Survival Skills for the Principalship
A Treasure Chest of Time-Savers, Short-Cuts, and Strategies to Help You Keep a Balance in Your Life
John Blaydes
- Association of California School Administrators
Purchase
Hardcover
ISBN:
9780761938606
Available from
January 0001
Description
"A great book designed to lighten the load of school administrators--filled with practical, easy to implement strategies, short-cuts, time-savers, and sample forms and letters. A valuable reference guide for effective school leadership."
—Fran Madison-Cohee, NAESP California State Representative
Principal, White Oak Elementary, CA
"If you are looking for insight, rejuvenation, and thoughtful, practical strategies for success in your role as a school leader, look no further. John Blaydes helps us remember why we became educators, why we want to continue, and why inspirational leadership is essential to schools."
—Jane Foley, Vice President, National Educator Awards
Milken Family Foundation, Santa Monica, CA
—Fran Madison-Cohee, NAESP California State Representative
Principal, White Oak Elementary, CA
"If you are looking for insight, rejuvenation, and thoughtful, practical strategies for success in your role as a school leader, look no further. John Blaydes helps us remember why we became educators, why we want to continue, and why inspirational leadership is essential to schools."
—Jane Foley, Vice President, National Educator Awards
Milken Family Foundation, Santa Monica, CA
"Clearly, Blaydes planned well as he linked the themes from one chapter to the next. It will no doubt be a valued tool for school administrators."
—Daniel P. Gaffney, Principal
Howard R. Yocum Elementary School, NJ
Discover the new 3 Rs of school leadership—resiliency, renewal, and reflection!
Today's principals face unique challenges—demands of time, knowledge, and organization that take their toll on even the most flexible leader. This compilation of resources offers practical, ready-to-use solutions to the issues and dilemmas principals face every day. You can tap into these valuable resources for years to come as a long-term support that will enable you to use your time and energy more effectively, reduce personal stress, spark new ideas and programs, and enhance your effectiveness as an inspirational school leader. Inside you'll find:
- Highly practical strategies for strengthening your school's instructional program
- Tips, ideas, and techniques for creating a climate of excellence in your school
- Ways to lighten up, laugh more, and bring humor to your school community
- Proven strategies used by award-winning principals to maintain balance in their lives
- Methods for managing the impact of stress on your performance and renew your energy for the important work of the principalship
Learn to work smarter and discover the time to build a welcoming and purposeful learning environment—for yourself, your staff, and, ultimately, your students.
Also available from John Blaydes, Survival Skills for the Principalship CD Companion—a complement to the insightful book brimming with time-saving tips and shortcuts. CD is PC and Mac compatible. Please visit: Survival Skills for the Principalship CD Companion
Contents
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
About the Author
About the Author
Introduction
Introduction
1. Blueprint for Leadership in 21st Century Schools: Matering the Changes, Challenges, and Complexities of the Principalship
- Mastering the New Three R's of School Leadership
- Framing the Power of the Principalship
- Laying The Foundation of Your Principalship
- Treasure Chest Sample #1: Dance Card Partners
- Treasure Chest Sample #2: Professional Responsibilities
- Holding a Grand Conversation
- Mastering Resiliency
- Treasure Chest Sample #3: Candy-Grams
- Treasure Chest Sample #4: Parent-School Climate Questionnaire
- Treasure Chest Sample #5: Assessment of Staff Morale
- Treasure Chest Sample #6: Day of the Teacher Remembrance Book Parent Memo
- Treasure Chest Sample #7: Sample Elementary Classroom Behavior Management Plan
- Treasure Chest Sample #8: Discipline Problem-Solving Record Card
- Strengthening Your Infrastructure
- Putting the Home Back in Homework
- Treasure Chest Sample #9: Parent Homework Brochure
- Homework Survival Kit for Teachers
- Treasure Chest Sample #10: Homework Survival Kit for Teachers
- Treasure Chest Sample #11: Homework Alert
- Treasure Chest Sample #12: Principal's Homework Letter to Parents
2. Mastering the Skills of Resiliency
- Resiliency
- The Rock of the Principalship
- Survey Results - Stressors
- Treasure Chest Sample #13: Stress Inventory
- Tuesdays With Me
- Time Management Tips From Award-Winning Principals
- Building the Parent-School Partnership
- Treasure Chest Sample #14: Parent Volunteer Survey Letter
- Treasure Chest Sample #15: PEP Classroom Volunteer Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #16: School Volunteer Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #17: Volunteer Handbook Welcome Letter
