'Principal Sundae' is on the menu at Apshawa

WEST MILFORD — The students of Apshawa Elementary School in West Milford were challenged by their principal, Stephanie Primavera, to read 1,500 books by the week of Read Across America, which is the first week of March. As an incentive, during Vote Ed in November, the students got to vote on their potential reward - Principal Primavera to dye her hair blue, kiss a live pig, read from the roof of the school, or to turn her into an ice cream sundae. The ice cream sundae choice won the student vote.

The students read diligently and met their reading goal of 1,500 books by the March deadline. And so, Primavera, seated in a baby pool, donned a shower cap, goggles, and garbage bags, prepared herself to be turned into an ice cream sundae by the students and staff. Primavera said,

“It was an interesting feeling being made into an ice cream sundae," said Primavera. "The shower cap and garbage bags were keeping me warm as the cold, sticky ice cream was being dumped onto my head.”

Each student from kindergarten through the sixth grade took a turn to spoon some ice cream onto Primavera’s head. Primavera said,

“The ice cream was covering my eyes so I couldn't see much of anything, but I heard little giggles and then 'splat',” said the principal.

The teachers topped off their "Principal Sundae" with some chocolate syrup, sprinkles and cherries.

“Even though I was sitting in a baby pool and covered in a plastic bag, I went home very sticky and with a couple of sprinkles in my hair!” said Primavera.

For Primavera, the experience “was completely worth it!” The students enjoyed reading for many reasons, and the incentive helped them push themselves to their full potential.

“I would absolutely do it again if the students reach another reading goal!” she said adding, “Who knows what could be next?”