Observing our schools firsthand

Returning to school – this time in the catbird’s seat!

David Wynde, Vice President & Manager of Community Relations for US Bank and Portland School Board member, said, “It is harrowing to hear the life circumstances of some of these kids -- and to realize the enormity of the challenges the students and their teachers are facing.”

Mohan Nair, The Regence Group: “After spending a day at Lincoln High School, I would say it is a school with very high standards, and very poor ventilation. Let’s create an environment where students can learn.”

On October 30, more than 95 business and civic leaders entered 75 of Portland’s public schools to shadow a principal as part of the seventh annual Principal for a Day event, a partnership between the Portland Schools Foundation and the Portland Public School District. The event invites community leaders into the schools to learn about the challenges, responsibilities, and decisions that principals face. For six hours, stride for stride with the school principal, these leaders get a taste of the realities, stark choices, and deep commitment that defines the job of an urban school principal.

Here’s one participant’s reaction:

Dear All,

I want to thank you so much for inviting me to participate in the Principal for a Day program.I can't begin to tell you what an awesome school Penninsula is, through and through -- a real community. The kids, teachers, and Principal Barker are all great! I read to a child in the SMART program (and will be back!), helped a third grader with letters, played kickball with the 4th-5th graders, wall-ball with the 7th graders ("No Principal for a Day ever played wall ball with us before!") and interfaced with teachers and volunteers, staff, and of course Mr. Barker who is a gem.

I came away inspired, humbled, awed, and not a little upset, also, at the lack of resources. I will continue to look for ways to help.

Thanks again for a great opportunity!

Judith Swinney
Family Once More

2007 Principal for a Day was sponsored by Comcast, OMSI, The Jubitz Family Foundation, and the Business Journal. 

Check out the KGW news story on the event

 

About Principal for a Day
Principal for a Day invites business and civic leaders into the schools to learn about the challenges, responsibilities and decisions that principals face.  For six hours, stride for stride with the school principal, these leaders get a taste of the realities, stark choices, and deep commitment that defines the job of an urban school principal.  Participants are encouraged to develop a direct relationship with a school, while principals have the opportunity to create relationships with peers outside of the education world.  This two-way experience is a critical first step towards: Increasing knowledge of and commitment to public education within the business and civic community; Leveraging new resources (expertise, volunteers, funding, in-kind donations, etc.) for schools; Creating partnerships to help increase student achievement.

 

For more information about Principal for a Day, please contact Ryan Bender at ryan@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 11.