End of the Semester

We are approaching the end of another semester. My first year as a prinicpal has been eye opening to say the least. To all you aspiring administrators let me tell you first hand, that being an Assistant Principal is totally different than being the Principal! Your mindset is different, your sleeping patterns are different, you carry yourself different. Being a principal I have learned to temper justice with mercy. I have learned to listen carefully and speak rarely. Not saying to keep my mouth closed, however being a principal requires listening skills. So many times we want to talk over a parent or a teacher, when in reality they just want to be heard. Since the final decision rests with me, I have to learn to be patient and manage problems before they become "problems". One thing we have done on campus this year is implement common assessments. Every 3 weeks my instructional coordinator creates tests in all core areas. Our student scores have gradually increased each time. I am so proud of our students as they work hard to reach their potential. I want to reward them each and every day for the things they are doing for themselves. I know I will probably never see their final destinations, but I am glad to play a small role in their development.