If the principal won't sit in the dunk tank, find some other way in which he is more comfortable helping the PTO. They do have families and can't come to every night activity. They just might be putting their personal matters ahead at that time. "Just because principals say no doesn't mean they don't want to come or that it's not important. "I know a lot of principals are hesitant or reluctant, but it's important for parents not to give up, to keep asking," Angelucci says. "You're already going in with something the principal is comfortable with," says Angelucci.Įven if you meet resistance, continue trying to involve the principal in school functions, from fundraising to family nights. You might break the ice by asking the principal to speak to the PTO on this topic. You might go in and thank the principal for his or her support, maybe in some fundraising effort or to spread the word to teachers about how important something was or how they kicked something off in an assembly." Then focus on the principal's expertise, his passions or pet projects in an area such as curriculum, budget, or public relations. "You never want to go in in attack mode with anybody. "It's important to start off on a positive note," Angelucci says. We asked several principals for advice on the best way for parent group leaders to approach them. As they seek to work together for the benefit of the school and its children, they must also balance being a good and frequent communicator without becoming a nuisance. They must be strong and assertive, yet respectful of the principal's authority. They must learn not to feel intimidated, no matter what bad memories they harbor from their own childhoods and no matter what sort of personality their principal has. "It goes back to their experience as a student."įor PTO officers, especially presidents, developing a good relationship with their principal is key to a successful year. "I still have parents very timid about coming in to the office, even if I just ask, 'Is the homework hotline going OK?' or 'How's Billy doing in soccer?' " says Alfonso Angelucci, principal of North Side and Walnut Ridge elementary schools in Ellwood City, Pa. While discipline is only one of many issues dealt with by today's school leaders, that image of the big, bad principal continues to haunt some adults. Maybe even trouble solved only by a paddle wielded by the scariest person on campus: the principal. Way back when, getting sent to the office meant you were in trouble.
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