It's Elementary (School)...My Dear Watson

 So, gentle reader, your humble author hasn't addressed the biggest change I've experienced in many years.  This past fall I changed jobs, and moved from being a middle school principal to going to elementary as a principal.  Many people have asked why, and although I've perfected my elevator speech of why I made the switch, the answer, like life and Ikea directions, is much more complicated. 

The six years I spent at the middle school level were some of the most challenging and most rewarding in my career.  Middle school is a challenging place for students, teachers, parents, and administrators even when all is working well. Throwing in six years of construction and moving from a 7th/8th grade to a 6th/7th/8th grade and subsequently 1/3 more staff to hire and 450 more students, makes for an exhausting work environment. To be sure, I learned so much and feel I could probably at this point be a construction manager if needed.  

I made a promise when taking the job that I would finish out the conversion and construction.  The promise was to our HR person at the time but really the promise was as much to myself as to anybody else. Those that are closest to me know that when I set a challnege I am compelled to meet it, even when the timeline shifted from 4 years to 6 years. Some say this is an admirable trait, I think it is an annoying character flaw fraught with opportunities to ignore my own self interest as well as the interest of those around me. This challenge is something a younger version of myself as an ambitious young administrator would've relished.  

After six years I know that there was much good that happened under my leadership. I know that the culture of the school shifted from a dysfunctional, bitter, and disaffected group of teachers to a positive climate where people wanted to be. Some of this is was due to me, some due to several exceptional staff members  and some was due to a bevy of well timed retirements that opened the door for new people.  I'm very grateful to all of the people that helped create a vision and put in the blood swea tand tears needed to change the culture of the school. There were so many people that sustained me over these six years with encouragement, help, and downright hard work.  We all can be exceptionally proud of all the work that happened at Centerville over the past six years and quite frankly the new building itself is quite stunning. 

The timing for leaving was right. As a third of the staff turned over, the staff was ready for a new leader to come in and reenvision the school from a junior high to a middle school.  New systems were needed to be put in place and a new leader needed to break from "the way things were done"at Centerville. But really, this makes me seem alot more altruistic than I feel.

There was a time when I wanted to be a superintendent come hell or high water. I clearly saw my career path as clearly as if it were on Google Maps. Destination typed in with stops along the way and a timeline as well, Directorship (something I did do), Associate Superintendent (of Curriculum and Instruction), Superintendent of a small district, then medium, and dare I say it a large district. All in the name of doing  what is right for kids. This road map didn;t come to pass. 

The realization quickly came that it is more difficult to do what's right for kids the higher in the heirarchy you ascend. Superintendents, to be effective, must be excellent politicians, and although Im not a bad politician it is not my true calling. I am not implying that superintendents can't do what's good for children, in fact they do, but at times it seems necessary to toss aside one's values to meet a greater goal, to acheive that higher purpose.  

Why bring this into the picture, it is because when I was the principal of Centerville, I didn't always like who I was.  I found myself having to fight with construction workers to ensure student safety, ignoring the concerns of a coworker, tell a white lie to a colleague or to a parent, or put aside the needs of our most vulnerable students for expediency (never fear gentle reader, not enough to  actually harm a sudent but sometimes making decisions where equity was not my core principle). Compromising my values happened with a frequnecy with which I was becoming uncomfortable. 

The one place I felt that I could do work that was an expression of my values was as an elementary principal. So, I took the pay cut and applied for an elementary position less than a mile from the middle school. This past fall I started at a high performing elementary school with 780 students. 

How's it going, you may ask, genlte reader? One might expect that magically all of the stress and trauma from the last six years would magically disappear, but again that's not how life works.  Coupled with the school stressors has been construction at home woes, a whole different story, only mentioned due to the amount of stress that has casued as well.  Having spent alot of my time over the past six years in various modes of crisis, my response to issues and my emotional state were often from a crisis frame of reference.   I'm having to unlearn that response. I don't mean to lessen true forms of PTSD, but after six years I think I'm experiencing a mild form.  I often make professional and personal decisions that range from not in my best self interest to downright destructive. 

The difficult part is that living in this mode one creates a shield around emotions. I spoke with a high school colleague once when his school was experiencing a crisis and I asked how he was doing, he said, "You know you do this job long enough you get really numb to this stuff." The disconnect for me is that I often feel numb in crisis, good decision making must come from a rationale place, but elementary school teachers and staff are steeped in empathy.  It's a framework I'm working my way back towards.  

