Inside the Trenches of the Principal: Week 5
For years now, I imagined what I would say the first time I stepped in front of my staff as a principal. I had the chance this week, and while I’ll leave what I said as a secret between my staff and me, I may or may not have been up on a table wearing neon colored 80’s athletic gear while saying it.
Anyway, it was back to school for teachers this week and we finally had a chance to kick off this year! The energy was high, the morale is great, and we are ready to rumble! There are big plans in place to work hard this year on building positive culture, making great first impressions, and building student-leadership. We had a surprise visit from my buddy Michael Bonner on Thursday, and he was so gracious and humble with his words to my staff.
I am adjusting to what I consider the hardest part of being a principal so far – being able to switch content and conversations on the fly. On Wednesday afternoon, for instance, I had a meeting with the Exceptional Children’s department about a compliance issue that involved maintenance, immediately followed by a meeting with Child Nutrition, immediately followed by a phone call with HR about an employee’s paperwork, immediately followed by a meeting about the first day back for teachers, and then immediately followed by a call to the finance department. With each person I talk to (especially when it’s back-to-back-to-back-to-back) the previous conversation’s content is still in my head, so it’s been a huge learning curve adjusting to the immediate switches that need to be made between conversations.
As teachers are back now, there are many, many conversations that happen as I pass someone in the hall. Most people just have quick questions, others need more planned sit-down meetings, but I am learning how to get people to write me a note or email so I don’t forget. I am also learning how to delegate questions to others who can make decisions or complete tasks that I don’t necessarily need to take of myself.
This coming week will bring Open House and final preparation for our first day of school! We’re looking to go big! Many surprises to come for our scholars! Stay tuned!
