Normandy students and staff show Dr. McGlamery their love

Dr. Jim McGlamery was presented with a book of well-wishes from each grade level at Normandy Elementary School. Students are, from left, Caleb Rinehart, Nathan Hart and Jared Jennings. (Photo by Carol Salim.)

Students and staff at Bay Village's Normandy Elementary School took the entire week of March 18 to show their principal, Dr. Jim McGlamery, how much he is loved and appreciated by presenting him with a week of surprises.

Monday, March 18, began with a celebration of Dr. McGlamery's birthday (including birthday cards from all the children). While he thought that was the end of a special celebration, the focus stayed on the principal as the building celebrated Tabasco Tuesday (Tabasco pins worn in honor of Dr. McGlamery's penchant for the spicy sauce), Wear-a-Tie Wednesday (hand-decorated ties worn in honor of Dr. McGlamery's extensive (and growing) collection display of child-oriented ties), and Thank You Thursday (thank you notes from the children).

The week wrapped up with a Friday assembly, where books of memories, thanks and well wishes were presented to Dr. McGlamery. "Norman Bee Finds Normandy," (written by library assistant Julie Holland, soon to be published with illustrations by Jim Durk) was also read. The book describes how Norman Bee, the school's mascot, came to "bee" at Normandy. Dr. McGlamery invented Norman Bee when he began his principalship at Normandy Elementary and had to deal with some bees in the cafeteria that were frightening the children.

Dr. McGlamery earlier announced his retirement at the end of this 16th year serving as Normandy Elementary's principal.