What Happened in Woodstock Stays in Woodstock

I have worked with five principals in my career… but my principal, Nancy, whom I have worked with for the past seven years, has been and always will be the one that stands out as a shining beacon in my life journey. I love this woman who created a teaching atmosphere that encouraged innovation, collaboration, independence, passion, compassion, fun, laughter, and who has been the ‘wind beneath our wings’ for all of us. She is retiring, which is so sad for me, who will I have to tell me “You do such wonderful things.”? I have won some awards over the past few years (in great part due to her encouragement and support that gave me the confidence and energy to forge ahead), but there is not one placque, grant check, or certificate that can make me glow like a hug and a “you are amazing” from Nancy. How lucky I am to have had her in my life, to guide me in becoming a better teacher and a better person. I will miss her so much. How many principals do YOU know that will get on the loudspeaker to tell everyone to stop what they are doing and go to the windows to look at the first snowflake falling? I know that she has instilled in me a spirit that will always stay with me and I thank her for that and for so much more.

You know, she doesn’t like having her picture taken, she doesn’t like attention drawn to her, she has always preferred to be the quiet pebble that creates the ripples in the water… but yesterday she had to deal with being the center of attention at our school’s graduation when there was a touching and emotional tribute to her. Nancy, you deserve every minute of adoration and I hope, for once, you are reveling in it! I will miss her so…