If you are walking the halls here at Great Works you may catch students wearing ties, there not dressed up, it is not picture day or anything like that they are simply wearing one of Mr. Burnell's ties and there is a special honor in getting to wear one of Mr. Burnell's ties.
I got the chance to ask Mr.Burnell of how the ties came about and why they have become something of a tradition here at Great Works and this is the story he told me.
"This started over 30 years ago when I was the principal of Eliot Elementary School. There was a kindergarten kiddo who was crying and to get him to stop, I asked him if he wanted to wear my tie. He did, he stopped crying and off he went. The next day another kiddo stopped by and said "can I wear your tie, Johnny was wearing it yesterday." So, the tradition started that way and it has continued. I love the fact that the kids and I have this connection."
- Jerry Burnell
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If you see a student walking the halls here or your child comes home sharing they got to wear Mr. Burnell's tie today I hope it brings a smile to your face and it made your child's day!