The All-Star Game matters

Hideki Matsui’s play in the World Series is a clear indication that the All-Star games matters.  The American League has a clear advantage with the designated hitter.  Matt Stairs was unable to make any meaningful difference in Yankee Stadium; the same cannot be said for the Yankee MVP.  Bad knees made him a liability in Citizens Bank Park, unless we needed a pinch hit home run. Hopefully Girardi can manage another American League All Star victory next year, so the Yankees can enjoy the advantage again.  

New Logo

Special thanks to High School Artist Kathy Loughlin for creating the following caricature.  I have never looked better!

MPN caricature

Thank A School Board Member

This week (October 19-23) has been designated School Board Recognition week by Governor Patterson.  It is a time for us to recognize and commend school board members for their dedicated service to the children of Mineola.  Please join me in thanking all five of our school board members.

Sweep and Wait

Is it just me or is anyone else really annoyed that Major League Baseball and the networks didn’t adjust the playoff schedule.  Three out of four teams sweep and now we have no games for three days….

Finding your passion

This summer I read a wonderful book entitled The Element: How finding your passion changes everything, by Sir Kenneth Robinson.  I was so impressed with his message I incorporated it into my opening day address to staff.  This weekend I was able to chat with Sir Ken at the conference I attended in Rochester NY. I find his insight into education and more importantly enjoying life (both professionally and personally) enthralling. His views on school and creativity are equally engaging. Check out his video on youtube:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFubmeHDtII 

Toilet paper belongs in the Bathroom

I would like to begin by saying, as a history major and former social studies teacher I understand the importance of tradition.  But some traditions I just don’t get.  It should not come as a surprise that I don’t like the homecoming tradition of throwing toilet paper in the trees in front of the HS. I didn’t like it as principal and seven years later my mind hasn’t been changed.  I know it is harmless and all in good fun.  I also think it should be replaced with something equally as fun.  But the lack of respect for the building, the custodians, and our neighbors is something that I don’t condone. What do you think?

I agree with the President; school should be year round!

Now that I have your attention, where are the bloggers? I know you are reading the posts, but everyone must be shy.  So here is a topic sure to get some comments.  Should we have a shorter summer vacation and have a longer school year?  Here is what some of our middle schoolers had to say:   http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/mixed-reaction-on-li-over-obama-s-longer-school-year-proposal-1.1486435  What do you think?

Classic Rock

I had a great conversation with Billy Buehler and Mary Mroczkowski yesterday about classic rock.  I laughed when I saw Billy wearing a Paul McCartney tour Shirt and Mary wearing a Blue Oyster Cult shirt. I wore a BOC shirt in HS.  Of course I had to quiz Mary on her favorite BOC song and she said (Don’t Fear) The Reaper (1976)- we guessed it came out in 1980.  Billy mentioned that he loved the Beatles and Pink Floyd and he didn’t feel today’s music would stand the test of time.  “Rap songs all sound like the same song”.  I couldn’t agree more.

                        -Seasons don’t fear the reaper nor do the wind, the sun or the rain. We can be like they are

District Council Dessert and Coffee

The BOE and I had the opportunity last night to host a gathering for the District Council.  This group is comprised of all of the leaders of parent organizations in the district as well as the Council’s executive officers.   It was great to finally put a face to some names as well as sharing some pastries.

A Blog is Interactive…

Feel free to comment or add to the blog.  All posts will be approved by me before appearing on the page.  I would like to thank Kishan Basdeo, technician extraordinaire for making my vision for this blog a reality