Hello, I'm Heidi Gibson from the Holliston Education Foundation. I'm here in the Miller School today to talk with Mr. Kim, the principal of Miller Elementary School, who plans to retire in just a few short days. I wanted to
take an opportunity to uh talk to Mr. time so that we all got to know him a little better and also to get to know the school a little better. The Miller School has been here quite a while and is still a wonderful, beautiful, thriving place. Thank you very much for
>> You're welcome. >> allowing me in your office. >> Good to see you again, Heidi. [laughter] >> So, we're very I'm very interested in how you got started in your career as an educator. So, I first started in Malbor um and I was a fourth grade teacher for
five years and then I taught fifth grade at a middle school for one year. That was after I got my administration degree. I was either going to go to a lower elementary school or a middle school and the middle school called me a half an hour before the lower elementary
school. So, that's how I ended up at the middle school for a year. [laughter] [gasps] >> So, what did you teach? Just >> I taught fourth grade all subjects and in fifth grade I did reading. >> Reading. Okay. And uh what originally
inspired you to become an elementary school teacher? Teacher at all? >> I became a lifeguard when I was 16 years old. And as you lifeguard, you also teach swim lessons. And when you're teaching the youngest kids how to swim and they're actually learning from you,
you get to um enjoy that a lot. And so when I went off to college, um I took some education classes and I really enjoyed uh what I was learning. >> Yeah. What did you major in? >> I majored in elementary education.
>> Oh, okay. All right. So, did you have an early mentor, someone that inspired you perhaps here in Hollist or? >> Well, starting in Malber, it was Elaine Exahopoulos. She was one of the fourth grade teachers there and she was my mentor teacher. Uh and then when I came
over to Holliston, I was assistant principal and Tim Cornley was absolutely my mentor. He was the principal when I started here and he became director of elementary education and then he retired as assistant super, but he was most
definitely my biggest mentor here in Hollist. >> I got the impression he injected some funny things into the school day sometimes. >> Oh, he absolutely did. And he was big on weather. Uh, and when we walk around the school, you're going to see a weather station in his name that we have the
weather up 247 in our lobby. >> Fantastic. Wow. And I heard that he also had quite a collection of ties that kept the kids on their toes. >> He had ties and he had different colored pants like these really uh vibrant like
green or red uh really fun pants. Well, I understand there are some days when you turn into a superhero. What started that rumor? >> Um, I guess during CO, uh, the students were going off to Ashlin to get their CO
shots. And so, what I decided to do was wear my Captain America suit one time when we were over there. Another time, I've got a Superman suit. So, I wore that over there. Uh, and so, um, you know, you can see here, Captain America,
uh, one of my favorites, uh, a true, uh, shield. Um, so, um, I really enjoy, um, making the kids smile and laugh. >> And when do you whip out these costumes and inspire them? >> Every Friday this year, I made it an
effort to wear a costume. Uh, so I've probably had over 35 costumes on this year. Uh, and it's been a wonderful tradition to end up with. >> Yes, it sounds fantastic. So, um, what
I'm interested in what accomplishments you're most proud of during your time here at the Miller School. And, uh, if you'd like, we can kind of walk around the school and look at some of the areas that, um, you're proudest of. >> Would love to. Um, one of our biggest
things we changed was our digital learning lab. It was a computer room when we first started with rows of computer. Now it's a place for kids to go and learn and explore. >> All right, let's go see that. >> Here's the weather station that we
talked about. >> Cornwley weather station. >> One of the things we started was taking a picture [music] of uh the classes. This was the first year we were here. So there's grades four, five, and six. But every other picture on the wall, you'll
see it all the way down and coming all the way back are the 27 years I've been principal pictures of the grade five [music] uh as they move on to sixth grade. >> Wonderful. Oh my goodness. 99. All right,
>> we are about to enter our media center. So, our media [music] center um has books that are appropriate for grade 3 to five students. [music] We also double this room as our engineering room. Engineering is a special that our students have [music]
