Category: Education

The New Principal

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It was 3:15 a.m., just like the old days, and I was awake. I was thinking about all I needed to do that day.

I got my workout in early. Just like the old days. I didn’t know what time I would be done with my work and I wanted to make sure I got some exercise in. (I don’t run marathons any longer, but I haven’t stopped working out.)

I grabbed a shirt, and a fun tie, and got dressed, just like the old days.

And I got in my car and drove to a school, to be the principal again.

Just like the old days.

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Getting To (and Giving To) Sesame Street

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I am among the first generation of Sesame Street kids.  I grew up (in a sense) with (and even on) Sesame Street.  Ernie, Bert, Oscar the Grouch, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Kermit the Frog, Bob, Maria, Mr. Hooper, and the others were all a big part of my childhood.  I felt like Sesame Street was part of my suburban neighborhood in northern New Jersey. The characters were my friends, even if I didn’t know them personally.

I learned a lot by watching Sesame Street.  While I credit the wonderful picture book Crash, Bang, Boom for teaching me first how to read, I did learn a lot about the alphabet and numbers, and so much more, from the people, the monsters, and the other characters on Sesame Street.

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Words Matter. Kindness Matters. Love Matters

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Words matter.

Kindness matters.

Love matters.

This evening I received a message, just a few short sentences, that made my day.

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The Greatest School Teacher

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As a school administrator for 27 years, I had the good fortune to see great teaching on a daily basis. I supervised and evaluated some of the best teachers who ever lived. There is something special about a great teacher… a person who can inspire children and bring out the best in them.

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Today I Said Goodbye To The School I Love

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My retirement from public K-12 education began today.

I was fortunate that there weren’t too many people there to see me as I left the building. I must have been a sight to see. A grown man, a guy in his mid-50’s, face full of tears and sadness, walking away from a school… my school; the school I led for 14 wonderful years.

I was, it is, it will always be, a special school – a magical place for kids and adults. It is a magical place even for the principal. It’s a special school, a school defined by caring and love and respect and kindness. It is a school where the teachers truly care about kids. And it is a school where the teachers find and create innovative ways to teach the children.

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Having A Catch With Darryl Strawberry

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Please see my other site, Start Spreading the News, for the story of the day Darryl Strawberry came to my school to have a catch with me.

142 – So Much To Say…

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…so little time.

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It Is NOT About The Pretzels

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Back in simpler times, when people could come in and out of a school, and teachers who are parents and grandparents often brought their children or grandchildren into the building, many would stop by my office to say hello.  I would often give those children a lollypop or a pretzel rod.  Sometimes two.  Or three.  Sometimes a whole handful (of lollypops, at least).   

In regard to the pretzel rods, there were two little children who visited me who thought these were the most delicious snacks they ever had.  They loved those pretzel rods.   

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A Selected List of The Best Books I Read in 2020

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(A copy of this post can also be found at Start Spreading the News.)


I love to read. My goal each year is to read at least 30 books. This year I read 36 books. I am pleased.

When I read, I read. I don’t do audio books. I also don’t read off a kindle or any device. I’m old school. When I read a book, I actually read the actual book.

My reading tastes are somewhat eclectic. The subjects I tend to focus to most on are baseball, history, leadership/motivation, and spirituality. I also usually read a few novels along the way.

What follows are the books that I most enjoyed in 2020. (Not all are about baseball.) These are presented in the order in which I read them.

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Hearts, Not Hands

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The other day I was making a congratulatory video for a great young man about to graduate from medical school.  This soon-to-be doctor is going to be amazing.  He is one of the best young people ever.  I have known him for a long time as I was his principal when he was in middle school.  

Time and life pass too quickly.  I cannot believe he is now almost a doctor.  

One of the special joys and delights of being an educator is seeing the great people your students grow up to be.  I knew this child was going to be very successful.  Even when he was ten-years-old, he was something special.  

As I recorded the short video message, I shared what I hope is the most important advice he receives as he heads off to a successful practice. 

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