Dear Parents,
 
As I have mentioned in my previous newsletters, the focus for Community Unit School District 95 this school year is to be mission driven.    The person responsible for facilitating this goal in each of our eight schools is the building principal.  The building principal's primary responsibility is to implement the mission into every aspect of the building.  All of the actions taken and the decisions made by the principal are done to promote continuous learning, responsibility, and caring in his or her school. 
 
However, being a principal is more than just promoting the mission.  First and foremost, the principals' priority is always the students, their learning and their well-being.  In terms of learning, the principal clearly states goals, expectations, and standards for students, staff, and parents.  In terms of well-being, the principal makes sure that the building is well kept, that policies and procedures are in place to keep all students safe, and protects staff from distractions that get in the way of teaching students.  Here is a list of some, but not all, of the other things principals do for the learning community in their building:
 

• Understands student and teacher problems and helps solve them.
• Promotes collaborative work among teachers.
• Offers kindnesses and kudos that make a difference to staff and students.
• Gets out of the office and is seen all over the school as well as at the school's curricular and extra-curricular activities.
• Knows students' names and talks with students on a regular basis.
• Has a sense of humor.
• Shows that he or she is in charge when leadership is needed.
• Shows that he or she is not in charge alone by getting others involved in meaningful ways.
• Is trustworthy and honest with both students and staff.
• Develops strong teachers; helps cultivate good teaching practices.
• Is a role model for both students and staff.
• Maintains excellent two-way communications with students, parents, staff, and administration.

 
I place my trust with the principals of Community Unit School District 95 to exhibit these behaviors and much more on behalf of the district's students every day.  One week from tomorrow, Friday, October 23, is Principal Appreciation Day.  I thank them for all of their hard work and efforts in helping to facilitate students and teachers who are continuous learners and responsible caring citizens in a global community.
     
Sincerely,