Thanks for all the advice. I forgot to mention that it's kind of an odd thing because my husband and I are good friends with the new superintendent. He's lived his whole life in our city (was my gym teacher in high school). I know alot of the parents already know him but I am thinking of inviting him to our first PTA meeting of the new school year.

Thanks again!

I like your ideas, but we did go through this last year, and I'm glad we didn't do anything you suggest, as the guy was a total disaster! He micromanaged everything in our district (e.g., allowed only 1 copy machine per school), humiliated staff and left teacher moral in shambles. If we had seemed to support him, it would've jeapordized our relationship with our own administrator and staff. I think its fine to issue a welcome note to him, (I use Him, but of course it could be a Her, no bias intended), but I would tread lightly, especially if this is a contract negotiation year, as it is here. Let him know how your group supports the school, talk with him about his goals for the year. Find out how he projects himself before you schedule an event where he's the speaker. If we'd sponsored a "meet the parents" night we also would've alienated half of our parents, since the guy has been openly hostile towards parents and is incredibly overpaid. Fortunately for us, he moved on at the end of spring, but not without doing some fairly serious damage last school year.

As always dcd great ideas. I would also ask him to come to a meeting and "meet the parents" with time to publicize his attendance. You could even invite all the other schools and their parents. Have a small reception afterwards.

That's great, thanks.

Invite him to come meet the members of the PTO board, and spend a few minutes of his very valuable time - at your first or second board meeting.

Mayve purchase a nice frame and print out this little diddy to present to this new superintendent.

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YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE
--(Author Unknown)

There are many who go the "second mile" And greet each day's tasks with a smile; Who spend their lives serving others
And look upon all men as brothers.

Who work for all children everywhere, When there's a need - they are there. Their time and talents freely dedicate Serving in places small and great.

These are the ones we honor today
And to you we wish to say -
This world is now a better place
Because it looked upon you face. Anonymous


In recognition of your dedicated service to children
from (name of your school or school dist.)
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This can be for a volunteer, a teacher, or anyone that puts children as a priority in their lives.

check out the others in the collection I've compiled. myschoolonline.com/page/0,1871,48153-169970-51-74333,00.html

We have a new Superintendent this year and we're trying to decide if we should do something (and what) to welcome him. Has anyone else had this happen?