Fourth-Grader Becomes Newfield's 'Principal for a Day'

Being the principal of an elementary school is not an easy job and nine-year-old Faith Somody got to test that theory out firsthand.

As the result of an adult-only, silent auction held in the spring to raise funds for , Somody got the chance on Wednesday to become principal for a day. The position equipped her with an assistant — Newfield's real principal Miriam Arango — and an long agenda that includes lunch with a few of her students.

"It's lots of work," Somody said, when asked how the day was going so far. "I had to go to Field Day and make the announcements and walk around the halls a lot."

A lot of requests were piling up on her desk, which was decorated with a handmade nameplate and an Staples easy button. The requests, however, weren't from her classmates, who Somody said were excited about her temporary gig, but from teachers.

"They're mostly asking for me to raise coverage," she said. "But I'm going to have to tell them no."

If she did have the chance to be principal for longer than one day, Somody said that she would get more supplies for teachers as well as extra recess and less homework for students. She realizes, however, that the job is not as easy as it looks.

"It's pretty hard to be a principal," she said.

Arango told Patch that Somody is doing a wonderful job in her new role. "I'm so impressed. She's definitely shown me the traits that it takes to be an assistant principal or principal in the future," she said. "She's serious, thoughtful and willing to get things done."

Arango added that the experience is beneficial not only for fundraising purposes, but for teaching children some important lessons. "It gives the children chosen a glimpse into what it's like to be in an educational or administrative roles," she said. "Who knows? Maybe one day they'll want to pursue those roles. It's been such a wonderful day for us."