I go with Scottmom and fortunately we have that principal. She supports everything we do and on the rare occasion she has a concern or disagrees with something, she speaks with us openly and in a manner that is non-confrontational. She encourages her staff to come to meetings and events and to support us.
It's definitely a mutual respect "thing". We respect the fact that she is in charge of her school and is responsible for what goes on there and she respects that we want to be an integral part of our children's school and educational experience.
:eek: Scottmom#1, if I weren't the VP at my school I'd swear that you were at my school. I hope to find a president like that before my children grow up. They are in elementary school right now. I'm sending this to my president.
a principal that upholds the tenet of treating all students and parents (and teachers of course) FAIRLY. ie no preferential treatment, no taking sides, but remaining objective. a difficult task, but once certain parents voices are given more weight than others, or some voices not listened to becuase of the messenger (ie dont kill the messenger becuase the message or opinion is unpopular) thats sets apart the best managers/principals from the average, in my book of elem school experience of 3yrs.
Communticates with us
Respects us
Can and does laugh with us
Appreciates our work and efforts
Great with our children not yet in school (VERY important to me)
Conversations are comfortable like a afternoon Starbucks with a friend or business like enough you can still get through the agenda yet know you were heard and they know you heard them!
I was taught to treat others as you would want to be treated and I am fortunate that still works today!! Especially when you bring fresh baked goodies to meetings!!
Forgive me ScottMom, this is what I have learned in 8 years!
My idea of a supportive principal is one who comes to meetings, but doesn't control them; is willing to be a part of the team, not run it. One who is willing to discuss concerns with your group and never make assumptions or accusations.
I would like a principal that didn't disrespect the PTO by scheduling events that took away from previously scheduled PTO events, or went back on their word for scheduled events. I would like him/her to talk to the group before making decisions for it that throw numerous things into chaos. I would like a principal that made other groups follow the same rules he sets for ours. I would like a principal who respects the parents who spend as many hours volunteering at/for the school that most paid staff spend and not succumb to the whims of overbearing parents just to appease them.
Honestly, I think the most supportive principal, would also have such a good relationship with their staff that it made our group that much better, and one who wouldn't feel threatened by the wonderful relationships that the hardworking parents have with the staff.
I'm sure other people have different ideas, but, after almost 5 years, these are mine.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
