Commissioner turned Principal

By Natalie Strom

natalie@coastalbreezenews.com

Students and staff at Tommie Barfield Elementary School visited with Collier County Commissioner, Donna Fiala, as she was their “Principal for the Day” on Tuesday, May 15th.

TBE Principal, Dr. Jory Westberry, led Commissioner Fiala on a tour of the grounds, giving her a chance to see the inner workings of the school. The duo made their rounds through the tech lab, music

room, art room, regular class rooms and offices. Commissioner Fiala spoke with students, teachers, custodial and cafeteria employees, and even had a chance to listen to reading time with the kindergarten class.

Visiting the classrooms and the cafeteria, Commissioner Fiala was obviously impressed by the TBE students and the staff. This was certainly evident with Mr. Laudise’s fifth grade class during their lunch break. As

Dr. Westberry and Commissioner Fiala approached the class, Social Studies teacher, Laudise, posed questions to his students about Ms. Fiala’s job position. Students eagerly raised their hands, answering myriad questions about our local government.

Commissioner Fiala also had a chance to check out the Principal’s Showcase Wall, featured in the cafeteria. As Dr. Westberry explained, “this wall highlights excellent work by our students.” As they

reviewed the impressive wall, another worthy entry was added by a TBE teacher.

Next came a healthy lunch, provided by Cafeteria Manager, Merle Floyd and her loyal staff. Dr. Westberry and Commissioner Fiala sat with students, enjoying pizza, chicken fingers, corn and salad.

Overall, “it was a great tour,” commented the Commissioner. While she may not have been handing out detentions, Ms. Fiala certainly enjoyed her role as “Principal for the Day.”