- Treasure Chest Sample #18: Parent Classroom Observation Procedures
- Treasure Chest Sample #19: Parent Education Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #20: Parent Invitation to Kindergarten Orientation
- Treasure Chest Sample #21: Parent Handout: Kindergarten - A Statement of Philosophy
- Treasure Chest Sample #22: Parent Handout: Kindergarten Goals - What Your Child Will Learn
- Treasure Chest Sample #23: Parent Handout - Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten
- Treasure Chest Sample #24: Kindergarten Welcome Conference Agenda
- Treasure Chest Sample #25: Parent Handout - Back to School Night
- Creative Models - Special Needs Students
- Timesavers for Referrals and Interventions
- Treasure Chest Sample #26: Special Needs Interventions Inventory
- Treasure Chest Sample #27: Special Needs Student Background Form
- Treasure Chest Sample #28: New Parent Invitation for School Tour
- Treasure Chest Sample #29: Parent Letter to Invite VIP to School Open House
- Treasure Chest Sample #30: VIP Neighbor Invitation to Attend Open House
- Treasure Chest Sample #31: Heroes of the Heart Award Invitation
- Tips for Building Community Involvement in Your School
3. Mastering the Skills of Renewal
- Renewal
- Tips for Keeping a Balance in Your Life From Award-Winning Principals
- Tips for Bringing Humor to Your School Culture From Award-Winning Principals
- Enhancing Peak Performance
- Building Your Dream Team
- Treasure Chest Sample #32: Professional Information Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #33: Teacher Interview Questions
- Treasure Chest Sample #34: Teacher Candidate Interview Record Sheet
- Treasure Chest Sample #35: Candidate Progressive Ranking Sheet
- Treasure Chest Sample #36: Telephone Reference Call Form
- Enhancing Peak Performance
- Teacher Evaluation
- Treasure Chest Sample #37: Exceptional Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #38: Excellent High School Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #39: Excellent Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #40: Average Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #41: Average High School Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #42: Outstanding Elementary First-Year Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #43: Marginal Elementary First-Year Teacher
- Letters of Recommendation
- Treasure Chest Sample #44: Marginal Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #45: Exceptional High School Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #46: Exceptional Elementary Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #47: Excellent High School Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #48: Average Elementary Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #49: First-Year Marginal Elementary Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #50: Substitute Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #51: Math Teacher Award
- Treasure Chest Sample #52: Science Summer Institute
4. Mastering the Skills of Reflection
- Reflection
- Touch the Wisdom Within
- The M&M Game - A Culminating Learning Activity
- Treasure Chest Sample #53: The Survival Skills M&M Game
- Letter-Rip!
- Sample Letters
- Treasure Chest Sample #54: Changing Classroom Assignment - New Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #55: Mid-Year Classroom Teacher Replacement
- Treasure Chest Sample #56: Teacher Leaving for Maternity
- Treasure Chest Sample #57: Attendance Concerns
- Treasure Chest Sample #58: Follow-up Letter - Strong Concerns About Continuing Poor School Attendance
- Treasure Chest Sample #59: Concerns Regarding Student Tardies
- Treasure Chest Sample #60: Follow-up Letter - Strong Concerns About Continuing School Tardies
- Treasure Chest Sample #61: Requesting Business Donation
- Treasure Chest Sample #62: Thank-You Letter - Business Donation
- Treasure Chest Sample #63: Thank-You Letter - Community Service Organization Gift
- Treasure Chest Sample #64: Thank You for Positive Letter About a Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #65: Thank-You Letter - Parent Donation of Gift
- Treasure Chest Sample #66: Thank-You Letter - Music Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #67: Thank-You Letter - Teacher Presenting Inservice
- Treasure Chest Sample #68: Thank-You Letter - Consultant Presenting Inservice
- Treasure Chest Sample #69: Thank-You Letter - Classroom Volunteer
- Treasure Chest Sample #70: Thank-You Letter - Parent Volunteer School Event
- Treasure Chest Sample #71: Thank-You Letter - PTA President
- Treasure Chest Sample #72: Letter of Congratulations to PTA Honorary Service Award Recipient
- Treasure Chest Sample #73: Parent Letter - Classroom Volunteer Who Didn't Show Up
- Treasure Chest Sample #74: Parent Letter - Congratulations on Student's Good Citizenship Award
- Treasure Chest Sample #75: Student Letter - Congratulations on Election to Student Council
