A View from the Now-Retired Principal's Seat

Someone told me one time, "We have one mouth but two ears.  So we should listen twice as much as we talk!"  I hope I am not alone in the fact that I need to listen more, but lately I regularly hear phrases that bring me great comfort at my school. Our building engineer beams at our hallway and cafeteria floors, "These are my floors.  I want them to shine for the kids." Our bus drivers report, "These are my kids too, Mr. Ascher.  Please let me know how I can help them." Our cook smiles and states, "I just love our lunch team.  Everyone is here to help our kids." Our secretaries comment, " Our teachers are just amazing!  Look at all they do." Our teachers say to each other, "Let me know how I can help.  The students in your class are my kids too." Our before and after school CARE leader stops in the office and finishes a project for us, "I want to help.  This is my school too!" My list could go on and on. I list