I know I'm in the short rows of my career. In these last few years I want to do good for our most vulnerable students and quite frankly for all of our students.  I believe I can do so at this particular elementary before my career ends. On the verge of my sixtieth brithday it is becoming much more important to me to keep true to my values and principles, and get back to the better version of myself, the higher version of myself. 

This definitly isn't the elevator speech version of why I moved back to elementary, but hopefully, gentle reader, you have a good understanding of where my head is at...I'm not sure I do...

A Humbling Half Dome Summit

1:30 AM and our team is struggling to get up to be at the trailhead early enough to complete the Half Dome hike…the largest and longest hike I have ever tried to complete.  We began our hike up to Half Dome around 3:45AM on July 9th…no…that’s not accurate we actually started this hike last year even before securing a permit. Hiking Half Dome edged its way into my consciousness as a goal which soon evolved into a pilgrimage, Conquering Half Dome grew in importance the more the idea rooted in my brain. After enlisting three other willing participants (James, Ivan, and Anand) we started to train in earnest by finding hikes in the area with successively higher mileage and elevation. Following are a few of our training hikes.

Mt. Diablo, March, 6.2 miles, 1500 feet elev. gain. 

Beautiful views!

Mission Peak, Fremont, Einer joined Anand and I for his first hike ever. He did an excellent job (although he has not joined us since, lol).

Another Diablo hike. 

Lands end San Francisco...a 6 mile short hike turned into a ten mile adventure...little elevation but the most incredible San Francisco views available.  

The bridge from about five miles away, yes, we did an out and back to the bridge. 

Pinnacles National Park...13 miles and 3100 feet of elevation,  Very hot day...

Other worldly rock formations...

Mt. Tam in Marin...11.7 Miles, and 2000 Feet of elevation. 

Good views with good friends.

James and Ivan looking like an REI advertisement. 

So, back to the morning we started. We were staying about an hour outside the park, thus the exceptionally early wake up call and the early start. A quick photo and we were off. The first third of the hike is the steepest…traversing this in the dark was annoying but the first part, while still dark, was a well developed (mostly paved) path. The theme of most of the day would be “Just keep going up…” 

2AM and I must be crazy...Here we are with our wildly under estimated expectations.  

We all experienced challenges during the hike including dehydration, exhaustion, hunger, and aches and pains, and that was just getting from the parking lot to the trailhead (gnuck, gnuck).

Along the way one of our party experienced dehydration and nausea pretty early on but decided to soldier on…this is not surprising as Yosemite was experiencing exceptionally high temperatures compared to typical temps at this time of year…it’s also not surprising that the choice was to continue when not feeling well. The prep time put into this hike was significant and something as annoying as dehydration and nausea wasn’t going to waylay anyone. (Fear not gentle reader, he did end up feeling better and summiting Half Dome). 

The true purpose of a pilgrimage lies not in the destination but in the journey. There is something comforting knowing your only purpose is to put one foot in front of the other, keep trudging forward, and along the way beautiful and inspiring views provide the motivation to get to the destination.  

Just after the first three very steep miles, we were deposited at the top of Nevada Falls. An absolutely beautiful and humbling force of nature reminding us of our insignificance when confronted by Mother Nature. One feels humbled hearing the rushing water, feeling the spray as we passed over the bridge, and watching the massive amounts of water racing down the cliff face. 

This is the last place to refill water with the river water before a veritable dearth of water sources for the rest of the trip. We did not refill…yes…this is foreshadowing. 

As the miles passed ever so slowly toward the actual destination, the spirit wanes. Closest to Half Dome, the route becomes steep again, not quite as steep as the first three miles, but during the first three miles one has the energy and the stamina for the challenge. One of us slowed us up during this portion…an older devilish gentleman with a sunny disposition…yes, it was me…despite our training and preparations, the heat and the elevation posed challenge as my breathing became labored and it was slow going. My hiking companions were incredibly supportive

We eventually made it to the base of the sub Dome. The sub dome is a short distance but a very steep climb. Lots of switchbacks and granite steps with absolutely no shade. Many people feel the sub dome is worse than the cables. I got half way up the sub dome and decided that this s where m journey ends. I not only ran out of steam but had trouble with my asthma due to the elevations and quite frankly couldn't imagine views any more beautiful than the views on the journey up. I decided to turn back to the base of the sub dome. 