once a week uh or once every other week uh and they learn about the scientific method and [music] explore how to solve different problems. This is our library. This is where the students come down once every other week to check out books. Uh [music] Mrs. Canal will also
do a book lesson with them. Over here you'll see kind of a maker space. We have our [music] engineering and each grade will invent something um that they will create based [music] on whatever um the problem is uh for that year. Uh
[music] so great working space. We've got the the television to help explain things if we need it. You can see all the supplies in the back uh that the students use um just to make things. We've got 3D printers. Um we've got all
the supplies. These are all the projects the students have been doing. Um we've [music] got great storage space and a lot of um materials that the students [music] can use to make whatever they need. So I can see from this space that
there's a lot of supplies needed to do this [music] type of teaching. And that's where parent groups come in handy. We can do a lot of fundraising [music] and try to keep spaces like this well supplied. >> We're in the multi-purpose room. Uh [music] we call it the multi-purpose
room because during the day we have our instrument classes [music] in here. This is also where we might have grade level assemblies. Um we will also have [music] um staff meetings in here um or professional development on professional
development days. This is one of the only aced rooms [music] in the building. So, if it's ever that hot, we will bring um classes down that are on the second floor [music] every 15 minutes to cool down.
>> So, one of the things our staff created was a mood meter. Uh and we have one of these in each one of our classrooms, but we also have one here in the hallway. What it does is it we we ask the children to you know tell [music] us
where are they on the mood meter you know based on their pleasantness based on their energy you know are you in the red zone are you angry or scared are you in the blue zone a little discouraged are you in a green zone [music] you're
feeling calm and safe so we ask kids to identify that because if they can identify their behaviors it helps them to regulate themselves uh throughout their day and it [music] helps them to realize where their friends are if their friends might be in a different zone [music] that they are
than they are during certain things. So, this is one of my favorite rooms in the building. It's called our digital [music] learning lab. When I first started here 27 years ago, we were state-of-the-art. We had just wired the room, but we had desktop computers
[music] lined up against both walls and we had a row in the middle facing each other. So we at our max we probably had 30 desktop computers. We got a grant probably 15 years ago and how did we
[music] want to see ourselves be innovative? What could we do to change that? [music] So we got rid of all the desktop computers. We brought in whiteboard tables. [music] We've now got um green screens on uh different sides
of this room. We've got iPads where kids will film things [music] and into movie maker and you can see in the background um they've got a movie going in the background. We've got uh different robots the student can [music] control
in here uh using technology. It's just a neat place to explore. [music] Um, and the way computer um, jobs are these days, getting kids [music] to learn Scratch, to learn other programming skills will just make them
more productive as they move on >> [music] >> uh, with their schooling. Well, that was a great chance for me to walk around the school again. I thought I knew everything about Miller, but it's been a few day a few years really and so much has changed. Thank you very much
for showing me all of the rooms and how they've changed. >> My pleasure. Um it was great for you to come out today. I really appreciate it. I've loved my time here in Hollist, 27 years. Uh I was here when Miller reopened in 1999. I feel it's going to
be in great hands with Brenda Morrow uh as she lives in town and has been assistant for multiple times and uh so it's great to have her back. ready to take over after I leave. >> So, how do you hope the school continues
to grow in coming years? >> Well, you know, I couldn't just give it away after 27 years. I did hear that there was an open spot on school committee uh for a one-year term. So, I threw my hat in a ring, and last night
at the select board meeting that was combined with school committee, they uh appointed me for the one-year position, and I'm happy to be able to continue to serve the town of Hollist. >> Oh, that sounds fantastic. Congratulations. >> Thank you. I appreciate it.
