Pint-sized principal

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press. 

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

HART — First grader Claire Pochyla raised the most money of any student for her school’s playground fundraiser, earning her the prize of being “Principal for the Day.”

“I won the fundraiser because I got the most money, and then I got to be the principal,” said Claire. Her name will be engraved on a plaque among the major donors who contributed to the cause. She raised $1,820.

During her reign as the school leader, the 6-year-old said one of her favorite privileges was eating lunch in the principal’s office with Brandon Bruce, who is the “real” principal at Spitler Elementary School. Claire even got to invite her best friend Winnie House to the principal’s office to join them for lunch.

Claire signs the executive order for an extra first grade recess.
– Contributed photo

As “Principal for the Day,” Claire enjoyed other perks of the job, such as attending a meeting with Mr. Bruce and Hart Public Schools Superintendent Mark Platt.

“She made an announcement, and then we signed a couple of executive orders,” said Mr. Bruce. “We signed a decree that first grade would get an extra recess. We also signed a decree that the next day, March 5, was a Hat Day. She made some decisions in the building. Her classmates really enjoyed the extra recess.”

Mr. Bruce and Claire made their rounds, visiting some classrooms and checking doors to make sure they were secure. “That’s one of the things I do is check all the doors and make sure all the doors are closed and the building is secure,” said Mr. Bruce. “We also checked the cameras,” added Claire. 

Although working with young kids may be her calling, Claire said she is not planning to be a school principal when she grows up. “I want to be a babysitter,” she said.

She may change her mind and decide to pursue a career in education after all when she is “Gym Teacher for the Day.” Top fundraiser earners in each elementary grade level get be “Gym Teacher for the Day,” taking the place of physical education teacher Dean DeVries. Claire said she is looking forward to Mr. DeVries sitting in her attendance spot when she takes roll. If he’s out of his designated spot, he might find himself in some trouble. “I’m going to send Mr. DeVries to you,” she said to Mr. Bruce in her sweet little voice.

“We didn’t have to deal with any behavior issues, because the students were on their best behavior with Miss Claire as the principal,” said Mr. Bruce.

Claire sits in on a meeting with Mr. Bruce (at right) and Hart Public Schools Superintendent Mark Platt.

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