All the others did summit and had exciting adventures to tell. As for me, I sat at the base of the sub dome waiting with several other mid to late fifties guys that also decided not to summit. Al I disappointed? A little but honestly the transformative nature of the journey itself is really enough for me. In a younger day, my pride would not have let me turn back so close to the top. As we hiked back, James said that he thought it took real wisdom to make that decision.

A video view of the sub dome ascent. (I made it about half way up and decided to not ascend.) 

Minimal shade up the sub dome and when at the top of the sub dome takes its toll.

Getting closer. 

View of the cables as the guys start to ascend. 

Summiting Half Dome is daunting but by all accounts an incredible experience. 

The triplets at the top of Half dome, Enjoying the view and the camaraderie. 

Video view from the top. 

I'm not sure if it takes wisdom, but my victory was in the training, my victory was in getting to Half dome in the first place, my victory was in the journey.  We can all point to that elderly person in their mid to late seventies that is summiting every mountain they can. We can also point to way more mid fifties people that would never attempt this in the first place. I think the real wisdom is in the training and preparing. The real wisdom is when push comes to shove to know my limits, and to not let my ego stand in the way of actually enjoying the journey.  

I also know that I can do this again now that I have a better knowledge of the adventure. Lessons learned include ensuring there is enough water in my bag, packing food that isn't easily crushed (my sando was pulverized by the heat), pick a date not during the hottest week of the year, and make it a two day trip with a stay overnight.

The trip back to the parking lot seemed longer even though the distance was exactly the same. Tired, hungry, dehydrated and sore, the only thing caring us forward was the high of the accomplishment.

I am grateful to our hiking group. We all had moments of weakness and challenges on this hike. The group decided that I was still part of the summit club even though I only did the pre-summit. It is overly generous of them but I'm taking the victory. 

Our Half Dome Summit Club T-shirts! 

Rusty had dinner ready when we eventually got back to the air bnb. He cooked a wonderful meal and we ate heartily and drank tons of liquids.  It was midnight before we finished. The day ended up to be 22 1/2 hours long in the end bot what a day it was!

So now for the stats, we hiked 16 plus miles, actually hiking time 16 hours (but were out on the trail for 18 hours), and conquered over 4800 feet of elevation. This is the longest and steepest hike I have ever accomplished. I am very proud of my hiking group and proud of myself as well. Accomplishing these adventures provides me the confidence to face the challenges in my life. I am always humbled by momma nature, she'll kick pappi's ass each and every time. 

The best part was coming home to a Yosiell original commemorating the event. 

I hardly had come off the mountain before someone asked me, "What's next?" I'm not sure gentle reader, but I know what ever it is I will conquer it like a badass! 

A few more photos from this trip taken in the days leading up to our actual hike to remind everyone of the true beauty that is Yosemite. 

First day in the valley with an incredible view. 

Half Dome in the distance taunting us. 

So many falls in Yosemite, they never get old, 

The view from Glacier Point. Amazing. Awesome to share with a good friend. 

Glacier Point again. 

Another view from Glacier Point - the beast in the background. 

Anand looking ready for the hike. 

Postcard worthy. 

Another REI Ad ready for print. 

And with that gentle reader the Yosemite trip was over too soon. I have fully recovered and feel stronger and ready to start the school year. 

Of Mass-holes and Free Stuff

 Puxsatawny Phil (our National Ground Hog, yes, there is such a thing) predicted an early spring on Ground Hog's Day this year but somehow Massachussettes didn't get the message. We started our Spring Break trip in Northampton, Mass., a quaint small town with oodles of charm. The main industry here is Smith College, which boasts notable alums Sylvia Plath and Gloria Steinem, amongst others.  It's a bit of a sleepy town which rolls up the sidewalks at 8:30PM. There is also a strong lesbian and non gender conforming population here, upping the coolness factor substantially. One of the purposes for coming here was to assess whether this is a good retirement spot, and although it checks off a few boxes, unfortunately it is too small of a town without alot of the amenities needed for a happy retirement for us at least.  