- Treasure Chest Sample #76: Student Letter - Consolation Letter, Not Elected to Student Council
- Treasure Chest Sample #77: Parent Letter - Failure to Pick Up Child After School in Time
- Treasure Chest Sample #78: Parent Letter - Suspension of Disruptive Parent From Coming on Campus
- Memo-abilia
- Treasure Chest Sample #79: Staff Memo - Welcome Back to New School Year
- Treasure Chest Sample #80: Staff Memo - Open House Expectations
- Treasure Chest Sample #81: Staff Memo - Congratulations on Successful Open House
- Treasure Chest Sample #82: Staff Memo - Thank You, Day of the Teacher Appreciation
- Treasure Chest Sample #83: Staff Memo - Procedures for Recess Time-Out
- Treasure Chest Sample #84: Staff Memo - Classified Staff Appreciation Week Thank You
- Principal's Message for Parent Newsletter
- Treasure Chest Sample #85: Parent Letter - Welcome Back to New School Year
- Treasure Chest Sample #86: New Student Survey About Special Needs Services
- Treasure Chest Sample #87: Home-School Communication - The Key to Our School's Success
- Treasure Chest Sample #88: The Joy of Reading Alout at Home
- Treasure Chest Sample #89: Getting to School on Time in a Safe Manner
- Treasure Chest Sample #90: Taking Time for Conversation and Consistency
- Treasure Chest Sample #91: Creating a Climate for Learning
- Treasure Chest Sample #92: A Parent's Guide to Teenage Parties
- Treasure Chest Sample #93: Just a Little Bit of Heaven
- Treasure Chest Sample #94: Character Education - Teaching Our Children the Attribute of Perseverance
- Treasure Chest Sample #95: Avoid Interrupting Classroom Instruction
- Treasure Chest Sample #96: Celebrating Our School Year - A Special Thank You
- Treasure Chest Sample #97: One Good Parent
- Treasure Chest Sample #98: The Season of Joy
- Treasure Chest Sample #99: Emergency Preparedness Bulletin
- Treasure Chest Sample #100: Middle School Report to Parents
- Treasure Chest Sample #101: Parent Survey - A School Evaluation Tool
- Treasure Chest Sample #102: School Organization for Next Year
- Treasure Chest Sample #103: Weh Report Cards Don't Make the Grade
- Treasure Chest Sample #104: Parent Letter - Responding to Parent Request for a Specific Teacher
- Summary
- The Last Word
- Order Form - Survival Skills for the Principalship CD
Index
Index
Additional materials
Description
"A great book designed to lighten the load of school administrators--filled with practical, easy to implement strategies, short-cuts, time-savers, and sample forms and letters. A valuable reference guide for effective school leadership."
—Fran Madison-Cohee, NAESP California State Representative
Principal, White Oak Elementary, CA
"If you are looking for insight, rejuvenation, and thoughtful, practical strategies for success in your role as a school leader, look no further. John Blaydes helps us remember why we became educators, why we want to continue, and why inspirational leadership is essential to schools."
—Jane Foley, Vice President, National Educator Awards
Milken Family Foundation, Santa Monica, CA
—Fran Madison-Cohee, NAESP California State Representative
Principal, White Oak Elementary, CA
"If you are looking for insight, rejuvenation, and thoughtful, practical strategies for success in your role as a school leader, look no further. John Blaydes helps us remember why we became educators, why we want to continue, and why inspirational leadership is essential to schools."
—Jane Foley, Vice President, National Educator Awards
Milken Family Foundation, Santa Monica, CA
"Clearly, Blaydes planned well as he linked the themes from one chapter to the next. It will no doubt be a valued tool for school administrators."
—Daniel P. Gaffney, Principal
Howard R. Yocum Elementary School, NJ
Discover the new 3 Rs of school leadership—resiliency, renewal, and reflection!
Today's principals face unique challenges—demands of time, knowledge, and organization that take their toll on even the most flexible leader. This compilation of resources offers practical, ready-to-use solutions to the issues and dilemmas principals face every day. You can tap into these valuable resources for years to come as a long-term support that will enable you to use your time and energy more effectively, reduce personal stress, spark new ideas and programs, and enhance your effectiveness as an inspirational school leader. Inside you'll find:
- Highly practical strategies for strengthening your school's instructional program
- Tips, ideas, and techniques for creating a climate of excellence in your school
- Ways to lighten up, laugh more, and bring humor to your school community
- Proven strategies used by award-winning principals to maintain balance in their lives
- Methods for managing the impact of stress on your performance and renew your energy for the important work of the principalship
Learn to work smarter and discover the time to build a welcoming and purposeful learning environment—for yourself, your staff, and, ultimately, your students.
