School District Seeks “Principals For A Day”
Annual Principal-for-a-Day Program Connects Community with Schools
“It’s not easy being a principal.”
“Fresh eyes bring fresh ideas.”
Those are two lessons that the school district and community members invariable realize after the annual Principal for a Day program. The program gives the community an opportunity to experience modern public schools first hand. For many, it’s an eye-opening experience.
Participants arrive when the schools open and shadow the principals until lunch. The Principals for a Day observe all aspects of a principal’s daily tasks and take an active role in the day’s responsibilities, including overseeing bus lines, working with parent concerns, visiting classrooms, attending meetings, and responding to discipline needs.
At the end of the event, district superintendent Dr. Rainey Knight conducts a debriefing luncheon for the participants. The luncheon is a chance for the Principals for a Day to share their experiences and insight with the actual principals and district staff.
Dr. Rainey Knight, superintendent of Darlington County School District, is a proponent of the Principal for a Day program: “One of the great advantages of the Principal for a Day program is that it allows us to hear from our community about what they see in the classroom. While I hope they come away from the experience with positive feelings about our schools, I also appreciate that we gain fresh perspectives on the things we are doing in our classrooms. This is not just about public relations…it’s also allowing the community an opportunity help us understand what we’re doing right and where we need improvement.”
This year’s Principal for a Day program will be held October 13, 2010. Schools will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Volunteers are asked to work with the principals from approximately 7:30 AM until 11:30 AM; then join the Superintendent for a debriefing luncheon at the district office from noon until 1:30 PM.
If you or someone you know is interested in serving as a Principal for a Day, please contact the Darlington County School District’s Office of Communications at 843/398-2284.
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