Northampton Town Hall 

As many of you know, I'm finally trying to make the switch back to elementary school after nine years in middle school. Although it is less money and I do love middle school, it is where I truly feel the most at home.  Given that, the universe seems to be encouraging me on, or at least I'm taking it as a sign, when we stumbled upon a gallery that sells art from many different children's authors. Before moving to middle school I had quite a collection of children's books and have always been drawn to the art work. 

OK, Elementary teacher nerds...yes, these are Eric Carle pieces. And yes they are priced way outside an Elementary Teacher's price range - or Elementary Principal for that matter. 

A statue of Where the Wild Things Are. (Maurice Sendak)

What children's author artwork is complete without Dr. Seuss. 

Dr. Seuss again, such fun whimsy. 

A whole wall of Seuss originals. 

After the amuse bouche that was Northampton, we decided to drive an hour north to see the Norman Rockwell Museum before heading to Boston. I've never been a fan of Norman Rockwell. I've always considered his brand of art whimsical Americana constantly reminiscing to a past that never truly was. After seeing Leyendecker's work (an artist that heavily influenced Rockwell) I felt the pieces in this museum were more like an old worn comfortable slipper where Leyendecker's work was a bit edgier. As an aside, Rockwell was famous for Saturday Evening Post covers but Leyendecker actually did more - by just one or two I think. At the museum there are several pieces that are very powerful and have very strong political sentiments and had to change my opinion of his work somewhat. 

After FDR gave his 1941 State of the Union Four Freedoms Speech (just before the US entered the war), Norman Rockwell used the theme of four freedoms to paint four different art pieces. Each one on its own evokes a feeling but the four together are very powerful.  

Freedom of speech or expression.

Freedom of worship. 

Freedom from want.

Freedom from fear. 

Rockwell also reflected the civil rights movement in his art. A few of these paintings really struck me. 

A commentary on desegregation. In the background of this photo you see neighbors peaking through the curtains certainly not providing a welcome. 

This painting of Ruby Bridges is iconic of course but little known fact, it hung in Obama's office. There was also a painting of the three poll workers murdered in Mississippi that is exceptionally powerful. Unfortunately I did not get a usable photo of it.  

Of course his Saturday Evening Post covers were on display as well filled with the whimsy and reminiscence you would expect. 

A couple using a spirit board. A little bit off brand for him as he was a Christian.

Halloween themed cover. 

OK Universe, you have been sending me signs, but including a show of children's book author Leo Lionni at the Rockwell Museum is a little heavy handed. The show was good. His artwork includes lots of collaged figures. He inspired Eric Carle. Elementary teachers will know him as the author of Frederick (the mouse). 

The World's Biggest House, artwork by Lionni. 

A piece in the book Frederick. 

And finally, in honor of Easter, Let's Make Rabbits. The bunny in this one is super cute. 

A view outside the Rockwell studio (we didn't get to see the inside of it as it wasn't open).

Following the museum, we hoofed it over to Boston. Our entry into Boston was less than ideal. We arrived the same afternoon that UConn was playing their final eight game, Of course our hotel was in the same neighborhood as the stadium and there was a market happening when we arrived. Jut a recipe for disaster. Have no fear gentle reader, Boston is a bit of a redemption story. Our expectations were high for the history and culture and we had high expectations to meet a few Mass-holes...but we were shocked to have exceptionally friendly people (we were also gifted lots of stuff from random retailers and restauranteurs - for example free socks at Johnny Cupcakes, free Boston Creme Pie and Biscuits at the Omni hotel - we got even more free stuff when we went to New Haven).  

Amazing store, gotta love the immersive experience at Johnny Cupcakes. 

The ovens in the background actually open when you receive your purchase and smoke also comes out...mind blown - soooo on brand. 

The entrance/exit to the store. 

Easter Sunday Brunch at Bootleg Special, super cool restaurant design and the best corn bread I've ever had! 

One shouldn't come to Boston without taking the Freedom Trail walk around the town. The walk includes a great deal of historical monuments, buildings and burial grounds. 

The old North Church. of..."One if by land, two if by sea," fame. 

Paul Revere's home...we chose not to tour. 

Paul Revere's grave stone, this is actually a monument and the grave stone is the small stone on the right. 