Also available from John Blaydes, Survival Skills for the Principalship CD Companion—a complement to the insightful book brimming with time-saving tips and shortcuts. CD is PC and Mac compatible. Please visit: Survival Skills for the Principalship CD Companion
Contents
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
About the Author
About the Author
Introduction
Introduction
1. Blueprint for Leadership in 21st Century Schools: Matering the Changes, Challenges, and Complexities of the Principalship
- Mastering the New Three R's of School Leadership
- Framing the Power of the Principalship
- Laying The Foundation of Your Principalship
- Treasure Chest Sample #1: Dance Card Partners
- Treasure Chest Sample #2: Professional Responsibilities
- Holding a Grand Conversation
- Mastering Resiliency
- Treasure Chest Sample #3: Candy-Grams
- Treasure Chest Sample #4: Parent-School Climate Questionnaire
- Treasure Chest Sample #5: Assessment of Staff Morale
- Treasure Chest Sample #6: Day of the Teacher Remembrance Book Parent Memo
- Treasure Chest Sample #7: Sample Elementary Classroom Behavior Management Plan
- Treasure Chest Sample #8: Discipline Problem-Solving Record Card
- Strengthening Your Infrastructure
- Putting the Home Back in Homework
- Treasure Chest Sample #9: Parent Homework Brochure
- Homework Survival Kit for Teachers
- Treasure Chest Sample #10: Homework Survival Kit for Teachers
- Treasure Chest Sample #11: Homework Alert
- Treasure Chest Sample #12: Principal's Homework Letter to Parents
2. Mastering the Skills of Resiliency
- Resiliency
- The Rock of the Principalship
- Survey Results - Stressors
- Treasure Chest Sample #13: Stress Inventory
- Tuesdays With Me
- Time Management Tips From Award-Winning Principals
- Building the Parent-School Partnership
- Treasure Chest Sample #14: Parent Volunteer Survey Letter
- Treasure Chest Sample #15: PEP Classroom Volunteer Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #16: School Volunteer Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #17: Volunteer Handbook Welcome Letter
- Treasure Chest Sample #18: Parent Classroom Observation Procedures
- Treasure Chest Sample #19: Parent Education Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #20: Parent Invitation to Kindergarten Orientation
- Treasure Chest Sample #21: Parent Handout: Kindergarten - A Statement of Philosophy
- Treasure Chest Sample #22: Parent Handout: Kindergarten Goals - What Your Child Will Learn
- Treasure Chest Sample #23: Parent Handout - Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten
- Treasure Chest Sample #24: Kindergarten Welcome Conference Agenda
- Treasure Chest Sample #25: Parent Handout - Back to School Night
- Creative Models - Special Needs Students
- Timesavers for Referrals and Interventions
- Treasure Chest Sample #26: Special Needs Interventions Inventory
- Treasure Chest Sample #27: Special Needs Student Background Form
- Treasure Chest Sample #28: New Parent Invitation for School Tour
- Treasure Chest Sample #29: Parent Letter to Invite VIP to School Open House
- Treasure Chest Sample #30: VIP Neighbor Invitation to Attend Open House
- Treasure Chest Sample #31: Heroes of the Heart Award Invitation
- Tips for Building Community Involvement in Your School
3. Mastering the Skills of Renewal
- Renewal
- Tips for Keeping a Balance in Your Life From Award-Winning Principals
- Tips for Bringing Humor to Your School Culture From Award-Winning Principals
- Enhancing Peak Performance
- Building Your Dream Team
- Treasure Chest Sample #32: Professional Information Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #33: Teacher Interview Questions
- Treasure Chest Sample #34: Teacher Candidate Interview Record Sheet
- Treasure Chest Sample #35: Candidate Progressive Ranking Sheet
- Treasure Chest Sample #36: Telephone Reference Call Form
- Enhancing Peak Performance
- Teacher Evaluation
- Treasure Chest Sample #37: Exceptional Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #38: Excellent High School Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #39: Excellent Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #40: Average Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #41: Average High School Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #42: Outstanding Elementary First-Year Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #43: Marginal Elementary First-Year Teacher
- Letters of Recommendation
- Treasure Chest Sample #44: Marginal Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #45: Exceptional High School Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #46: Exceptional Elementary Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #47: Excellent High School Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #48: Average Elementary Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #49: First-Year Marginal Elementary Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #50: Substitute Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #51: Math Teacher Award
- Treasure Chest Sample #52: Science Summer Institute
4. Mastering the Skills of Reflection
- Reflection
- Touch the Wisdom Within
- The M&M Game - A Culminating Learning Activity
- Treasure Chest Sample #53: The Survival Skills M&M Game
- Letter-Rip!
