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‘You're a Firework:' Dancing Principal in East Bay Brings Smiles to Students, Parents

Getting middle school students up and ready for school can sometimes be a challenge. That's why one San Ramon principal goes the extra mile, determined to help her students start the day with a laugh -- even if it's at her expense. 

Every morning, Gale Ranch Middle School Principal Sue Goldman welcomes students by standing outside the school and dancing along to popular music. Some kids laugh, some give her a wave and some even join her. 

In an interview with NBC Bay Area, she said that she does it to help boost spirits.

"Middle school can be really hard for kids, especially when you’re trying to figure out who and what you are, and it’s just a way to set the tone," she said. "I don’t dance that well as you can see, but I don’t care what I look like when I’m out there dancing." 

Goldman, who has been an administrator for 12 years and a principal at Gale Ranch for four years, first started dancing toward the end of the last academic year, and it's been a daily tradition since.

"It has been amazing," she said. "Of all the things that I have done at school, this has garnered the most positive attention. This is just an awesome community. The kids, the parents and the staff are amazing, and I didn’t think it could get any better until I started dancing." 

A video of Goldman inspiring a small group of students to dance with her was uploaded to Facebook earlier this month and has since amassed more than 20,000 views. Goldman said that the video actually downplays how many students typically take part.

"That does not even show what it looks like every day," she said. "At about 8:05, it is packed. Every day is like a dance party."

Parents were quick to commend Goldman for her moves, writing on the Facebook post that her positive energy is contagious. 

"My son has moved on to High School but Sue always put a smile on my face in the mornings with her music and dancing!," wrote Lynda Hyette on Facebook. 

One parent even suggested that Goldman appear on daytime talkshow "Ellen." Another remarked that mornings can be tough, but seeing the principal made the day better. 

"Sue, you are amazing! Our morning sometimes start out rough but seeing you quickly makes our day better!" wrote Saneta Husainzada. 

Gillian Edevane covers Contra Costa County. Contact her at Gillian.Edevane@NBCuni.com.

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