The site of the first public school in the US. It is now a clever little hopscotch and the actual building has been moved to Harvard. I'm always amazed at how underwhelming different monuments to public education seem to be...this hopscotch is clever but somewhat underwhelming.

A sassy sailor's pose at a monument in the park downtown. Our very own salty sailor, Rusty, striking a poae.

The grave marker to Mother Goose in the Granary burial grounds (although I think the guide book says Mother Goose was most likely an amalgamation of people). 

The Franklin monument at the Granary Burial Grounds. BenFranklin isn't actually buried here, his parents are but I believe Ben Franklin is buried in Philadelphia. 

One of the coolest things we did was tour the USS Constitution. The launch date was 1797. This ship is the oldest still floating ship in the US and is still commissioned in the Navy. 

Alot of crew in a small space. 

Lots of cannons...

Cannons everywhere you look. 

We also did a night tour of Boston to see the ghosts and graveyards,  because...of course we did. Lots of fun stories but no good pictures, The guide reminded me of the Jungle Boat operators at Disneyland filled with interesting facts and super bad jokes, A good time none the less. 

From Boston, we finally made our way to our destination, New Haven, Connecticut, Yosiell's old stomping grounds. New Haven is a very quaint and charming town, also the home of Yale University, 

One of Yosiell's besties, Nicole took us on a hike up to East Rock, a wonderful overlook of New Haven. 

Rusty and Yosiell making the trek, while certainly not avid hikers, they were real troopers.

New Haven and the ocean in the background. Good times. 

Did someone say Pano Trick Photography? Good times people. 

We also stopped at Elm City Games, Yosiell's former band mate Matt and his ex wife and good friend Trish own this wonderfully successful spot. The store boasts game rooms, a gaming library, and retail space. Matt also displays artwork from friends, including very early paintings from Yosiell. 

The gaming library at Elm City Games. Quite the selection. 

This is a model of Elm City Games an ardent fan made. The roof comes off and one can see the layout of the shop. Very cool. 

AYosiell's artwork from the final show before leaving New Haven, hanging up in Matt's shop. 

More artwork a la Yosiell. 

We spent sometime at the Peabody Museum and the Museum of Art...two very well appointed museums with lots of interesting displays. 

The Peabody had lots of interesting fossils and dinosaur skeletons. Your traditional Natural History Museum recently renovated with really good displays, Nicole, dragged us through both of these museums - seriously a kind gesture trying to herd us three cats. 

A dinosaur skull - not the largest by any means, but I thought this looked particularly gruesome. 

A Basquiate...and a pretty good one. 

I'm not sure of the artist but this struck me. 

Ancient Roman groovy hipster, complete with beard and moustache. Even the expression says I'm over this and ready to move on to the next cool thing.  (I expected to see a vaping pen in the display as well as a cup of single source shade grown sustainably sourced coffee). 

Perhaps Kandinsky? Not sure but still a beautiful piece.

The museum had a Munch display and this linocut really impressed me.  Kinda creepy. 

Ganesha in a dance pose....

There is a certain feeling that is bourn from gathering chosen family members that haven't seen each other in quite sometime. That feeling is part nostalgia, part hope, part uncompromising love, and part past regret. The gathering of Yosiell's New Haven chosen family was no different. Such lovely, creative and supportive people. 

What shenanigans are Yosiell and Tom (Drew) up to?...probably contemplating having another slice of mashed potato and bacon pizza. Esther, (Tom's wife) was an absolute delight as we reminisced about North Carolina and the lack of a good biscuit outside of the south.

Phil (Nicole's husband) and Emily (Matt's partner) enjoying New Haven's finest beer and pizza. 

Matt and Nicole wonderful loved ones we didn't get to spend enough time with.  

Rusty bonding with Trish and enjoying her wit and wisdom. 

Well, gentle reader, this spring break trip was filled with history, art, culture, site seeing and friends. The themes of this trip seemed to be children's book authors, and getting free stuff (in new Haven we got a free T-shirt from a restaurant and a free salad from another restaurant). I expected the trip to be filled with Mass-holes and rude North Easterners. Nothing can be further from the truth, we found the people warm and generous and our expectations were shattered. Our thanks to our wonderful hosts, we will miss you Connecticut but will make the trip back very soon.