I really enjoy visiting schools, but lately the fun factor has really increased. A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Roynon Elementary in La Verne, a cute "small town" east of Los Angeles. I go to a lot of schools, but this one had such a positive energy--from the teachers to the students to the custodian--I found I was smiling long after I left.
One of the perks of my job is getting to know lots of interesting characters. Not just from my books, but the real-life people I meet at schools, libraries and bookstores. At Roynon, Principal Jim Symonds struck me as perhaps the most mellow school principal I've ever met. Here is he gamely participating in a "skateboard lesson" from Skateboard Mom. You're a good sport, Principal Symonds!