- Sample Letters
- Treasure Chest Sample #54: Changing Classroom Assignment - New Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #55: Mid-Year Classroom Teacher Replacement
- Treasure Chest Sample #56: Teacher Leaving for Maternity
- Treasure Chest Sample #57: Attendance Concerns
- Treasure Chest Sample #58: Follow-up Letter - Strong Concerns About Continuing Poor School Attendance
- Treasure Chest Sample #59: Concerns Regarding Student Tardies
- Treasure Chest Sample #60: Follow-up Letter - Strong Concerns About Continuing School Tardies
- Treasure Chest Sample #61: Requesting Business Donation
- Treasure Chest Sample #62: Thank-You Letter - Business Donation
- Treasure Chest Sample #63: Thank-You Letter - Community Service Organization Gift
- Treasure Chest Sample #64: Thank You for Positive Letter About a Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #65: Thank-You Letter - Parent Donation of Gift
- Treasure Chest Sample #66: Thank-You Letter - Music Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #67: Thank-You Letter - Teacher Presenting Inservice
- Treasure Chest Sample #68: Thank-You Letter - Consultant Presenting Inservice
- Treasure Chest Sample #69: Thank-You Letter - Classroom Volunteer
- Treasure Chest Sample #70: Thank-You Letter - Parent Volunteer School Event
- Treasure Chest Sample #71: Thank-You Letter - PTA President
- Treasure Chest Sample #72: Letter of Congratulations to PTA Honorary Service Award Recipient
- Treasure Chest Sample #73: Parent Letter - Classroom Volunteer Who Didn't Show Up
- Treasure Chest Sample #74: Parent Letter - Congratulations on Student's Good Citizenship Award
- Treasure Chest Sample #75: Student Letter - Congratulations on Election to Student Council
- Treasure Chest Sample #76: Student Letter - Consolation Letter, Not Elected to Student Council
- Treasure Chest Sample #77: Parent Letter - Failure to Pick Up Child After School in Time
- Treasure Chest Sample #78: Parent Letter - Suspension of Disruptive Parent From Coming on Campus
- Memo-abilia
- Treasure Chest Sample #79: Staff Memo - Welcome Back to New School Year
- Treasure Chest Sample #80: Staff Memo - Open House Expectations
- Treasure Chest Sample #81: Staff Memo - Congratulations on Successful Open House
- Treasure Chest Sample #82: Staff Memo - Thank You, Day of the Teacher Appreciation
- Treasure Chest Sample #83: Staff Memo - Procedures for Recess Time-Out
- Treasure Chest Sample #84: Staff Memo - Classified Staff Appreciation Week Thank You
- Principal's Message for Parent Newsletter
- Treasure Chest Sample #85: Parent Letter - Welcome Back to New School Year
- Treasure Chest Sample #86: New Student Survey About Special Needs Services
- Treasure Chest Sample #87: Home-School Communication - The Key to Our School's Success
- Treasure Chest Sample #88: The Joy of Reading Alout at Home
- Treasure Chest Sample #89: Getting to School on Time in a Safe Manner
- Treasure Chest Sample #90: Taking Time for Conversation and Consistency
- Treasure Chest Sample #91: Creating a Climate for Learning
- Treasure Chest Sample #92: A Parent's Guide to Teenage Parties
- Treasure Chest Sample #93: Just a Little Bit of Heaven
- Treasure Chest Sample #94: Character Education - Teaching Our Children the Attribute of Perseverance
- Treasure Chest Sample #95: Avoid Interrupting Classroom Instruction
- Treasure Chest Sample #96: Celebrating Our School Year - A Special Thank You
- Treasure Chest Sample #97: One Good Parent
- Treasure Chest Sample #98: The Season of Joy
- Treasure Chest Sample #99: Emergency Preparedness Bulletin
- Treasure Chest Sample #100: Middle School Report to Parents
- Treasure Chest Sample #101: Parent Survey - A School Evaluation Tool
- Treasure Chest Sample #102: School Organization for Next Year
- Treasure Chest Sample #103: Weh Report Cards Don't Make the Grade
- Treasure Chest Sample #104: Parent Letter - Responding to Parent Request for a Specific Teacher
- Summary
- The Last Word
- Order Form - Survival Skills for the Principalship CD
Index
Index
Additional materials
Reviews
Survival Skills for the Principalship
A Treasure Chest of Time-Savers, Short-Cuts, and Strategies to Help You Keep a Balance in Your Life
January 2004 | 256 pages | Corwin
| Format | Published Date | ISBN | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardcover | 27/02/2023 | 9780761938606 | $99.95 |
| Paperback | 27/02/2023 | 9780761938613 | $44.95 |
"A great book designed to lighten the load of school administrators--filled with practical, easy to implement strategies, short-cuts, time-savers, and sample forms and letters. A valuable reference guide for effective school leadership."
