LM_NET: Library Media Networking
Subject: HIT: communication with principals
5 14:33:15 1999
D>From: "Virginia Kay Williams" <vwilliam@sc.tds.net>
>To: "Deborah Martel" <marteldeb@HOTMAIL.COM>
>Subject: Re: Target: comm>From: Charlie Makela <cbmakela@yahoo.com>
>To: Deborah Martel <marteldeb@HOTMAIL.COM>
>Subject: Re: Target: communication with principals
>Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 12:31:00 -0700 (PDT)
>
>Hi Deborah,
> For many years, I submitted a detailed monthly report to the
>building principal outlining the major activities: number of classes,
>the number of students using the LMC daily (the turnstiles on the
>security system provided the daily count), the names of teachers who
>brought classes, what the assignment was, what preparation was
>required, etc. I even included the amount of time that it took to
>complete some of the clerical duties such as processing new books,
>reading book reviews, dealing with overdues. I broke the report into
>catagories such as instruction, administration, clerical and
>professional growth (includes faculty meetings, workshops, etc.)
>I would highlight any activity that required a large output of time
>that may not be obvious at a glance. If i had rearranged the shelves
>or implemented a new procedure or policy, I would mention it in the
>report. I also included a statistical overview of the number of items
>that were circulated, both print and non print, the number of pieces of
>equipment delivered.
>
>I took a while to develop a "template" but I really saw that it was
>beneficial. I used it with three different principals and they
>included it with other reports that went to the SBO. Sometimes, I
>would even hear a SB member comment on how busy the LMC was. I tried
>to just "state the facts" and let them draw their own conclusions.
>
>I did learn that after awhile and after the principal understood the
>LMC usage, I did not have to detail everything and was to do a one page
>summary of the important events. They really appreciate it when you
>keep them informed.
>
>I found that the principlas really appreciated the fact that they had
>an quick way of knowing what was going on and they often mentioned to
>other teachers that they had read about their library research
>assignment in the library report.
>
>Because the principal was usually so busy, I would drop a note by in
>advance and let them know that I needed to speak with them. I would
>outline the concern and make suggestions for implementation, or
>correction. That allowed them to "mull" it over prior to the meeting.
>I would then schedule a meeting with the secretary. After the advent
>of e-mail, I would sometimes just send it that way. It really depends
>on the priority of the issue. If you don't get into the habit of over
>reacting to each crisis, when you do have a concern they take it
>seriously and pay attention.
>
>If you do have a conflict, try to avoid face to face meetings,
>communicate via paper or email and if possible have someone else read
>it before you send it. This gives people like me a chance to think it
>over and choose my words carefully before opening my big mouth and
>making the matter worse. I worked for a man for a while who did not
>like my style of library operation and I found I got along with him
>better if I never caught him off guard and allowed him a chance to
>review my written agenda prior to meeting with him face to face.
>
>Good Luck and I hope this helps,
>Charlie
>
>--- Deborah Martel <marteldeb@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> > HI!
> > This is my first time posting to LM_NET so I hope I
> > do it correctly. I am a
> > grad student. One of our assignments is focused on
> > the the different ways
> > media specialists keep their principals and
> > assistant principals informed of
> > the activities, projects, fairs,etc., that the media
> > specialists plan. I
> > would really appreciate some help on this.
> >
> > 1. What overall message do you want to convey when
> > reporting to principals?
> > 2. What information should be included?
> > 3. What information does a principal want to know?
> > 4. What techniques/tricks do you use to capture the
> > principal's attention?
> > 5. How will your report/announcement differ from
> > the millions of other
> > papers that he/she gets daily?
> > 6. How does the method of presentation affect the
> > reaction of the
> > principal?
> > 7. Does the way in which you highlight information
> > create a positive,
> > negative, or neutral impression?
> > 8. What are the advantages/disadvantages of holding
> > regularly scheduled
> > meetings with the principal? How often?
> > 9. What benefits occur when the media specialist
> > communicates the needs,
> > goals, and plans of the program?
> > 10. If there is a communication problem, who should
> > approach who to fix it?
> >
> > Thanks a ton,
> > Deborah Martel marteldeb@hotmail.com
> > teacher studying to be a media specialist
> > Lake Mary High School
> > Lake Mary, Florida
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________________________
> > Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit
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> >
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>===
>Winnie the Pooh's Friend
>Charlie
>"When you are pretty sure that an Adventure is going to happen,
> brush the honey off your nose and spruce yourself up as best you can,
> so as to look ready for anything."
>cbmakela@yahoo.com or cmakela@pen.k12.va.us
>_________________________________________________________
>Do You Yahoo!?
>Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
>
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