A Year in Maplewood

Last year's principal had a bad habit of allowing teachers to injure children; she was placed on "temporary" leave, then she sort of disappeared. No update seems to be forthcoming.

The "interim" principal is a charming narcissist; he makes me think of the irascible mayor in Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Let's say his name is Dennis. He recently hosted a winter concert.

"When I, Dennis, first entered this building," he said, "we were all looking at a different landscape. No one had ever used the auditorium. I am humbled to present the first--first of many!--Maplewood multimedia events in this space."

Katy Perry drifted in, from the wings. Do you ever feel....like a plastic bag? You just gotta ignite....the night....and let it shine!

"I want you to know," said Dennis, "that all seats are meant to be filled. If there is a lone empty seat separating you from your neighbor, I ask you to slide down--immediately."

"This is about the children," Dennis added. "I told the teachers to draft a vision, and then I stepped aside. I'm just as excited as you are--right now--to see what everyone invented. I invite you to admire the decorative handprints on the walls...."

Being nicer than I am, my spouse drafted and sent a kind "thank you" note; the response made me chuckle...

I was out ill....please pardon the delay.

I'm thrilled you enjoyed it! I was backstage supporting behind the scenes work....but I did have a moment to see some performances....

I'm happy the show was a success!

I'm delighted Josh had fun up there!

With equity and access....

Dennis

People speculate that Gretchen Whitmer could seize the throne from Joe Biden--but I'm wondering about my child's principal....

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