Principal's Page
November 16, 2009
Dear Parents:
Can you believe that one quarter of the school year has already passed? It seems like the first day of school was just a few weeks ago. In the midst of such a dynamic school culture, I sometimes struggle to find a resting place to reflect on what it was like to be a classroom teacher, and more importantly, what it was like to be an elementary school student. But when I do, I gain a deeper appreciation for the hard work of our teachers and our students, and insight into my leadership role within the school.
Perhaps one of the most challenging struggles I have encountered as an administrator is reconciling that not every parent cares about every child’s education. This harsh reality has come to me not so much in my role as principal at Fuller, but rather in the media coverage of current events, in my dissertation research, and in the policies and guidelines which frame and govern school operations. I still consider myself new to the educational leadership arena, and have been admittedly naïve in certain situations, but I also consider myself a learner, a student of my school and its people, and I have faith in the goodness of community. I make these claims because I am encouraged that in our community, there is more attention, more conversation, focused on what, how, and where our students will be educated. Though I cannot foretell the future, I do think that there is promise and hope when the community is in formed and engaged.
Fuller Family Night
Last Monday, our school had the honor of hosting the Superintendent’s Leadership Team. As part of their agenda, I was asked to do a presentation for the team on “something that was unique to our school.” I subject of my presentation was Fuller Family Night, and how we use this event as a tool to build and sustain community. Dr. Burns and the team were impressed with the collaboration between our staff and our PTA, the presentation topics, and the outcomes. Please make an effort to attend this Friday’s Fuller Family Night, where we will continue our discussion of topics and issues that are specific to your child’s education. If you plan to attend and you need childcare after school, please make sure that your child returns the signed permission form, and make an effort to be at school by 5:30 so that you can enjoy dinner before attending program sessions.
Professional Learning Teams
Our professional learning teams are hard at work. Each Wednesday afternoon, department and grade level teachers meet with academic specialists to review student assessment data and plan accordingly. In our aim to teach every child at his or her level, we recognize that we are empowered by each other, and find that even though this amount of time is not sufficient (teams also meet periodically during the week, before and/or after school, and during common planning periods), it is valuable to have that time protected for all staff members to stop and evaluate what and how we are preparing every child for academic and social growth. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Student Dismissal at Carpool
Our staff makes every effort to protect each child, and our procedures are preventative measures that we take because we assume responsibility for your child’s wellbeing. We understand that our families have deadlines and schedules, and we strive to make carpool as efficient as possible, but we need your help. Please use your carpool number daily because our staff cannot know every parent or guardian. If you do not have one, please inform the front office staff and a number will be provided for you. Without the number, please expect to be asked to park and enter the building to show identification to our front office staff. Also, please do not create two lanes of traffic, as this creates a safety hazard for our students, many of whom you cannot see from your driver’s seat. Thank you for your patience. In no way do we wish to disrespect your time, but we take the safety of our students, your children, very seriously.
Also, thank to those of you who have made an effort to respect instructional time for learning by avoiding picking your child up from school between 3:15 and 3:45. Our front office staff appreciates your courtesy and is better able to achieve a safe and orderly dismissal, and our teachers appreciate the decrease in class disruptions.
Magnet Recruitment
The Magnet Fair was a success, as was the first round of magnet tours. Many parents comment that a friend, or someone in their neighborhood is happily enrolled in our program. Thank you for your marketing efforts. As for specific questions about acceptances, please note that I reserve openings every year at each grade level, the window for application is in February, and we have tour dates and times on our website.
2009 Food Drive Campaign
Thanks for all your support in our Food Drive campaign. Our students have been very responsive, and we are proud of their enthusiasm for this cause.
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