Havens Students Honor Principal Tery Susman

On Wednesday, June 6, students and staff enjoyed the sunshine, Popsicles and their last Life Skills Assembly of the 2011-2012 school year. At the monthly Life Skills assemblies, students who have demonstrated the skills that the school has focused on for the last month are recognized. At this last assembly, the three life skills were courage, curiosity and pride.

In addition to student recognition, students and staff recognized outgoing Principal Tery Susman for her 21 years of service at the school, presenting her with a book about how she demonstrates the life skills.

Kids said Susman is a good active listener when they go to her with problems, that she shows perseverance and would "stop at nothing until our school was one of the finest in the country." She also modeled flexibility when the school had to move to Emeryville and back, and demonstrates courage when she speaks in front of the whole school, students said.

They also talked about how caring and friendly she is, how she is always smiling and ready to give a hug, and how she "helps kids with owies." One student described her as the "best principal in the universe!"

Music teacher Dorothy Falarski led the students in a school song that was selected this year and will be sung together at assemblies. Fifth graders submitted lyric ideas, and the lyrics that David Schwarz wrote were chosen by Ms. Falarski, who wrote the music.  Next year all the kids will learn the song.

Students and staff also celebrated their success in a a program called "Run Across America." The Havens P.E. teachers have recorded miles run by students (and staff) both at school on periodic "Fun Run" days and out of school at races and other events. The goal was to run enough miles to get across the country. As a school, Havens accomplished that goal and more.

Havens parents, students and staff: do you have favorite memories or anecdotes about Principal Tery Susman? Share them in the comments section below.