It’s getting very busy at the Robert E. Melican Middle School as the school year draws to an end, and as Coco’s mom, currently the assistant principal, gets ready to take over as the school’s new principal. Here’s what Coco has to say…
Mom and Julie (Molly’s mother) have been extremely busy the past two weeks with lots of late nights. I went to school with Mom twice over the past two weeks, and Molly went with Julie four times.
I remember from last year how exciting the end of the year is for everyone. I also remember how unsettling and how stressful it is for most. Molly and I were able to take several walks with students, helping ground them and calm them throughout this challenging time.
One mother came to register her son for next year – the family is moving into town. The incoming student, his friend, and his younger brother petted me and talked to Mom. One of the boys said, “She is the best dog. I just love her.” Mom says I helped put all of them at ease.
As we were taking one of our many walks, a student said to Mom, “It is pretty neat that we have dogs in school and that we get to spend time with them.”
On Wednesday, Mom did not take me to school because she had to stay late for School Committee, where she was officially introduced as next year’s Melican Middle School Principal. As Mom takes on her new role as the building principal, I am wondering how my job will change. So far, I have worked at Mom’s school for a total of 145 days (60 days last year and 85 this year). That is a total of over 1,400 hours of work at Mom’s school. I have heard Mom talk about how her job will be different, but I am hoping to still be an integral part of the school’s culture. I am also hoping that Sophie will become as integrated into the school as I am.
One of my favorite things to do is to go outside with Mom at the end of the school day as students are exiting the building. Many students whom I do not normally see during the day come to pet me and talk to Mom about me. It is a terrific way to end the day.
Students’ last day of school in June 23rd. Mom and Julie are thinking that Molly and I should come to school together for whatever we decide the last day for molly and me will be so any students who want to say good-bye for the summer can. I think that sounds like a great idea. Molly and I are fortunate to be able to make so many people happy. ~Coco