Shepard Middle School Principal Michael Shapiro grimaces while being painted green at a morning assembly by sixth graders in recognition of Earth Day and the school's new composting efforts. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Children laugh as Shepard Middle School Principal Michael Shapiro is painted green at a morning assembly by sixth graders in recognition of Earth Day and the school's new composting efforts. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Shepard Middle School counselor Lisa Markarian gets the honor of putting on the first brush stroke to Principal Michael Shapiro Monday. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Paint begins to drip as Shepard Middle School Principal Michael Shapiro is covered in green paint at a morning assembly. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Brian Bullis, assistant principal at Shepard Middle School, raises his hands after being painted green. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Principal Michael Shapiro (left) and Brian Bullis, assistant principal, stand in the middle of Shepard Middle School's gym after being painted green. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Shepard Middle School Principal Michael Shapiro grimaces while being painted green at a morning assembly by sixth graders in recognition of Earth Day and the school's new composting efforts. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Principal Michael Shapiro (left) and Brian Bullis, assistant principal, stand in the middle of Shepard Middle School's gym after being painted green at an assembly on Monday. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Principal Michael Shapiro (left) and Brian Bullis, assistant principal, stand in the middle of Shepard Middle School's gym while being painted green on Monday. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Principal Michael Shapiro (left) and Brian Bullis, assistant principal, stand in the middle of Shepard Middle School's gym while being painted green. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media

Shepard Middle School Principal Michael Shapiro stands straight while being painted green. | Dan Luedert~Sun-Times Media