It started with an offhand comment to the students in Ms. Skagerberg’s class. They said I should come spend the day with them. I responded, “Sure! If I want to be the best principal I can be, I need to know what life is really like for you.” I should have known they would actually take me up on it. A few hours later, eighteen second-graders showed up in my office with a hand-written invitation (see picture). How could I refuse? And really, how hard could it be?
Well, I had no idea how much second graders do in one day. Because principal duties could not be completely set aside, I was a little late to class, which earned me a few shocked looks from my classmates. It also meant that I didn’t complete my Power-Up for math and missed some recess to finish it. My classmates were sympathetic, but reminded me how important it was to be on time.
During chant time, I had a hard time keeping up. My classmates knew so much, and I couldn’t even find the right page sometimes. As they helped me, they couldn’t hide the slight looks of disappointment that their principal was not more put together.
The day went by so quickly because we were having so much fun. I knew some answers and got to raise my hand. The looks of pride on my classmates’ faces was a great reward. Also, having Ms. Skagerberg say that I did a good job was fantastic. She is just somebody for whom you want to do your best.
I still had some trouble that day though. I went outside the barriers to retrieve a ball at recess, without a teacher’s permission. I was placed in time out. Yikes! Then I was caught looking at someone’s paper during spelling and texting during math (I bet that was a first for second grade!) Having seen me at the gym, Ms. Skagerberg gave me a personalized consequence: burpees.
By the end of the day, I was exhausted and exhilarated. I learned a lot too. I learned how incredibly capable our young people are for learning and growing with joy. I learned how compassionate they can be for those who need a helping hand. And I learned that all the jobs God calls us to do can be difficult, whether it is a principal or a second grader. No matter what our job, doing our best for God is our greatest reward.
And whatever you do whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Jennifer Cable
Elementary Principal