—Fran Madison-Cohee, NAESP California State Representative
Principal, White Oak Elementary, CA
"If you are looking for insight, rejuvenation, and thoughtful, practical strategies for success in your role as a school leader, look no further. John Blaydes helps us remember why we became educators, why we want to continue, and why inspirational leadership is essential to schools."
—Jane Foley, Vice President, National Educator Awards
Milken Family Foundation, Santa Monica, CA
—Fran Madison-Cohee, NAESP California State Representative
Principal, White Oak Elementary, CA
"If you are looking for insight, rejuvenation, and thoughtful, practical strategies for success in your role as a school leader, look no further. John Blaydes helps us remember why we became educators, why we want to continue, and why inspirational leadership is essential to schools."
—Jane Foley, Vice President, National Educator Awards
Milken Family Foundation, Santa Monica, CA
"Clearly, Blaydes planned well as he linked the themes from one chapter to the next. It will no doubt be a valued tool for school administrators."
—Daniel P. Gaffney, Principal
Howard R. Yocum Elementary School, NJ
Discover the new 3 Rs of school leadership—resiliency, renewal, and reflection!
Today's principals face unique challenges—demands of time, knowledge, and organization that take their toll on even the most flexible leader. This compilation of resources offers practical, ready-to-use solutions to the issues and dilemmas principals face every day. You can tap into these valuable resources for years to come as a long-term support that will enable you to use your time and energy more effectively, reduce personal stress, spark new ideas and programs, and enhance your effectiveness as an inspirational school leader. Inside you'll find:
- Highly practical strategies for strengthening your school's instructional program
- Tips, ideas, and techniques for creating a climate of excellence in your school
- Ways to lighten up, laugh more, and bring humor to your school community
- Proven strategies used by award-winning principals to maintain balance in their lives
- Methods for managing the impact of stress on your performance and renew your energy for the important work of the principalship
Learn to work smarter and discover the time to build a welcoming and purposeful learning environment—for yourself, your staff, and, ultimately, your students.
Also available from John Blaydes, Survival Skills for the Principalship CD Companion—a complement to the insightful book brimming with time-saving tips and shortcuts. CD is PC and Mac compatible. Please visit: Survival Skills for the Principalship CD Companion
Table Of Contents:
- Acknowledgements
- About the Author
- Introduction
- 1. Blueprint for Leadership in 21st Century Schools: Matering the Changes, Challenges, and Complexities of the Principalship
- Mastering the New Three R's of School Leadership
- Framing the Power of the Principalship
- Laying The Foundation of Your Principalship
- Treasure Chest Sample #1: Dance Card Partners
- Treasure Chest Sample #2: Professional Responsibilities
- Holding a Grand Conversation
- Mastering Resiliency
- Treasure Chest Sample #3: Candy-Grams
- Treasure Chest Sample #4: Parent-School Climate Questionnaire
- Treasure Chest Sample #5: Assessment of Staff Morale
- Treasure Chest Sample #6: Day of the Teacher Remembrance Book Parent Memo
- Treasure Chest Sample #7: Sample Elementary Classroom Behavior Management Plan
- Treasure Chest Sample #8: Discipline Problem-Solving Record Card
- Strengthening Your Infrastructure
- Putting the Home Back in Homework
- Treasure Chest Sample #9: Parent Homework Brochure
- Homework Survival Kit for Teachers
- Treasure Chest Sample #10: Homework Survival Kit for Teachers
- Treasure Chest Sample #11: Homework Alert
