What does a principal do?

As the Principal at Taylors Falls Elementary School, I have tasks to do each day. These are not unlike what the other Principals in our district do each day. Some of us have bigger responsibilities because we have a larger number of students. Because I work with smaller students in number and stature, the importance doesn’t change, only the size of the issue. In November we celebrate American Education Week (November 12-16); during the week we honor our Paraprofessionals who give great support to our staff and students. In keeping with the theme, I thought, what better time to see if my tasks need to change. I asked for some thoughts from my second grade students. “What does your Principal do?” I had prepared myself for a wide variety of answers and was ready to add to my tasks if needed. The following are some of their answers and my interpretation of what they mean. “Mr. Thimm makes sure kids learn and get smarter. He also makes sure kids are safe.” Kaylee H. Kaylee really understands our mission in the Chisago Lakes School District. We all work together with staff, parents, students, and administrators to promote the best educational opportunities for all students. Chisago Lakes Area Schools consistently score above the state average in the areas of math and reading. She also understands that we strive, in this district, to keep kids safe in all of our buildings. Many schools have a secure front entry or staff assigned to greet visitors. A reoccurring theme seems to be bullying prevention. “Mr. Thimm’s job is to give bullies a longer time out.” Maiah M. “He makes the school safe and No, No, No, No bullies in school.” Dan W. Maiah & Dan really get it right. Our school district uses the Olweus bullying prevention program and we also follow the Peaceful Bus guidelines for students. We try to show how peers can help prevent bullying and we use classroom meetings and discussions to help students to problem-solve difficult situations. The last student response mentions safety, but also lists a task I didn’t realize was on my plate. “Our Principal Mr. Thimm keeps the school safe and keeps the lunch hot for the kids.” Patrick H. Patrick states what he thinks are the important tasks for the Principal. I guess if you put it in simplest terms, we need to keep kids safe, help them grow academically and socially, and make sure the lunch is hot. I will continue with these tasks. But I will also add to my list-visiting the school kitchen to make sure our lunches stay hot for everyone. I would like to also acknowledge my secretary Mary Konobeck who has taken a new position in our district office. For fourteen years, Mary has been the voice and face of Taylors Falls Elementary. We will miss her and we wish her well in her new job. Thank you, Mary, for all you have done for our staff, our parents, but most of all, our students. Joe Thimm Taylors Falls Elementary School