>> Oh, well, I have one more question. Uh, what will you miss most about the day-to-day life here in the school? I tell you what, people may laugh at this, but one of my favorite parts of the day is the morning as the kids are getting dropped out off outside, opening up the doors, waving to families, you know,
seeing the kids get off the bus. Rain or shine, we are out there, but you know, that that starts my day and I love it. >> Yeah. Right. Well, your day is almost ended and you're probably going to go out and say goodbye to the kids and the families and then maybe take some time
to practice your tuba. What is this doing here? >> If you want to see a concert tonight, our fifth grade has a concert this evening. Um, and I'll be playing with the fifth graders. So, I'm excited about it. >> Oh, that's fantastic. Thank you so so much for your time.
>> You're welcome. Thanks for coming. [screaming] Heat. Heat. >> [cheering] [screaming] [cheering] [cheering] >> All right, that was a Very exciting opening.
Thank you everybody. We're going to settle our bodies. Take a nice deep breath. Let me see you. A nice deep breath. All right. And everybody's on your bottom. Everybody has your hands in your lap.
And everybody's ready to enjoy this very special celebration together. >> All right. So everyone's listening because there's a lot of people that are going to say a few things and this is a very special time for Mr. Kim and his family and our whole school. So thanks
for be following expectations. I'm just waiting for a few people to quiet down so everyone can hear what we're about to do. Awesome. Good morning everyone and welcome. Today is a very special day at Miller School
because today is Mr. Kind Day. We have gathered together as students and staff and some families and community members to celebrate a person who has given so much of himself to this school community over the last 27 years. For many
students here today, Mr. Kim has always been the principal of Miller School. For some of our families, he was their principal, too. Across generations, he has helped shape what Miller is and what Miller stands for. As his assistant principal, I have had the privilege of
working beside Mr. Kim for many years. I have seen the public moments that everybody knows, the Friday costumes, the music at arrival, the smiles, the traffic directing, and endless energy. But I have also seen the quieter
moments, the conversations with students who needed encouragement, the check-ins with staff, the celebrations, the hard days, and the steady way he shows up for people again and again. Mr. Kim is truly the heart and soul of Miller School. Our
motto is welcome in, expect greatness. Can you say that? >> Welcome, great. >> And Mr. K lives these words every day. He has helped create a place where students feel known, where families feel connected, and where people are
encouraged to be their very best. Today is our chance to say thank you. Thank you to you, Mr. Kine, and a special thank you to everyone who has contributed to today. So, this slide lists some of those people, and I'm going to read it to you now. the Hollist
Education Foundation, the Miller School PTO, thus the Hollist School Committee for their support and dedication to our students and school community and to Hollist Oil, Mr. Matt Robot, and the Department of Public Works, O'Brien and
Sons Playground Company, and Ross Tomkins of Star Sign Company for their contributions and assistance in bringing today's special dedication to life. We would like to begin our celebration this morning with a special message from our fifth grade student advisory
members. I'm going to list their names for you so you know who they are. They're going to give you a wave and then they're going to stand up and do just a brief presentation. So we have with us today Aaron Wang, Anna Maria Delaro,
[applause] Anu Olani, Becca Koser, >> [cheering] >> LET'S cheer at the end. Okay, let's cheer at the end. Benjamin Leech, Emilina Duncan, Henry Greer, and Molly
Maguire. [cheering] Okay. >> Okay, let's be quiet so we can hear them. All right, friends, stand up. You're going to get started. There's a piece at the end that we're all going to do together, so be listening. for Mr. K.
>> For 27 years, you have been part of Miller's school long enough for students to grow up and come back as parents. >> You blow us in. You expected greatness. You helped us believe we could do hard things. You made Fridays unforgettable with
costumes that made us laugh. Music that started our mornings and surprises waiting at the door. >> You directed traffic. You solved problems. You helped us through good days and hard days. >> You taught us that leaders can be
serious and fun. The principles can love football, >> chess boards, >> Rubik's cubes, [applause] and so every student matters.
>> Today we wear black and yellow, not just for the Steelers, but for a man who gave his heart to Miller. >> Today is Mr. K day. Today we gather here at Miller School, a place filled with laughter, games,
friendship, and memories. >> Because play matters, story matters, memories matter, and you, Mr. Crime, matter. Thank you for the costumes. Thank you for the music. Thank you for the laughs. Thank you for leading us.
