A Memphis elementary school principal apologized to her staff after holding a mock funeral, including a baby doll in a box made to look like a coffin, as a way to motivate teachers into the new year.

Getwell Elementary teachers complained to the Memphis-Shelby County Education Association after Principal Tina Smith held the mock funeral during an in-service day last week. Teachers were required to be there, but no students were present.

The union's executive director, Keith Williams, said teachers were upset after first-year principal Smith's attempt to, metaphorically, bury their first semester efforts in the past.

The principal, he said, was apparently unhappy with data from the first semester that reflected students were still years behind.

"Her motive was great, but it went awry," Williams said.

Smith officiated the mock funeral, which was held in the library, Williams said. It included a program and an obituary for "Madam 2 to 3 Years Behind."

"She has resided in our minds far too long," the obituary, shown to The Commercial Appeal in photographs, said. "It is now time to shine our light and bestow our true gifts upon the students of Getwell Elementary School."

A message left for Smith at the school was not immediately returned Thursday afternoon.

The district said in a statement that Smith had apologized to her staff and that she had planned a variety of activities "aimed to renew the focus and commitment of staff members in the new year."

The funeral was a "symbolic act to eliminate negativity and excuses associated with previous years of poor academic performance," the district said. "Discussions focused on positive strategies and expectations for helping all students be successful. However, after speaking with a few concerned staff members, the principal acknowledged how the activity could be seen as insensitive and personally apologized to the entire staff."

Williams said the union is not calling for the district to take any action against the principal.

"She just used entirely the wrong approach," Williams said.

Reach Jennifer Pignolet at jennifer.pignolet@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @JenPignolet.

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