- Treasure Chest Sample #12: Principal's Homework Letter to Parents
- 2. Mastering the Skills of Resiliency
- Resiliency
- The Rock of the Principalship
- Survey Results - Stressors
- Treasure Chest Sample #13: Stress Inventory
- Tuesdays With Me
- Time Management Tips From Award-Winning Principals
- Building the Parent-School Partnership
- Treasure Chest Sample #14: Parent Volunteer Survey Letter
- Treasure Chest Sample #15: PEP Classroom Volunteer Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #16: School Volunteer Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #17: Volunteer Handbook Welcome Letter
- Treasure Chest Sample #18: Parent Classroom Observation Procedures
- Treasure Chest Sample #19: Parent Education Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #20: Parent Invitation to Kindergarten Orientation
- Treasure Chest Sample #21: Parent Handout: Kindergarten - A Statement of Philosophy
- Treasure Chest Sample #22: Parent Handout: Kindergarten Goals - What Your Child Will Learn
- Treasure Chest Sample #23: Parent Handout - Getting Your Child Ready for Kindergarten
- Treasure Chest Sample #24: Kindergarten Welcome Conference Agenda
- Treasure Chest Sample #25: Parent Handout - Back to School Night
- Creative Models - Special Needs Students
- Timesavers for Referrals and Interventions
- Treasure Chest Sample #26: Special Needs Interventions Inventory
- Treasure Chest Sample #27: Special Needs Student Background Form
- Treasure Chest Sample #28: New Parent Invitation for School Tour
- Treasure Chest Sample #29: Parent Letter to Invite VIP to School Open House
- Treasure Chest Sample #30: VIP Neighbor Invitation to Attend Open House
- Treasure Chest Sample #31: Heroes of the Heart Award Invitation
- Tips for Building Community Involvement in Your School
- 3. Mastering the Skills of Renewal
- Renewal
- Tips for Keeping a Balance in Your Life From Award-Winning Principals
- Tips for Bringing Humor to Your School Culture From Award-Winning Principals
- Enhancing Peak Performance
- Building Your Dream Team
- Treasure Chest Sample #32: Professional Information Survey
- Treasure Chest Sample #33: Teacher Interview Questions
- Treasure Chest Sample #34: Teacher Candidate Interview Record Sheet
- Treasure Chest Sample #35: Candidate Progressive Ranking Sheet
- Treasure Chest Sample #36: Telephone Reference Call Form
- Enhancing Peak Performance
- Teacher Evaluation
- Treasure Chest Sample #37: Exceptional Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #38: Excellent High School Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #39: Excellent Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #40: Average Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #41: Average High School Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #42: Outstanding Elementary First-Year Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #43: Marginal Elementary First-Year Teacher
- Letters of Recommendation
- Treasure Chest Sample #44: Marginal Elementary Tenured Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #45: Exceptional High School Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #46: Exceptional Elementary Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #47: Excellent High School Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #48: Average Elementary Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #49: First-Year Marginal Elementary Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #50: Substitute Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #51: Math Teacher Award
- Treasure Chest Sample #52: Science Summer Institute
- 4. Mastering the Skills of Reflection
- Reflection
- Touch the Wisdom Within
- The M&M Game - A Culminating Learning Activity
- Treasure Chest Sample #53: The Survival Skills M&M Game
- Letter-Rip!
