Freaky Friday

Each year, the school where I work holds its own Election Day in November. It's an opportunity to teach K-3 students about the democratic process and the importance of voting. Instead of wading into the murky waters of actual political candidates, though, the students vote on some silly thing they want their principals to do. Last year, the students voted for a Tutu Challenge, in which my fellow principal and I competed in various obstacle course-style events, involving layers of tutus. It was a ridiculous, fun event right before Thanksgiving Break. 

Oh, and in case you were wondering, I won. 

This year, as we developed the ballot, the phenomenal teacher who organizes the voting event suggested we add a "Freaky Friday," day, where the principals would each dress like each other, swapping places like in the hit Disney movie. 

Of course, "Freaky Friday" won the election. Are you surprised?

So, here's the thing, though. I am not a very "girly-girl" type of person, especially in the role I have at my school. I need to be able to get down on the same level with some tiny humans. I need to be able to get from one place to another fairly quickly at times, so I tend to wear sneakers. In fact, this is me and our other principal on a regular day:

(Well, OK. Maybe not a "regular" day, as this was the day we arranged to have a coffee truck on campus for our staff and families, but you get the idea.)

Then, my staff spoiled me with the crown and the sash for the Women of Excellence Award, and I warned my colleague, "Get ready, man. This is all you!"

This is what we came up with for the kids last week:

And as simple as this was to pull off, the kids went absolutely bonkers over it. We were like the grandparents of the school, stopping in to classes, answering to each other's names, getting the kids all wound up and then leaving them for the teachers to handle. The kindergarten teachers in particular were probably due some sort of combat pay for how hyper their kids got over their principals swapping places. It was genuinely hilarious. 

I love being part of moments when you know kids are forming core memories that they will have for the rest of their lives. While I do miss high school at times, primary school offers a special opportunity to be the first experience that kids have with school -- and we all take this opportunity very seriously. It's our chance to help kids fall in love with school and learning. Days like "Freaky Friday" may appear on the surface as silly, but in terms of relationship-building and community bonding, they are as serious as any curriculum. When educators take the time to bond with their students, the buy-in for academic work comes much easier. 

"Freaky Friday" was just the laugh we all needed before a break as well. Now the challenge will be how to up the ante for the 2025 Ballot!