Today was my first day as an assistant principal. Today was filled with stress, unexpected events, a few impromptu meetings, a few emotional kids and parents, a few moments when my sweat glands wouldn’t turn off, and a dozen or so learning experiences. All of this was with a third of the student body in the school.
I had memories of my first day of 7th grade at Orem Junior High School in the early 90’s and how difficult those first few days were. The one thing that got me through the first few days were the smiles of the teachers and their excitement to see new students.
I tried my best to smile at every student today and to let them know that our school is a safe place and that I care about them individually. A smile disarms and comforts at the same time. What a powerful tool.