Pinewood 2nd grader is headmaster for a day

A trip to the principal’s office sounds daunting to most students.

But Pinewood Preparatory second-grader Jagger Smoak sat in his headmaster’s office without a care in the world. That’s because that day he was the one in charge.

Jagger was given the title of “headmaster for a day” on Oct. 16. His parents, David and Erica Smoak, bid on the prize during a school auction last school year. They said they knew their son would be perfect for the job.

“He loves this school. He soaks up opportunities like this,” David Smoak said.

“He doesn’t mind being in charge,” Erica Smoak added.

She said because Jagger has attended the school for four years and is involved in sports, he is comfortable with the teachers and other students.

The Smoaks said they hoped the day would be a learning experience for their son and allow him to understand what it takes to run a school.

Head of School Steve Mandell did not get the day off while Jagger was in charge. He lived the life of a second-grader, attending the morning assembly and going to Jagger’s class.

Jagger arrived at school dressed the part in a blue blazer, tie and slacks. He said he expected to visit classes, teach, answer calls and emails and just sit at his desk.

“A headmaster is responsible for the school and makes sure every student is good,” he said when asked what makes a good headmaster.

His first task of the day was to officiate at an assembly for the lower school. Mandell sat with the second-grade class and even did the bleacher dance.

After the assembly, Jagger’s chauffeur took him around the campus in a golf cart.

He met with high school Principal Babette Hamilton, who showed him around and let him visit a few classrooms. The rest of the day was filled with more business for Jagger. He helped out in a Spanish class, led a staff meeting and handled a few “emergencies.”

He said his favorite part of the day was the staff meeting because they had hot chocolate.

At the end of the day, Jagger was able to transform back into a student for recess and an ice cream party with his classmates. And since he was in charge, he gave the second grade an extra 10 minutes of recess.

“The highlight of the day was seeing how the kids responded to Jagger,” Mandell said as he described the students’ support for their new headmaster. He said at recess the students surrounded Jagger and acted like members of his staff.

Mandell said he also enjoyed seeing the students learning about traditional subjects in innovative ways, such as with iPads.

He said the school is already planning on a way to make the prize of “headmaster for a day” happen next year. “You wouldn’t happen to know someone with a helicopter, would you?” he asked.

Reach Jade McDuffie at 937-5560 or jmcduffie@postandcourier.com.