Our new principal just was appointed last night at the board meeting he starts the 22nd, which at least that gives him two weeks til school start as compared to two days..yikes!
We do have the school block party on the 14th that will give him his first exposure to many families, I think I will tie in our open house to him somehow (that is Sept.22nd). Maybe push it as meet the principal night, I am going to put up a welcome sign and do a few little things...still thinking!
This doesn't qualify as a welcome to the new principal but it is a great way to introduce him or her to the community.
A couple of years ago, we got 2 new principals in our (2 school) district. We held our first annual Back To School BBQ (a western theme), we somehow talked these two wonderful men into wearing aprons and BBQing the meat. We designed the food line so that everyone collected and filled their plates ending up at the BBQ last to collect the meat of choice and meet the new principals. It worked out great.
Incidently, they both had so much fun that they continued to BBQ the meat at the annual event every year. - 4 years running so far.
To welcome our new executive director, high school principal, asst. dean and teachers and staff the PTO is hosting a BBQ at the school in a couple weeks after their morning of meetings etc. I'm excited as this is something we do in May during Apprication Week and this year a teacher suggested we have another one in the beginning of the year! Now it looks like we had a lot of turn over but more like a "spring cleaning" took place!
Should be a great time and a great way for everyone to relax and just talk with no worries of time, students, etc!
Here's an idea...
As a thank you for our hard work this year, our teachers held a progressive dinner for our board members. We started with appetizers at one house, salad and bread at the next, the main course followed, and then we culminated the evening with a HUGE dessert buffet at the final home. At every house there was a different group of teachers to mingle with... everyone had a great time and we all left feeling like we knew one another better.
Doing something like this might be a great (and delicious) way for your new principal, staff, and board members to get to know one another in a friendly setting. You can make the evening as big or small, casual or formal as you wish.
Good luck with whatever you choose... I think welcoming your new principal is a wonderful idea!
Kelley Kirkpatrick-Berg
Madison PTO President
Mount Vernon, WA
Hey let me know what you find out, our new principal may be able to start four days before school starts...ugh. we have a block party so I am thinking of doing something there to introduce the new principal, I am still thinking!
We have a new Principal this year and i am curious to hear what some of you have done to officially welcome them to your school. Our previous principal resigned over the summer, so we are all anxious to start off the school year on a positive note. Thanks for your help...
