Expectations of principals

[Anonymous]

If you have a new principal, what is it they are doing? I ask because we have a new one, but no one has met or heard from them yet. I understand they need to get acclimated, but given our past principal was not necessarily a great role model, I have no idea what to expect.

What are some things your principal is doing (whether new or not - but especially if new) so far in the school year, in such a way that parents would be aware?

[Anonymous]

Is there a back to school night scheduled or was one held? That's the typical fall event for a principal.

Some also stand outside and greet people on arrival (espec in ES) but not all.

If you have a PTO etc, ask them if they are gong to host a coffee or similar event with the principal.

[Anonymous]

Being visible and accessible to parents and pickup and dropoff. Attending the PTA meeting. Responding within a reasonable time to calls and emails. Understand that your issue is likely not the most important on her plate that day.

Principals are under tremendous pressure and have a lot to juggle. I would expect a new principal to seem overwhelmed, especially if a first-time principal. Hang in there, we had a new one a few years ago and she turned out to be great.

[Anonymous]

Good communication

School runs smoothly

Regular coffee events for parents to talk to the principal, voice any concerns, and then listens and gives updates of feedback on such

Sends out surveys to parents on how the school is doing. Sign that school is open to feedback and constructive criticism

Meets regularly with teachers or has many professional development days to support teachers, especially new ones

Bonus - greets kids/parents in the morning and genuinely knows kids and /or parents.

[Anonymous]

We have a new principal and she is been on top of it:
- Weekly newsletter with status update
- Present at the beginning of PTA meeting and other community meetings
- Address issues promptly (Lead test result as example)
- Greet kids at entrance most days
Really what I expect from a great principal.
It is really bad if you have not hear a thing from your new principal. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a new principal and she is been on top of it:
- Weekly newsletter with status update
- Present at the beginning of PTA meeting and other community meetings
- Address issues promptly (Lead test result as example)
- Greet kids at entrance most days
Really what I expect from a great principal.
It is really bad if you have not hear a thing from your new principal. Good luck!

In addition to this, my school principal has also:

- Addressed class size issues by lobbying for, and getting, an additional class at my child's level as the cohort was larger than expected
- Implemented conscious discipline
- Addressed concerns with teachers who are not a good fit for the school culture (eg. yelling, old fashioned discipline)
- Addresses issues of bullying head on, actively supports the counselor

[Anonymous]

Thanks, follow up question: if our AP does most of this then what should Principal be responsible for as opposed to AP?

[Anonymous]

Greets students at door in am;
Sends email blasts (drop/off pick-up procedures, protest, etc.);
Moderated back to school night;
Very visible, often see him whenever I'm in the building, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, follow up question: if our AP does most of this then what should Principal be responsible for as opposed to AP?

Our AP is the one who is most involved day to day with teachers in facilitating classroom support, curriculum design, resources- and also working with kids and families who need support, for all kinds of reasons.

I treasure our AP who was instrumental in comforting my DC after a transition to a new school ... he wanted to leave, was not comfortable, had no friends ... and she was able to manage his emotions, orient him, work with us .... and sure enough he's thriving and happy at school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, follow up question: if our AP does most of this then what should Principal be responsible for as opposed to AP?

It depends on how many APs they have amd how they divide things up, but Principals do the budget, hiring, firing, manage relationship with downtown and instructional superintendent. Oversee facility issues if there is not an operations manager. Deal with a lot special ed and really serious behavior stuff. Long-term planning.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a new principal and she is been on top of it:
- Weekly newsletter with status update
- Present at the beginning of PTA meeting and other community meetings
- Address issues promptly (Lead test result as example)
- Greet kids at entrance most days
Really what I expect from a great principal.
It is really bad if you have not hear a thing from your new principal. Good luck!

Sounds like you're at Shepherd! We are really appreciating Dr. Hedlund and hope we get to hang onto her permanently -- it'd be a gut-punch to lose her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a new principal and she is been on top of it:
- Weekly newsletter with status update
- Present at the beginning of PTA meeting and other community meetings
- Address issues promptly (Lead test result as example)
- Greet kids at entrance most days
Really what I expect from a great principal.
It is really bad if you have not hear a thing from your new principal. Good luck!

Sounds like you're at Shepherd! We are really appreciating Dr. Hedlund and hope we get to hang onto her permanently -- it'd be a gut-punch to lose her.

I worked with her elsewhere and she’s top-notch!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We have a new principal and she is been on top of it:
- Weekly newsletter with status update
- Present at the beginning of PTA meeting and other community meetings
- Address issues promptly (Lead test result as example)
- Greet kids at entrance most days
Really what I expect from a great principal.
It is really bad if you have not hear a thing from your new principal. Good luck!

Sounds like you're at Shepherd! We are really appreciating Dr. Hedlund and hope we get to hang onto her permanently -- it'd be a gut-punch to lose her.

Yeap I am at Shepherd and Dr. Hedlund has been great!

[Anonymous]

Another follow up : is your principal NOT so good? What do they do/not do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks, follow up question: if our AP does most of this then what should Principal be responsible for as opposed to AP?

Our AP is the one who is most involved day to day with teachers in facilitating classroom support, curriculum design, resources- and also working with kids and families who need support, for all kinds of reasons.

I treasure our AP who was instrumental in comforting my DC after a transition to a new school ... he wanted to leave, was not comfortable, had no friends ... and she was able to manage his emotions, orient him, work with us .... and sure enough he's thriving and happy at school.

So therefore, do you not have a lot of face time with the principal?