From the Principal's Desk: Excitement at New Beginnings

Dear Albany School Community,

It was pretty late last night before I was able to leave the school office. My day was filled with district-wide meetings, introductions to over 900 families and their children, interviews for our open music position, and a loss of electricity for the afternoon hours. I felt good; but my feet hurt and I was tired.

Just before I opened the door to leave, I noticed a young family in our courtyard. They were peering into windows, pointing around the campus, and whispering things like ‘wow,’ and ‘look.’ Their presence told me everything…they were too excited to tuck in for the night before one last peek.

I walked out of the office and the older boy stopped in his tracks; obviously startled at the appearance of the principal at such a late hour. ‘Hi, I’m the new principal. I bet you’d really like to see your classroom before you go home.’

This chance encounter summed up everything I’d been working for…the excitement of a new beginning. It was an excitement shared by everyone; parents, students, teachers, and community. As the family left, their younger son called back to me, “See you in two years!” I lost all sense of exhaustion & gained a new shot of energy.

Today is the first day of school. It’s a great day to do something to make you feel proud.

Sincerely,
Peter I. Parenti, Principal

This letter originally appeared in Albany Middle School's Cobra Clarion and has been reprinted here with permission. Learn how to sign up for the middle school email newsletter , and scrolling to the '"schools" section. Click the green "Keep me posted!" button below to receive an alert when we post a new message from Principal Parenti.

See more from the principal's desk here.