Legislature Declares October National Principals Month
By: Dan Higgins10/4/2012 12:00:00 AM
The New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association was presented a legislative resolution this week declaring October as National Principals Month, honoring the contribution of principals in the elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools across New Jersey.
“I am honored to accept this on behalf of all principals in this state,” said Patricia Wright, executive director of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association. “Especially in this time of change and growth, it is imperative that we recognize and celebrate the role of the principal in providing leadership and vision as they guide the education of our students.”
Principals are responsible for providing instructional leadership and professional management in our schools. Dedicated to their students’ academic, social and intellectual development, principals work to offer a positive support system to empower their students and give them the right tools they need to succeed.
“As we continue to work in close collaboration with teachers, superintendents, school boards, state officials, and families to improve our already outstanding delivery of educational services in New Jersey, we must remember that it is the principal’s responsibility to provide the leadership in the building to promote change,” Wright continued.
“In creating positive school environments that facilitate great teaching and learning and continuous school improvement, principals work collaboratively with teachers and parents to develop and implement a clear mission, high curriculum standards, and strong performance goals.”
Tracey Servens, deputy chief academic officer for NJDOE, 2011 NJPSA Principal of the Year and NAESP distinguished principal, echoed Wright’s comments on the importance principal’s role. “Principals exert an immeasurable influence on the course, quality and character of schools,” Severns said. “If we are to truly realize the potential of the Common Core State Standards to graduate all students, career or college ready, it will be the principal who will lead the way.”
“It is simply not possible to turn around an underperforming school or sustain a high performing school without a principal who understands and acts on his/her role as an instructional leader,” Severns continued. “This declaration of October as National Principals Month provides the perfect opportunity to acknowledge and underscore the critical role that our school leaders play in creating learning environments that guarantee success for all students.”
Samsel Upper Elementary School Celebrates National Principal Month
On Wednesday 17, 2012, the Samsel Upper Elementary School surprised Principal Maher with a bucket full of good wishes and goodies. Our school boasts approximately 950 fourth and fifth grade students, and we are promoting courtesy, respect, and kindness among them. The school theme this year is to be a “Bucket Filler,” whether it be by speaking a caring word, completing an act of kindness, or volunteering one’s time to help others. Ms. Maher has been an instrumental leader in this regard, and the faculty wanted to show their support and appreciation for all that she does. Ms. Maher makes the workplace a wonderful environment and she is responsive and compassionate as she leads us on our journeys in the field of education. She has filled our buckets, and the staff wanted to fill hers. So at 8:15 in the morning, prior to the start of school, the staff assembled in the gym, and showered Ms. Maher with a bucket full of snacks and treats. We appreciate the fact that the New Jersey Legislature declared that October is National Principals Month in our state, and we applaud Principal Maher in her effort to provide leadership and vision to the staff and students.
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