Pushing The Envelope

by

Bruce Conrad Davis

I may not be the typical school principal. By 5:30 a.m. I’m seated at my desk. Why so early? I’m alone. It’s quiet. I can do important work with no interruptions. My official work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If there isn’t a missing child or an emergency I’m out the door by 4:31 p.m.

District level management team meetings are held Wednesdays from nine to noon in the district board room. When the meeting ends many principals go out to lunch with other principals. I join them once or twice a year. A principal should be at school during the lunch hour. That’s when stuff happens. There are 23 classroom teachers. I try but fail to go to every room every day. I usually spend a few minutes in each room. I keep track of which classrooms I’ve visited. The next day I pick up where I left off. I keep a record of these visitations. I know the date and time I’ve been in each room.

Back in my office I make a “note” of my visit in an Eaasty Note Book with built in carbons. I place the note in the teachers mail box.

“Ms. Byrne, I was impressed with the way you answered Bobby’s question. You gave him the information he needed in such a kind way. I’m sure he left feeling good about himself.”

I put the note in Ms. Byrne’s mail box. Now she has a written compliment with even the date and time.

The kitchen staff and day and night custodians and other classified employees receive notes praising their work.

It’s important for people to have a piece of paper with written praise.