A Superpower? Hmmm?

Recently I was asked which superhero I would like to be.

Hmmmmm....?

A superhero with superpowers...?

Flight, super-strength, super-speed, invisibility....?  The list is endless, and  I'm sure you've thought about the same question at least once in your life.

Regardless of your answer, I'm fortunate to get real inspiration each day because I work with superheroes.  In fact this year we've had about 480 superheroes walk the halls of our building each day.


  • Superheroes take risks and don't always know the outcome before it will happen.  Our students do this each day.  Our teachers challenge them to solve math problems in new ways or demonstrate new writing techniques.  This is a good lesson for all adults.  Everyone should see learning as an opportunity and not a checklist.
  • Superheroes stare down and overcome obstacles.  We have students with special learning needs, yet they persevere each day...with a smile.  Unfortunately, some of our students also manage emotional concerns.  Perhaps their families are in turmoil?  Financial distress, health issues, or emotionally-charged decisions made by adults impact our youth in ways we might not always see, but students prove to me again and again how resilient they are.  
  • Superheroes reach farther than expected.  When was the last time you learned a new language?  Over 30% of our students are learning English.  Their growth over a year is remarkable.  What's even better is our students who are not "officially" learning English grow because they've helped their friends.
  • Superheroes forgive.  Mistakes happen.  Sometimes a friend or a teacher has a tough day.  Everyone is human, but the students I work with forgive with great prowess in order to focus on learning.
  • Superheroes laugh at and grow from adversity.  The diversity in our building and district is remarkable.  Of course, our community sees this as a strength, but our students live it.  Our students could teach the United Nations a few lessons about peace, empathy, and how to build positive relationships.
  • Superheroes inspire others.  Our students...my students...inspire me each day, and it is a privilege to be their principal.  They make me want to:
    • take risks
    • overcome obstacles
    • reach farther
    • forgive
    • laugh
    • grow
    • inspire others
For all of the students at Novi Woods this year, thank you for being superheroes.  You make the world a better place.  You make my world brighter, and I am grateful.

For all of the superheores who will be at Novi Woods next year, get ready.  The best is yet to come!

Have a great summer!



Finally, there must be something about this time of year because I wrote a blog entry about other  superheroes in our school almost a year ago.  It's still fitting, and you can read it here.  Many thanks, however, to Mrs. Marroni, Mrs. Carroll, and Mrs. Long who are retiring this year.  Novi Woods is better because of you, and you will be missed by students, staff, and our community.

And..my Dad is still a hero to me.  I love you.

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