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Jan. 24, 2005
In a blink
First impression should communicate a focus on learning
Some of the longest lasting impressions we make on others come in the shortest amounts of time.
The first few moments a parent or student spends in your school should communicate that your school’s primary focus is on learning. Learning never stands alone; along with learning as a focus we must also communicate that we treat children and adults with respect, care and civility.
Think about what parents and students hear, see and experience when they enter your school, especially for the first time. Will they hear respectful conversations? Will they see school halls showcasing your students’ achievements? Will they see clean classrooms? Will they experience safe and welcoming entryways? Will they feel that they are a valued member of the school?
Any one of us may be the first person a student or parent meets. There is a good chance that the first person a visitor meets is not a teacher or principal. The chances are better that the first person a visitor meets is the office manager, the custodian, the bus driver, or a student. How each of us presents himself or herself and how each of us treat visitors will profoundly — perhaps permanently — affect that person’s opinion of your school.
One of us will be the first person a student, parent, or another employee meets each day in our school. Just as with the person new to our school, there is a good chance that the first person someone meets is not a teacher or principal. The chances are better that the first person a visitor meets is the office manager, the custodian, the bus driver or a student. How we greet each other influences our thinking for the day. How we interact affects us. Our attitudes make a difference.
Each of us is a representative of our school, our District and our profession. How we behave as neighbors, community members and as parents reflect upon the District and our school. We never know when we are making a first impression or a lasting impression on someone. We’re always better served if we always demonstrate that children, parents and each other are treated with respect, civility and care. The impression you give to others may affect you and your school for a lifetime.
Our focus is learning — respect, civility and care are vital components of the vehicle that will transport us to the future.
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