share it with the world. Thank you to all who let me see it as clearly as I could. Please teachers listen carefully. Listen to what the children want. Get …. Read More
The Italians from MY North End
As you can see, the blog is now a perfect place for me. As the giver of gifts I now have a place to share the ones I have been given over time. I even might tell you about them as I rhyme. Because all of the people I have met are connected to me …. Read More
The Gift
I was looking for a long time for this one. I searched many places and was many things. I have driven buses, coached in basketball tournaments in foreign lands, traveled to the rich and famous in Newport, RI, slept in NYC train stations and even a Syracuse train station- don’t tell Mom. I looked under …. Read More
The Real Estate Lady- Another Gift
Ok. Her name is Maureen. And the Special Teacher, me, met her and fell wildly into a productive work relationship, madly in love with helping kids. At the time I was a Special Administrator working with the Special Team. But, this woman was truly the backbone of my operation. Like many work wives who have …. Read More
The Greatest Gift
I got it. I finally got it. And for that I am incredibly grateful. You see, the longer I struggled to find the good and the positive, and found only gloom and doom, the worse my vision got. Suddenly, the more I grumbled about the things I could not do, the more miserable I became. …. Read More
Reflections of a School Leader (Family Style)
Now that Christmas has passed, I have many thoughts and reflections to share from the viewpoint of a school leader that I need to share. Just remember, everything I do serves a purpose. Trust me. I know what I am doing. And I am infinitely aware of the places of pain and suffering that I …. Read More
Christmas Eve in the Castle
All through the castle not a sound was heard Wally had already dropped his morning turd. Not a creature was stirring, not even Charlie the Mouse who we left behind at the old house. Here in the Castle all was well with flowers and friends and family and even a Christmas bell. People will be …. Read More
