This clip from Armageddon may best describe how I feel as I transition this summer from AP to Principal. Packing was surreal…but sitting in this big’ol office…having my note pads and posit its where they go…it means thisisreallyhappening.
I am walking into a dream position. The campus is beautiful. The scores are phenomenal. The staff has been lauded by all. The parents I’ve met have been beyond friendly and approachable. Most importantly, the systems that are in place are amazing. They are in a good place (nah, a great place) with PLCs, with logistics, with morale.
What am I going to do all summer then??
1. Get to know the office staff. These team of ladies has the potential to be my front line at any given moment. I want them to KNOW me, know my heart and to genuinely know who I am. I want to make sure they know my vision, my big picture plans, to help make it easier for them to see why I do the things I do, or make the decisions I make.
2. Meet with my “groups”. There are a myriad of “groups” within a school, and school district. I have a “Tea with Teamann” for the PTA board already planned. We’re meeting team leaders and PLC leaders for a leadership day. I’m thinking about a “grill & chill” for families. I met with my superintendent and assistant supts to talk about what expectations they had for me for my first year. (Not surprisingly, their answer was relationships!) I want to meet all my SHAREholders, 🙂
3. Dig in. The outgoing principal was a data junkie. I am SO fortunate to be able to see longitudinal data on each student before we ever sit down to talk within our PLCs. I’m going to dive deeper into last years test scores, know my percentages, my areas of focus, and my initial thoughts where we can achieve even higher. I. can’t. wait.
4. Breathe. I am going to enjoy this year. I am not going to be worried and stressed over everything. I am not going to think I need to know everything. I am going to focus on being me, knowing that that was what allowed me to be chosen for this position.
5. *bonus* ( I wrote this post Thursday afternoon and it timed out and LOST the whole things. As I’m rewriting, I’m adding a bonus #5. You’re welcome!;))
That last paragraph? I used the word “I” a ton. One of my goals this year is to excise that word from my vocabulary. I never want to be the kind of leader who is “I” focused…this is a team, a family. WE will accomplish great things, together. It is SO defeating to be with someone who Unless something has gone wrong and I am taking responsibility, then the word I will use is WE.
#dontbethatleader #wontbethatleader
It may be summer, but my wolf wheels won’t stop spinning. Any other pointers/advice you can share? PLEASE do!
Wolf ready,
Amber
Congratulations!! 2015-2016 will be my first year as an AP. I am following you (digitally), and you have no idea how much you have helped me.
Great tips!! Enjoy your summer and your new school!!
LC, good luck! I wish you all the best and thank you for following along with me, 🙂
Amber
Amber,
I am so, so, so very happy for YOU!!!!!! You (and your team) are going to do AMAZING things!!!!! I can’t wait to see!!!!!!
KB! You are my favorite cheerleader, 🙂 THANK YOU for loving me and I can’t WAIT to watch your journey as well!!! Glad to see someone who deserves success find it!!
Amber
Amber,
Congrats on the new position and what an awesome post! It is evident that you have had awesome mentors and you have taken in a great deal of knowledge. Your list is spot on and I encourage you to constantly return to #4. Enjoy the journey and spend time celebrating the successes!! Have a fantastic year!!
Congrats on the job! You’ll be great!
I’m so happy for you in your new position! I’ve been a truly contented AP for 16 years now, and when and if the Lord opens the door again for a principal position now that my own kids are older, I wanna be like you when I get there! My good friend April Riley introduced me to your blog this summer, and I.love.it. It’s actually a blog that I listed and wrote specifically about in my newly-developed blog as one of I’m following closely. It’s an exciting journey. Best of luck to you and yours this year!! If you ever head out west, give me a ring and I will buy you lunch!! JC
Hi Amber and thank you for the post. The list of people in my #pln who have the opportunity to serve as a principal for the first time continues to grow. I count myself fortunate that I also find myself in the same boat. May we all have great success helping others help kids, and yes find time to breathe even though the wheels never fully stop.