"I Gotta Crow..."

I had the best time Saturday night at Turkey Hill School’s production of Peter Pan -- all thanks to the tireless efforts of Deborah Sansone and at least 40 mothers and fathers who rehearsed lines with the kids, sewed costumes, built props, took photos, sold snacks, and on and on.
The kids were amazing – there’s no doubt about it! But nothing could top how amazing it was to see over 100 of them enjoy the chance to act, sing, and dance in a play for their friends and families. Nothing in my past experience prepared me for either the energy or the sheer joy of this undertaking.

I’ve been to school plays before and loved them. Generally, 10 – 15 kids auditioned and got speaking or chorus parts and another 10 or so kids worked in the stage crew. There were costumes and scenery and programs. These
performances were always a lot of fun.

But TH’s Peter Pan was HUGE – a true spectacular! – and no child who wanted to try it was turned away! I think I counted a dozen different Peter Pans, including one with itchy poison ivy who performed like the trouper he was. There were nine Wendys, three Michaels, three Tinkerbells, and four or five Smees. There were Twinkle Stars and Sparkle Stars and Winkie Stars. There were two dozen dancing mermaids! Some of the actors were laugh-out-loud funny. Some of them were so little and so cute, they brought tears to my eyes. The ‘lost’ boys and girls of Neverland made me just want to take them home, like the Wendys did, and read fairy tales to them!

Mrs. Sansone, the Drama Club Producer, wrote in her stage notes that people often ask her and her crew of parent directors why in the world they would do this. Are they crazy? Why would anyone take all that time to rewrite a new script that exited one Peter, so another could slip in? Why would they sew three or four Hook costumes when they could have gotten away with one? Why hold Drama Club rehearsals with 101 actors when the exits and entrances would be so much more manageable if you divided that number by four and told the rest of the kids, ‘maybe next year.’ Mrs. Sansone told the audience that last year only five 6th graders came out for the play; this year there were three times that number.

As this school district’s new superintendent, I am once again amazed by a commitment to kids in evidence everywhere I turn. Thank you to these wonderful parents who wanted 101 actors this year, and next year are hoping for more. Their gift, like the gift of so many of Orange’s parents i have met, is immeasurable! And if I might take liberties with Peter Pan’s lyrics a bit, I’ll admit this to you:  “I'm just the luckiest ‘fellow’ / 'Twas ever my fortune to know! / How can I hide it / When deep down inside it / just tickles me so / That I've gotta let go / and crow!”

Questions We Have for Ms. McMullin

My goal was to visit each of the schools and each of the classrooms, greeting the staff members and students, in my first few days in Orange.  I believe I have accomplished that, and I had the most wonderful introduction to Orange imaginable as a result.  One classroom wrote and sang me a song.  In another classroom, the students stood up on cue with signs that spelled out their 'welcome' message.  I was invited to make an African necklace in an art class.  I accepted the third graders' challenge to write a story over the weekend.  Each of the schools made my first visit feel special.

In Ms. Lily Fielding's Grade 3 classroom at Turkey Hill, the students had prepared a set of interview questions that will serve as a perfect means of introducing myself to the community.

Shannon and Shayne asked: What inspired you become a superintendent?
Well, Shannon and Shayne, my love for education began a very long time ago, when I was 6 or 7 and I played school with my sister and a 'classroom' of stuffed animals and dolls.  My parents bought us tablets, pencils, paper, rulers, protractors, and I would pretend to be the teacher for hours.  All through elementary school and high school I loved reading books, writing math problems on the chalkboard, composing 'themes' on yellow-lined paper -- all things which must seem old-fashioned to you in 2012.  Later, as a real language arts teacher with my own classroom, I taught over 1,600 students, corrected at least 20,000 essays, and attended 24 high school graduations. (not counting my own). 

All of these experiences inspired me to become a superintendent.  I kept following the path in front of me and opening the doors of opportunity as they appeared before me.  I have continued to go to school as recently as three years ago, and I have never stopped reading and learning about education.  Finally, one day last year, I realized, "I'm ready to be the superintendent!  And, I really want to do this!"

Nishaan wanted to know: How will you take care of all 4 schools as superintendent?
This week, Nishann, I came to your school and visited your classroom.  I want to continue to do that often in all four schools.  Staying in touch with the schools is how I will focus on what you and your teachers need to be successful every day.  It's my job to make sure that all of the people in charge -- from the teachers and staff in your schools, to your parents and the members of our community, including, of course, the Board of Education -- always think about one important question: What's best for kids?

Olivia asked: Do you have a family?  Do you have a pet?
I do have a family.. and a pet, Olivia.  I have two children who are all grown up.  My son is 36 and works as a digital photographer and graphic artist in Greenville, SC.  My daughter is 34 and she stays at home taking care of my youngest grand-daughter, Ella, who just turned two years old.   I also have a 15-year-old grand-daughter, who is a sophomore in high school and plays volleyball for her school.  She loves school, especially Spanish and history, and enjoys reading, too.  In the middle, I have a 10-year-old grandson, who loves soccer and plays outdoors or indoors all year long.  And, he likes X-box!

My pet is a little white dog named Millie.  She'll be two in February, and she weighs less than 10 pounds.  I'm sharing a picture of her so you can see how cute she is, almost lost in the very tall grass.

Dana asked the question that made my day: How long have you been a superintendent?
Dana, how many days have you been back to school after your holiday break?  That's how many days I've been a superintendent.  And so far, I've loved every one of them.

To answer Xavier's question, what's my favorite thing about being a superintendent?
So far, meeting and working with people -- kids, teachers, volunteers, parents, community members.  At the end of the day, I like to feel like I've made a difference.

Maeve, my first name is Lynn.

Adarsh, my favorite 'animal' is actually a bird -- I especially love hummingbirds, but I can watch all the birds at my bird feeder for a long time without getting bored.

Kelly, my house is beige, with white trim and black shutters.  It has a red porch.

Ryan, my favorite hobby is writing.  I love writing short stories, and I have even tried to write three different novels, though I don't think they are very good, yet.  I need to spend more time on my drafts in the future, but right now I'm happier reading and writing about education. 

Max, my car is a Prius and I love it because I get about 50 miles to a gallon of gas.

Payton, you asked how old I was, but added OPTIONAL in all capital letters! -- I'm almost 50 years older than my grandson.