We’re midway through June as I come back to blog after a brief break.  Closing out this school year is hopefully one for the record books.  We finished with a graduation ceremony like no other in which families entered our stadium and received a personal, intimate recognition individually.  We did this for 3 straight days from sun up to nearly sun down to accommodate the more than 1,800 graduates.  I have sock lines as proof and it is arguably one of the coolest and memorable school events of my career.  My neighbor and friend is our assistant athletic director and he was tasked with driving the Formula None golf cart that led families into our stadium.  He was a task master but in all seriousness our coaches collectively made this event successful hands down.  I brag on teachers often for good reason but if you know a coach, send praise to that person as well.

Last week I hosted a working lunch at my house for my staff.  After about 5 minutes of observance I quickly figured out we just needed to enjoy our time together.  I had an agenda prepared and linked info included but I understood what was in the cards.  For most of the group the luncheon provided a F2F connection after nearly a 3 month absence.  Your first food for thought is coworkers (remember them always).

All expressions around the pandemic seem cliché so I’ll share something different instead.  My wife’s birthday is today and I was shopping for the next greatest wow factor gift on the travel sites.  What I found was ‘Cooking with Grandma’ or specifically Chiara and Nonna.  I invited some dear friends of ours over and on Sunday late morning our time my wife and friend learned via Zoom how to make cannelloni from a grandmother and granddaughter over 5,500 miles away.   I had my youngest set up the TV’s so me and my wife’s hubby guest who was not cooking could watch while they went through the class.  What a remarkable experience.  Timely and worldly and calming.  More food for thought.

And then I read this gem as a final food for thought – leave it to folks in the northwest to flush out such an idea.  As I understand the read, local merchants wanted to help local residents so they created a local currency – check out the article!  It’s a reminder on being a good neighbor and what that might mean.

I don’t like working from home – I like people.  I don’t speak frequently but I’m always listening (or reserving judgement as a boss once said).  Ironically I present often and speak with a presentation.  I’ve watched two school-aged kids over 50 instructional days adapt and struggle – if you’re a teacher thank you.  If you’re an administrator thanks too – I give you my Geoffrey and Alex in full confidence every day.