Putting the pal in principals; birds of a feather
There are more than a few things to pick an argument about with the Hamilton County Department of Education.
Today, we are going to say, “job well done.”
One of the most important jobs the central office has each spring and summer is finding the right fit for the principal openings at its schools. There’s no way to overstate the importance of passionate leadership in a job as tough as educating our kids.
Do not take this the wrong way; I have never been one of the “always promote from within” crowd. The right person will quickly become familiar with the situation; the familiar person will not always be right for the situation.
That said, here’s a strong endorsement for two of the recent principal choices.
Dr. Shane Harwood being promoted to Signal Mountain Middle High School from Nolan Elementary was not only the clear choice, it was the perfect choice. His knowledge about and connection with the town as well as a large number of students is clear. His credentials as an educator are even more impressive.
The same will be said about new Howard School leader Dr. Le Andrea Ware. Ware is a Howard graduate, and after she spent some time as the interim executive principal at her alma mater, she signed on for the gig full time.
Yes, this is a big year for Dr. Bryan Johnson and his staff.
But I believe this: The students at SMMHS and Howard are in good hands moving forward.
AVIARY ADVOCATES
Austrian officials removed a pair of nesting swans earlier this week because they continually attacked swimmers in the lake in the village of Grundlsee.
It was believed the swans were protecting their nest and offspring.
Austrian officials called in Alexander Groder, who along with his wife, specializes in difficult animal rescue cases.
Mr. Groder told The Daily Mail: “It’s probably a case of two male swans who are in a relationship.”
So it turns out that these were gay swans rather than momma and poppa, and instead of eggs, they were protecting a red Solo Cup.
I can’t help but wonder who gets first crack at protesting this one, PETA, the LGBT community or beer drinkers worried about the misuse of a Solo Cup.
YEAHB IT’S HOT, BUT …
Be you 9 or 90, there are few summer treats as familiar as the slushie, slurpee or whatever you may call it.
That said, what has happened to the tried-and-true slushie market? Seriously. No longer is the grape, cherry or even something as clear as “Blue” good enough.
We’ve got one group offering Pickle Juice slushies. We got another offering Lemonhead slushies. I saw online that the 7-11 has more than 300 Slurpee combos. Heck, there is even pina colada, though it seems a little strange for a 7-year-old to start developing a palate for a cocktail.
In recent years we’ve seen Full Throttle Frozen Fury, because the sugar rush of a slushie or a slurpee is not enough without that extra punch of an energy drink. Or the one from a few years back called Liquid Artillery that was tied into some movie promotion.
Then again, those of us of a certain age were very familiar with the “suicide” slush, which was all the five basic flavors in one cup.
SATURDAY’S STARS
There are really too many — including a lot of our regular TFP readers who offer a load of good and bad feedback.
Today, though, as he gets ready to host a youth clinic for various sports and activities, we’ll salute Toriq Johnson Sr., who is hosting the Alton Park Reunion Picnic today starting at 12:30 p.m. (To get more information, go to www.facebook.com/ dctllq/.)
Johnson’s son and namesake was shot and killed last year. He has tried like nobody’s business to offer other ways for inner-city kids to get involved in nonviolent activities with his Dreams Come True Foundation.
Contact Jay Greeson at jgreeson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6343.