Unresponsive Principal
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Anonymous
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I have had kids at a good EOP DCPS school for 8 years. I am a pretty low maintenance parent in terms of my interaction with the school. I always have a very good relationships with my kids' teachers, and have never had a need to schedule an appointment with the principal. However, this year for the first time several things have come up with one of my kids (I don't want to get too specific - but think a couple serious conflicts with other kids, decisions about a placement in advanced math group, etc.) He has emailed my husband and I once to inform us of a consequence for my son's behavior - we agreed with the principal's decision. My husband wrote a really thoughtful response. The principal didn't write back to say, "Thanks" or "Let's work together" or "Please call me if you want to talk about this." I had cc'd him on a message to the teacher on another issue, and got a great response from the teacher. Nothing from the principal. There are other incidents (at least 2 - one this year, one a couple of years ago) when I think he should have touched base by phone or email and he didn't (not small issues, the one a few years ago involved my 7 year old son being left unattended by DCPS staff on the playground). I'm now feeling angry and I'm wondering whether I should email and say, I am not finding you to be responsive to my husband or me?? We are at a school with many high maintenance parents, and I'm sure that he emails them all the time about all their issues. I see them in his office daily. Should I let this go? Should I email the principal? Should I schedule a time to talk to him? |
Anonymous
| Schedule a time to talk. It could be as simple as differences in communication styles. If you're pretty low key, principal may have decided no follow up was needed after issues were resolved. |
Anonymous
| I don't understand. Are you asking the principal for information, and the principal isn't answering your questions? Or are you just expecting the principal to write back to an informative email you provided with a "thanks, got it" email? |
Anonymous
| Let it go. Let it go . . . |
Anonymous
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I have spent a lot of time working in DC public schools. While it would be nice if Principals acknowledged every message, even when an actual content response is not necessary (i.e. you were writing to say "I agree", not "This is what we are requesting re: my child"), it is truly unrealistic to expect a Principal to reply where the content doesn't require a reply.
The ONLY way this would be a reasonable expectation is if you confirm with other parents that even when they send him/her an email that doesn't require a response beyond acknowledgement of receipt, that they still get a response from the Principal. In other words, only if you confirm that you are actually being treated differently than other parents (as opposed to your speculation that you are), then you could raise it. Yes, again, it would be nice, and it is civil and shows the message was read. But please think about how many emails a day this Principal gets. It's an unrealistic expectation. And honestly, given that this is DC, you should focus on being pleased with the way they are treating your child (if that's how you feel). It's a lot better to get the right outcomes but maybe not the niceties you want, than to get a lot of "Thanks for your emails" and no actual action. |
Anonymous
| Just know that it's budget time and DC CAS prep time so principals are really busy. That's not an excuse for neglecting a duty but may help you to empathize a bit. Try him again more firmly, but still respectfully. |
Anonymous
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I am taking what you say at face value (in other words, not a regular DCUM response of immediately telling you what you're doing wrong simply based on your initial post).
8 years at the same school says to me you need some face-to-face time. And by "need" I believe that's two-sided, you have a long-standing relationship and you're working for the same things (quality education, strong school, etc.). After this much time your the Principal probably recognizes your name and hopefully you've been involved in some field-trips, fundraising, support, etc. Talk. I love the efficiency of email as much as anyone, but there's no substitution for looking someone in the eye. You are allies, ultimately. Go talk. |
Anonymous
| Thank you! This is OP. These are the best responses I've ever received on DCUM! |
Anonymous
Get back to us then, and tell us how it worked out. Prove the non-snark was worth it! 
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Anonymous
| Which school? |
Anonymous
| OP: Best advice HERE: write again, and this time cc: everyone in the DCPS universe -- start with your principal, cc their APthe Asst. Super, your ANC, the power grabbers running for mayor. You WILL get a response, and it will likely favor you. Don't be shy -- make them accountable!! |
Anonymous
Bad advice here. There's no need to escalate. You wanted a simple "thanks" to your email. Reach out in person and face to face. Do not put school officials or your ANC or other council members on an email about your child. A, political figures emailing about a child violates student privacy, and B, this "all out" approach isn't warranted. Walk in to school, set up a meeting, and TALK. |
Anonymous
This has got to be sarcasm. |
Anonymous
| In my experience the principals at DCPS were terrible at following on email. I get that they receive a lot and they are busy but still it is a part of your job |
Anonymous
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agree with 8:31
who on earth would cc: the entire city when you don't get a simple "thanks, got it" reply? this is crazy just go in at drop off or pick up and kindly ask for a quick chat it's that simple have a civil and calm conversation don't hide behind email |