- Sample Letters
- Treasure Chest Sample #54: Changing Classroom Assignment - New Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #55: Mid-Year Classroom Teacher Replacement
- Treasure Chest Sample #56: Teacher Leaving for Maternity
- Treasure Chest Sample #57: Attendance Concerns
- Treasure Chest Sample #58: Follow-up Letter - Strong Concerns About Continuing Poor School Attendance
- Treasure Chest Sample #59: Concerns Regarding Student Tardies
- Treasure Chest Sample #60: Follow-up Letter - Strong Concerns About Continuing School Tardies
- Treasure Chest Sample #61: Requesting Business Donation
- Treasure Chest Sample #62: Thank-You Letter - Business Donation
- Treasure Chest Sample #63: Thank-You Letter - Community Service Organization Gift
- Treasure Chest Sample #64: Thank You for Positive Letter About a Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #65: Thank-You Letter - Parent Donation of Gift
- Treasure Chest Sample #66: Thank-You Letter - Music Teacher
- Treasure Chest Sample #67: Thank-You Letter - Teacher Presenting Inservice
- Treasure Chest Sample #68: Thank-You Letter - Consultant Presenting Inservice
- Treasure Chest Sample #69: Thank-You Letter - Classroom Volunteer
- Treasure Chest Sample #70: Thank-You Letter - Parent Volunteer School Event
- Treasure Chest Sample #71: Thank-You Letter - PTA President
- Treasure Chest Sample #72: Letter of Congratulations to PTA Honorary Service Award Recipient
- Treasure Chest Sample #73: Parent Letter - Classroom Volunteer Who Didn't Show Up
- Treasure Chest Sample #74: Parent Letter - Congratulations on Student's Good Citizenship Award
- Treasure Chest Sample #75: Student Letter - Congratulations on Election to Student Council
- Treasure Chest Sample #76: Student Letter - Consolation Letter, Not Elected to Student Council
- Treasure Chest Sample #77: Parent Letter - Failure to Pick Up Child After School in Time
- Treasure Chest Sample #78: Parent Letter - Suspension of Disruptive Parent From Coming on Campus
- Memo-abilia
- Treasure Chest Sample #79: Staff Memo - Welcome Back to New School Year
- Treasure Chest Sample #80: Staff Memo - Open House Expectations
- Treasure Chest Sample #81: Staff Memo - Congratulations on Successful Open House
- Treasure Chest Sample #82: Staff Memo - Thank You, Day of the Teacher Appreciation
- Treasure Chest Sample #83: Staff Memo - Procedures for Recess Time-Out
- Treasure Chest Sample #84: Staff Memo - Classified Staff Appreciation Week Thank You
- Principal's Message for Parent Newsletter
- Treasure Chest Sample #85: Parent Letter - Welcome Back to New School Year
- Treasure Chest Sample #86: New Student Survey About Special Needs Services
- Treasure Chest Sample #87: Home-School Communication - The Key to Our School's Success
- Treasure Chest Sample #88: The Joy of Reading Alout at Home
- Treasure Chest Sample #89: Getting to School on Time in a Safe Manner
- Treasure Chest Sample #90: Taking Time for Conversation and Consistency
- Treasure Chest Sample #91: Creating a Climate for Learning
- Treasure Chest Sample #92: A Parent's Guide to Teenage Parties
- Treasure Chest Sample #93: Just a Little Bit of Heaven
- Treasure Chest Sample #94: Character Education - Teaching Our Children the Attribute of Perseverance
- Treasure Chest Sample #95: Avoid Interrupting Classroom Instruction
- Treasure Chest Sample #96: Celebrating Our School Year - A Special Thank You
- Treasure Chest Sample #97: One Good Parent
- Treasure Chest Sample #98: The Season of Joy
- Treasure Chest Sample #99: Emergency Preparedness Bulletin
- Treasure Chest Sample #100: Middle School Report to Parents
- Treasure Chest Sample #101: Parent Survey - A School Evaluation Tool
- Treasure Chest Sample #102: School Organization for Next Year
- Treasure Chest Sample #103: Weh Report Cards Don't Make the Grade
- Treasure Chest Sample #104: Parent Letter - Responding to Parent Request for a Specific Teacher
- Summary
- The Last Word
- Order Form - Survival Skills for the Principalship CD
- Index
Recent Product Reviews:
"A great book designed to lighten the load of school administrators—filled with practical, easy to implement strategies, short-cuts, time-savers, and sample forms and letters. A valuable reference guide for effective school leadership."
Fran Madison-Cohee, NAESP California State Representative, Principal, White Oak Elementary, CA
"If you are looking for insight, rejuvenation, and thoughtful, practical strategies for success in your role as a school leader, look no further. John Blaydes helps us remember why we became educators, why we want to continue, and why inspirational leadership is essential to schools."
Jane Foley, Vice President, National Educator Awards, Milken Family Foundation, Santa Monica, CA
"Educational leaders will treasure this handy leadership guide full of powerful strategies and meaningful examples that are easily implemented. School administrators will find practical suggestions for motivating staff, preparing correspondence, and handling difficult situations. This is a must for your professional library."
Deborah Jenkins, Executive Assistant, Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore, MD
"Clearly, Blaydes planned well as he linked the themes from one chapter to the next. It will no doubt be a valued tool for school administrators."
Daniel P. Gaffney, Principal, Howard R. Yocum Elementary School, NJ
"This book is very readable for the practitioner. The examples presented are excellent and I think principals and superintendents could use this material for staff development of teachers, paraprofessionals, and for community members."
Ronald P. Weiss, Associate Professor, Minnesota State University