>> AND HOLD ON. HOLD ON. GIVE ME FIVE. [snorts] There's something on the slide here that we're all going to say together. I want you to look at what's in the box if you can see it. And if you can see it and you want to join in with the advisory, you can say it with them.
Ready? Advisory, go ahead. [cheering] [cheering] >> All right. Give me five. Thank you advisory members. You did an exceptional job. >> Now, it is time for us to welcome some
key people to the stage to talk about their dedication, their part in the dedication of of this morning. First, I'd like to welcome Heidi Gibson from the Holl Education Foundation to talk about their contribution. [applause and cheering] Good morning. Good morning.
>> Thank you for inviting me. I'm the current treasurer of HEP, which is the Hollison Education Foundation. We support teacher training opportunities and encourage creative and innovative programs into [clears throat] our children's school day through grants. We also
celebrate our teachers with our spotlight on education awards. These are the kinds of things the principles work on too. Mr. Kim exemplifies this approach and in addition to providing support and encouragement to your
teachers, he also infuses fun and joy into the school day, which I can see. Whether it is playing the tuba in school, greeting students in great big costumes, or making Miller math night fun, he leads the school warmth and joy.
Heft can see this effect on the Miller school. And when we ask for nominations for our spotlight on education award, the Miller staff submit glowing nominations every year. The positivity and admiration of the faculty for each other shines through. This is the
character of the Fred Miller Elementary School. The joy, the celebration, the connections. What better way to honor this school and David Kim than a chess table donated by Heft to the playground, celebrating Mr. Kim's enthusiasm for a
game that is played with great intention and fun. Please join Heft in thanking Mr. Kim for all he has done to uplift elementary education for our students. Thank you. [applause] All right,
Miller students, this chess table is has been installed. It was installed last night. So, when you go to recess, weather permitting, today you will have the chance to see it and play with it. Okay, [applause] let's show um let's show Miss Gibson
what it looks like to do silent applause. Can we do that? >> Silent. All right. Thank you. All right. Next, I'd like to call up um the representatives from the Hollist PTO with Beth Leech leading the way and any other members who would like to join
her. [applause] >> Hi. Hi, everyone. I'm Mrs. Leech and I know you've seen me up here before. Um we are so excited to be here today to celebrate Mr. time and all of the joy and
welcoming that he gives to all of us every day. From starting Fridays with costumes and music to being in the hallways and him always saying hello to every child, every parent and making us all feel so incredibly welcome to
helping us have so many great events for families. So, we wanted to dedicate a new buddy bench on the playground to Mr. Kim. A buddy bench is meant to be inclusive and welcoming just like he is. So if you are feeling at recess that
you're by yourself and you really want a buddy, you can have a seat on the bench and if you see anyone sitting there, you can go on over and say, "Hi, want to join us?" and include them the same way that Mr. K has felt has made every one
of us feel welcome. So thank you, Mr. K. Thank you, Hollist PTO and friends. Just like I mentioned about the chess table, this is also been installed yesterday, so it is available for you today. You can start using it
today. Um, I also would like to welcome Tracy Flecker from our school committee to talk about a special dedication that Mr. Kim doesn't know about yet. Good morning. It is my honor to be here today to celebrate the lasting impact
that Mr. Kim has had on Miller Elementary and Hollist public schools. On behalf of the Hollist School Committee, congratulations on your retirement and thank you for your continued commitment to our schools and community. It's going to be joining us for a little while at school committee.
Um, it is my honor to be here and officially announce the renaming of the Miller Playground. It will now be called the David Nim playground. There is a sign up there. You can see it. It's also on the playground, I believe, already. And the sign says, "Dedicated in
gratitude to Principal David Enkim for his 27 years of leadership and unwavering dedication to Hollist Public Schools. May this playground always be filled with laughter, kindness, and joy. dedicated June of 2026. Congratulations.
