Congratulations on wrapping up a great school year!
May and June are the months of celebrations and recognition of student and staff accomplishments. And just like that the Seniors graduate and the underclassman get one step closer to their senior year.
It is always a special time of the year as we honor the seniors at honors convocation and commencement. Each of the seniors have a story of triumph, adversity and success, either small or large. It is an emotional moment as they cross the stage to receive their diploma. Next year our twins, Blake and Brenna Bustard will be seniors. Having the opportunity to give them their diploma in the spring of 2020 will be a dream come true!
It seems like just yesterday we were making the decision whether the twins would be attending the high school in which I am the Principal. My husband and I had several conversations and weighed the pro’s and con’s of having them here at Mona Shores High School. Knowing that their educational experience would be exceptional. There were apprehensions if socially, it would be a positive experience. One of the best conversations I had that helped me decide that, really there wasn’t a decision to make was with our Science Department Chair. I asked her this question, “Should I bring the twins here to the HS?” Her response, “What are you worried about, we will take great care of them! We expect you to send them here and if you didn’t we would be disappointed!” And she was right! The staff have been outstanding as they are with all kids!
What has worked for our family, is that early on, my husband and I decided that he would be the main point of contact for teachers to connect to. And we set clear expectations with the twins that at school, mom is the principal first. During the first two years of HS, I got to drive them to school every morning and have the quick 10 minutes of windshield time with them. Always finding a way to share a life lesson with them. Most of the time I wasn’t too sure that they heard what I was saying. But, as they have grown older they have reminded me of the many conversations we have had on the car ride to school.
Today, a staff member reminded me that I have only 50 weeks left to be with the twins…..Wow, that blew me away….where did the time go? I am so very fortunate that every day I get to be with the twins at work! A special and unique opportunity that I personally treasure each and every day! While sometimes they call me the “stalker” as I enter classrooms to visit and observe learning…..they actually think I am going in to classrooms to check on them. The twins have been just fine with having their mom as the Principal. In fact, most of their friends call me “Momma B.” Don’t get me wrong, there have been just a few times where it was tough, but all in all it has been a joy to all of us.
The blessings are many…..I get to give them a high five during passing period when they hit it out of the park on a test or quiz…..I get to give them a hug when they are dealing with a challenge….I get to give them money when they need it…..I get to order them Jimmy John’s or Jet’s pizza and even eat lunch with them. I get to see them grow into young adults. As a working mom and as a principal, there are often many times that the 1200 students and 100 staff members take my time away from them….knowing that I get to be with them every day at school has made being a working mom and principal a very rewarding and incredible journey.
Best wishes to a wonderful start to the summer and enjoy the much needed time to rest and rejuvenate! Looking forward to seeing you all at EdCon 2019!
Written by Jennifer Bustard, Principal, Mono Shores HS & MASSP President-Elect