cc licensed flickr photo shared by adpowers
On Wednesday night, our school hosted a Christmas concert. Many students were very excited, and some MORE than others. One of the students needed a little more “guidance” that night, and so as the principal, I decided to do the only thing to calm him down. Make him wear a tie.
I took the student to my office before the play started, and I pulled out one of my old ties that was given to me as a gift. As a principal that ALWAYS wears a tie, I have received many of the novelty Halloween and Christmas ties that I wear once, and have a hard time wearing again. Although they are greatly appreciated, it is hard matching Santa Claus and reindeer to my outfits. I always have a stack of these ties for students as they absolutely love them. As I took a Halloween tie, that felt like it was made out of tissue paper, I tied it on the student. The look in his eye was priceless.
I knew that this was not only a tie for this student, but it was probably his first tie ever. Him and I now matched, and all of a sudden, dressing up, calmed him down. He was so proud of his new accessory that his posture immediately improved and he now seemed to “strut” around the school. He looked sharp with his $1.99 tie.
The next day (Thursday), I saw the same student at school. He was still wearing the tie. I complimented him on how sharp he looked and how things change when you dress up. Although the night before he was watching, tonight he was performing. I have never seen him look so confident. This gift I had given him was something that was extremely special and meaningful to him. It was like looking at a new student. I almost started in tears during the Christmas concert because I had never seen him look so proud.
The littlest things from a teacher, can make a child’s day, week, or be a moment that they never forget. What seems like a little thing to you, may be the BIGGEST thing to them. This was another reminder of that and it was an extremely meaningful experience to myself.
Today is Friday. He is still wearing his tie 
Awesome, Mr. Couros!
Thanks buddy! I hope you are having a great break with family and your new one
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Ah, That is why this is the greatest profession, you never know when you are going to make a difference;)
Thanks Jen! Looking forward to March
I continue to be impressed with the way that you touch people. I'm a teacher who has finally made the decision to take my PQP courses in the spring and I am lucky to have a mentor like you!
Thanks Christine! Good luck in your courses and I know if you are reading blogs and connecting with others you are already way ahead of the game.
I love this post, George! It's amazing how the littlest things we do sometimes have the biggest impact on our students. I just love those moments when you know that you've been a positive influence in someone's life. The looks on their faces are priceless. Sometimes you don't even know it until years later. I've had former students come back to me and recount to me about something I have no or little remembrance of but it is still fresh and special in their memory. That's a pretty cool feeling!
Like I've said before, your students are so lucky to have you! Enjoy a wonderful holiday season!
Melody
Those little things can be huge! Either in a positive or negative so we need to do our best to keep it with the first
Thanks for the comment!
This is so cool. I'm sure the little boy will remember that moment forever. Thank you for making that extra effort to make a difference.
Sam
Thanks for the comment Sam
Wow! You made a difference for this child. This is a fantastic story, and it shows just how much you will do for the students. Those students are lucky to have you as the principal.
Awesome job, George!
Aviva
He made a difference in me as well
Kids are the best!
I agree! They really are the best. Glad you could both have such a positive experience.
Aviva
Thanks for reminding us that it is the little things that make all the difference in the world. A little needed attention goes very far! Your example shows us it is much better to humanize a situation than dehumanize it!
Thanks for your comment Kathy!
Wow – I've got that awwww smile on my face. You certainly know how to touch a child's life, George. I'll be that tie will always be a special one for him. You DO make a huge difference in the lives of these students!
Happy Holidays!
what a cool story George.
it's so cool – i can see it.
Him and I now matched, and all of a sudden, dressing up, calmed him down.
What a wonderful Principal. We need more like him. Those boys will always remember him, even if they forget his name. Getting dressed up is special. I wear a tie to work every day, not because I have too, but because I want too.
George E. Ellison
Glendale, California
As Mark Twain would always say ‘Few things are harder to endure than the annoyance of a good example.’
Love the fun touches to this wedding, especially the different types of sodas to note the guests’ menu choices. What an adorable idea.