I am often asked if I have any good stories to tell as a principal of an elementary school. Each day is so different in this profession, so I have the makings of a substantial book of short stories…all with a lesson learned and often with a tinge of humor.  People want to hear the stories about the interesting things the children say or their visits to the office (names are changed to protect the innocent). People often have the mental model of the principal waiting in the office for students who might make inappropriate choices.  The reality is there are so many other aspects to the role, all of which energize me to do what is in the best interests of the students.

 

Currently, I am focusing on the facilitation of the class placement process.  I believe it is one of the most important practices we have in place for the achievement of our students.  It includes all members…the students, parents, classroom teachers, specialists, Special School District staff, counselors, and the administrative team.
     Being your children’s first advocate, we know you may have pertinent information that will aid in the class placement process.   In upcoming weeks, the students will also be asked to contribute input about themselves as learners.

 

When we come together as a team of professionals for the development of class lists, we take many factors into mind.  We work to create heterogeneous lists by bearing in mind the varying achievement levels of the students, the boy/girl ratio, languages, social needs, learning styles, diversity, behavior strengths & growth areas, and Individual Education Plan (IEP) needs.  The process requires a great deal of thought and time for 358 individual students at R.M. Captain.  Members of our administrative team (Principal, Instructional Coordinator, and Counselor) are in the classrooms on a consistent basis and aware of the individual styles and strengths of the teachers.  This guides us in decisions about the assignment of teachers.  Just as you do as parents, our faculty works for the best interests of the children.
     

 

Our goal is to reach all students when they eagerly walk through the doors of R.M. Captain.  We feel our class placement process supports us in this goal.  It is not the aspect of my position people find interesting to hear about at dinner parties or social gatherings. However, I find the facilitation of the process to be one of the most crucial aspects of being principal.
     

 

Thank you for putting your trust in the professionals of this school to provide an environment highly conducive for your children.