For a school that thrives on the unusual, the arts that is, it has been an even more unusual week at Stafford Elementary School. The heating system decided that 45 degrees was warm enough for some offices, and 55 degrees satisfactory for some classrooms and other spaces. The cold temperatures may have influenced a cranky sprinkler system that decided to pop off a few heads, sprinkler that is, and drenched the Title I room soaking computers, books, a Smart board and staff.
A break-in and theft of computers Wednesday night was certainly out of the usual as well.
Stafford’s answer to a very trying week was to celebrate! Celebrate getting through the week, celebrate the end of the flood, and celebrate being able take off a layer of overcoats as the temperature gradually drew above 60 degrees. They took time for one more celebration—the naming of their principal, Cynthia (Cyndi) Evans, as Tacoma’s Elementary Distinguished Principal for 2010.
Tacoma principals, John Blix, Paula Bond, Kelly Evans paid a surprise visit to Stafford on Friday, Dec. 11, notified Cyndi of her selection and presented her with roses, balloons and lots of hugs. Deputy Superintendent Carla Santorno represented the district in the surprise visit and commended Evans for her “leadership, innovation and can-do attitude.”
The Elementary School Principals Association of Washington (ESPAW) sponsors the award and Tacoma’s recipient is voted on by previous Tacoma distinguished principals. The award is given to a principal who exemplifies instructional leadership, shows improvement in student achievement, creates unique learning opportunities for children and staff, works well with peers and staff, and is involved in the educational process at the district level and beyond.
Currently Cyndi Evans is serving on the district Technology Advisory Committee and the district professional development committee.
She is a member of the Center for Educational Leadership Cohort 3 and serves as the Tacoma region representative for the ESPAW Resource Committee.
Along with her staff, she has moved Stafford toward being an arts-focused school infusing visual and performing arts into daily instruction and learning activities. Stafford students will be performing “The Nutcracker” at Mt. Tahoma High School as a culminating drama and music project.
Evans credits her fantastic Stafford team for her recognition and told the staff this morning, “This is for you!”
So next time you have a week where your sprinkler system fails, your work space is cold or you see evidence of a burglar, it just might be a good thing.