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Dad Diary

 I've learned to love the head of my daughter's school, who holds nothing back. She shoots from the hip. You know you're getting the truth.


For example, she handled a recent staffing crisis with this blunt email, to parents:

Your child's co-teacher quit unexpectedly today, in the middle of the day. She just walked out of the building. The kids didn't notice, and I will be doing interviews over the weekend....

I'm certain if I, personally, were "finessing" this turn of events, I would opt for evasive language, which would only make people more curious (and curious in a pushy way). But the principal's email seems to say: "You can figure out the subtext. Please don't bother me. Everything will be fine."

Or, something from last week:

We had an earthquake today; we went to our designated safe space. The kids didn't notice. Then, normal activities resumed.

I can't help but compare this with my son's principal, who sent eight emails about the earthquake (some were duplicates). My favorite is below:

I wanted to take a moment to send a separate personalized communication regarding today's earthquake. Please be advised that immediately, and almost simultaneously during this event, I called a code yellow for everyone to shelter in place while I assessed any potential damage due to the occurrence. I also personally visited each class throughout the code yellow to ensure all students and staff were safe; and that all students were OK emotionally. Our support staff (Preschool Instructional Coaches, Preschool Intervention Specialists, and Preschool Social Worker) were also deployed to assist me in my efforts and aid our staff to ensure we were able to meet the needs of all students on an individual level as needed. 

Your children are in my care and among the youngest and most vulnerable learners. Therefore, in circumstances like these, I truly believe it's important for me to also connect with my families to help eliminate or ease any angst you too may have experienced during this time. Please know that one of my top priorities continues to be the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff. As such, I appreciate everyone for allowing me the opportunity to prioritize them by making a full assessment and following up with you accordingly.

I'm pleased to share that all of our students are safe, and would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone here at school for their attention and unwavering support.

Please feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions or concerns.


Almost simultaneously-with-the-geological-event--i.e. while the five-second earthquake occurred--those students were ordered to freeze. 

Do my children appreciate that they are living in an episode of "The Simpsons"? I think they might actually realize this. Sometimes, my daughter becomes impatient with my lunacy; she gives me a solemn stare, and she says, "Knock it off."

We're all doing the best we can.

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