Retirement Day Here at Last

Debby will be retired at the end of the day. She was nervous leaving for work because her staff was putting on a retirement assembly in her honor. She would have been more nervous if she had known I was a surprise guest. Nearly 400 students sat on the gym floor, shepherded by their teachers. Debby's former Assistant Principal was the MC. There was a slide show, several skits, presentations of gifts: a bouquet of roses from hubby, two wooden bird feeders from lower and upper grades group projects (made by parents, decorated by the kids), a clock shaped as an apple with an engraved stand from the parent group, and class books of writings presented from the students in each classroom. Debby gave a brief thank you speech and assured everyone the new principal would be wonderful.

This school has been therapeutic for Debby, and she likewise for it. The kids were all pretty well-behaved, and very loving toward Debby. The staff put in a lot of work to make it a special occasion, and to show their love as well.

Debby as the guest of honor sat in a rocking chair at the front, with school mascot slippers and a box of hankies. Tears were evident on many cheeks. I left with an enhanced sense of community. I saw in every face a bright future. When we do well by our children, the rewards just keep rolling in. Educating can be more than just a job; I know because I saw the passion in the room. The assembly was slow to breakup; so many of the students wanted to come over and give their favorite Principal one last hug.

After dinner, Debby went through the class gift books and read aloud some of the student's messages to her. It was gratifying to hear how many she had personally touched, well over 300 repeated expressions of gratitude for all the not-so-random acts of kindness. Most asked her one last time: "Please don't go". One thanked her for interceding at home, so that the father wouldn't get so angry anymore. Some thanked her for coming out of her office and interacting with them. Many remarked how they appreciated that she never yelled or was mad at them. Some thanked her for believing in them when others said bad things about them. A couple were impressed with what a good "ruler" she was, easily creating calm out of chaos and resolving disputes fairly. Several were thankful they always felt safe at school. Many remarked that she helped them overcome academic difficulties. One said that she now wanted to be a principal when she grew up. The overriding tone throughout was one of true appreciation for being recognized as being worthwhile.

I don't remember any of my Principal's names; I never knew them. These children will remember one of their Principals; they knew her well.

Retirement Recognition

Debby was fêted at her school's holiday party, which doubled as her retirement party. She was very touched at the outpouring of love and admiration from her staff. They wrote her a lengthy humorous poem based very loosely on 'The Night Before Christmas', then gave her a group gift, a Tiffany signature bracelet with heart pendant. Most of the women appreciated the appearance of the blue bag with blue box inside. Debby commented that she had never received a Tiffany gift before. I completed the joke by feigning mortification that she may have felt under-rewarded in the past.

I was impressed that all these teachers seemed to love and respect one another, as they did my wife. It was if they were sisters rather than co-workers. I became even more proud of Debby, for she was responsible for creating the kind of work environment that would foster this sense of camaraderie and teamwork. And this love and energy translated into success for the kids; the school's API increased 41 points last year, the tops in the District by a clear margin. And this week, a 6th grader at the school won the District spelling bee. Debby is going out on a high note.

It is time to retire; the job had become just too hard. The combination of ever increasing mandates flowing down from the District, ever increasing documentation, and ever increasing numbers of disadvantaged and disturbed children from disfunctional families, rendered the job of Principal as 80% social worker, 30% paper pusher, 30% public relations guru, 30% administrator, and 30% educator. That is about 2 persons worth of work rolled into a 1 person job. There was not enough time to do anything well. This is particularly onerous for someone with a perfectionistic outlook.The only things that made it bearable this last year were the work of her dedicated staff, particularly her office manager, and of course, the loving tokens and hugs from so many of her kids and their parents. They have come to appreciate her loving fairness, outreach, and support.

I look forward to seeing more of Debby. And she will have many new part-time opportunities for rewarding people-oriented jobs, come the new year. Retirement will mean yet another of life's new beginnings.

Debby won't miss the stress of her old position. Not even a bit. But her staff will be missed. A lot.