Cliff Bird, who recently retired after serving as principal of Abram Lansing School for 36 years, returned on to say goodbye to students and staff and attend a special assembly held in his honor on January 28.
“Serving as principal in the Abram Lansing community has been an incredible honor and a truly amazing experience” said Mr. Bird, reflecting on his years there. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside hundreds of dedicated teachers and generations of wonderful families.”
After speeches and a slideshow that brought tears to many, Mr. Bird was presented with several gifts, including a t-shirt with his favorite phrase, “Stay humble and kind,” a sweatshirt and a photo blanket. Mr. Bird, who shared his love of theatre and the arts with generations of students, received a standing ovation as he took his final curtain call holding a bouquet of flowers.
His morning started by greeting kids at drop-off, many excitedly exiting their cars when they realized that it was their former principal who they hadn’t seen since late November.
Once back inside, Mr. Bird walked around to each classroom, something he did every day as principal, and fist-bumped and chatted with students and staff. He didn’t get very far in the halls before students broke their stride to run up and greet him with a hug, which was returned with gusto.
“The one constant that has kept me here all these years has been the joy our students bring every single day,” he said. “I quietly slipped away on medical leave before Thanksgiving break without a grand goodbye, so being able to surprise them with a visit before retiring was both fun and bittersweet. Sharing hugs and smiles with so many familiar faces was truly a pleasure – for all of us,” said Mr. Bird.
Mr. Bird ended his morning by visiting with the fifth graders during lunchtime before attending the assembly in the gymnasium.
“I am deeply grateful for Cliff’s commitment to our families for all of these years,” said Superintendent of Schools Peggy O’Shea. “We know this isn’t truly goodbye, as we will see him at the many district events he continues to support. We all wish him all the best in his much-deserved retirement.”