What are we doing wrong?

In the last reflection, I spoke of the things we are doing right.

But, what are we doing wrong?

In following twitter, I found this blog entry, http://coopcatalyst.wordpress.com/2011/10/23/the-real-reason-kids-are-missing-from-school/ I got to thinking - is there a connection between absenteeism and actually registering at a school. Do we have less students for the same reason students don't attend, according to the cooperative catalyst, lack of connection to parents?

How do we connect to parents? The usual school connections are to call when students are absent or in trouble. As principal, I encourage teachers to call when the students are doing well also, but are we doing that? I can remember each time I have called parents to report good behaviour, or to compliment a student on an accomplishment. On the other hand, I cannot remember how many times I've had to call a parent with regards to misbehaviour.

Reflection can sometimes be a bitter pill. However, reflection can lead to change.

In Kouzes and Posner's The Leadership Challenge, we are called to "model the way". Therefore, I am putting a task on my calendar for the new year: to call one parent per week regarding an accomplishment his/her child has made at school. I will need to look for the positive. As model, I will also need to share with my staff. I can share in my weekly memo to staff. By sharing the story of the task, I am not only modelling the way, but holding myself accountable to the task.

Let's see where this endeavor takes us in the new year!