[applause] [cheering] [applause] All right. And now I would like to welcome our guest of honor to say a few words. Mr. Kim [cheering] Wow.
[screaming] >> So, I look around the room right now and you know, I see my family. I see my granddaughter Chloe, who you guys have seen around the hallway. I see my
teacher friends. I see my colleagues. I see uh the town community. And I can't thank everybody enough. I had no idea. Uh so I am truly shocked. Um just all three of the different things, the game
board, the buddy bench, uh the playground dedication. Um phenomenal. I It would make it worse if I didn't know that Mrs. Morrow is going to be leading
uh the charge after I leave. I feel you guys are in a great place and you will have a wonderful leader in Mrs. Morrow. Thank you so much for coming today. [applause] [cheering] [applause] >> All right. And now I would like to
welcome Mrs. Larico, our fifth grade teacher, but also >> Good morning. Good morning. On behalf of the students and staff, we'd like to thank you, Mr. Kim, for the joy you have brought to our school. This playground
dedication is a representation of the way that you have led our school for the last 27 years. Thank you, Mrs. Morrow, and for our office staff and our technology staff and our maintenance staff for bringing this whole event today together for us. As I look out at
my colleagues, Mr. Kim has hired pretty much everyone in this room today. An amazing feat. Here is my hope. In a few years, when you come back to visit, you'll go to the
office. Hopefully, the office staff will make you put on a visitor badge [laughter] and you'll have a sticker. And then maybe maybe you're on Grandpa Judy with your beautiful granddaughter Chloe down there. There she is clapping for you.
And if you come down to the playground, I hope that myself or one of my colleagues is on recess duty at that time. And I hope I'm with a brand new teacher that has been hired perhaps by Mrs. Morrow. And I hope that teacher
turns to me and says, "Who's that guy?" And at that point, I will be able to point to this sign and I will tell them the story of your leadership, how you led with kindness, with joy, and with
laughter. [cheering] Thank you. Over your last week here, we hope that you can come down, play some chess, hang out on the buddy bench. Somebody will come over and sit with them, right?
Please do. >> Or maybe he'll take on a little foursquare time. What do you think about that? Yeah. >> So, to conclude today's assembly, Mr. Kim, we are going to do something that
we have never done before and we probably won't do again to be honest with you. For you, Mr. time in honor of the sea of black and gold that you see before you. Miller community, can we come together and on the count of three,
can we do a big let's go Steelers? >> All right, are you ready? Here we go. One, two, three. [screaming] >> [cheering] [cheering] >> All right, everybody. That concludes our
celebration this morning. You have activities that you'll get to do when you're in class, and you'll get to see the buddy bench in chess when you go out to recess. Thank you everybody. >> [laughter] >> Looks like it belongs. Can we get
something? >> [music] >> So we went >> Hello. We're here wrapping up Mr. Kim day this afternoon and [music] I just wanted to get a few words from our organizers and people who have been with the Miller School [music] for many years
supporting everything that they do. We're just happy that you know the whole project worked out and uh we were you know we we've been here planning it for many months and we had a lot of good sponsors Hollist Education Foundation and Hollist Oil and O'Brien um Son's Playground and we're just really happy
that it came through for [music] Mr. Kim. So, >> thank you, Brenda. Your impressions. >> Uh, this is just has turned out to be [music] exactly what I think we were hoping for for Mr. Kim. It was a definite community um effort and we're just grateful that we're able to [music]
um celebrate him in this way in such a lasting way. >> Thank you. And Stacy, how do you feel about this day and the contributions that parents [music] make to the school? >> It was a perfect celebration for the perfect guy who did the best [music] job ever. Um, and what a culmination of your
efforts and to see the students today. [music] This was such a truly community event. It was super special. And to see his family [music] here, really great day. This is Heidi Gibson. I'm glad you all had a chance to see the enthusiasm of the Miller School and the wonderful
things that were done here. [music] Got to work, Liz.