Lazy Lazy Lazy
Holiday preparations always seem to suck up a lot of time that even posting a simple blog doesn’t get done! Last week was very busy- so here is a weeks worth of activities all in one post.
Beauty and the Beast Auditions:
Joe Owens allowed me to sit in on the auditions; it has always been one of my favorite activities. There are always pleasant surprises. It continually amazes me how talented our students are. Even though Joe stated the audition times were 3:30-6:15, when I arrived at 5 everything was over. Katie DiLavore indulged me with a beautiful performance of Home. I also learned that Nate and Siobhan are a couple (who knew!) I went back on Friday to see the final auditions and was floored by Joe Hill, Karen Sellinger and John Watts to name a few. I would also like to thank Matthew Yarri for actually helping with holiday gift suggestions. Billy, Melissa and Mary were no help at all
Brignati Holiday Tea:
First of all, Steve Mitchell wanted a shout out. Now you have to post Steve. Sue Brignati’s class invited me to their holiday tea. I finally was able to see the video of my interview from a few weeks ago. A usual, the food was great (Nome made homemade baklava!) and the company was better. The students always bring a smile to my face.
Jackson Concert:
I enjoyed the Jackson students during the day and the Friday night concert at the HS. Ms. Barkin and Ms. Napolitano orchestrated a wonderful performance. The orchestra and band sounded wonderful and the chorus was amazing. 130 4th and 5th graders on the risers at one time is very impressive!
BOE Budget:
On Thursday night I gave the final workshop in a series entitled the Financial Future of Mineola. The picture is not pretty. With the impending decrease in state aid and other revenue we will be face with tax levy increases over 5% for the next three years. Join us on January 7 as we discuss possible reduction scenarios.
HS Breakfast
Mr. Escobar invited me to join his staff for the annual holiday breakfast at the HS. Everyone was in good spirits and seemed to have all of their shopping completed. Ugh.
Village Party:
The mayor and trustees of Mineola invited the Board and I to join them for their holiday party. I attended with Christine Napolitano and we had some great conversation with Jack Martins, Joe Scalero, Manny Grillo and Paul Pereira