ENCIL is a
not-for-profit educational organization that addresses the countless
problems plaguing our New York City school system. One of the ways it does
so is through its flagship program, Principal for a Day, which annually
mobilizes more than 1,200 civic, corporate, creative and community leaders
throughout the tri-state area to experience firsthand a day in the life of
a New York City public school principal.
PENCIL believes that increased civic involvement can improve the
quality of education in the City. Through becoming a Principal for a
Day, business and community leaders get a behind-the-scenes view of a
normal school day. This includes discussions with the principal about
management and leadership, attending classes and eating with students as
well as interacting with parents and staff. Relationships continue long
after the school visit is over.
At
PENCIL’s invitation, Asquith Reid, Chief of Staff for Council Member
Kendall Stewart was Principal for a Day at PS 268, the Emma Lazarus
School, in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. There he was greeted
enthusiastically by students, who ranged from pre-kindergarten through 5th
grade. They welcomed him to their classrooms with handwritten letters
and cards they’d made themselves knowing he was coming. They asked him
questions about such things as his background, training, and how he
likes what he does. The little ones also asked him, "Do you like
children?" to which he responded with a big grin, "Of course; that’s why
I’m here!"
Spending
time with the teachers, Reid listened to their thoughts about what needs
to be better at PS 268 and how they believe the broader community can
help effect changes. The teachers expressed concern about the fact that
children don’t come to school with a mindset focused on learning,
feeling as though they’re there to get an education. This leads to
behavioral problems where children don’t follow the rules or listen to
their teachers’ instructions. "The teachers believe that there is a need
for better parent cooperation and help from the rest of us who are
fighting to improve education," Reid said.
As he went all over the school, into its lunchroom, classrooms,
computer room and offices, Reid had the opportunity to interact with the
students, teachers, other staff members and the principal, the very
capable Ms. Mosezetta Overby. One thing he saw clearly was that she has
her hands full.
Among the things Reid witnessed were Principal Overby’s
interrelations with several students’ parents, including one that
illustrated the teachers’ call for more collaboration between the
parents and schools. A parent whose child was habitually disruptive told
the principal, "Don’t call me again. Deal with him as though he’s
your son." Meanwhile, there were other parents who showed a great
willingness to work in tandem with the school and its staff, which was
heartening to see.
Reid came away convinced that this program, which celebrated its 10th
anniversary this year, has a positive effect on all concerned. He found
it very enjoyable and highly recommends it to all who can participate.
Reid says, too, that if for any reason you can’t be a Principal for a
Day, do something else - like contact your local library and go read to
the children. He recently read to preschool children from two schools at
the Rugby Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library. "They had fun; I had
fun," he stated. Or you can take part in Career Day at a local school.
All you have to do is contact the principal or guidance counselor at a
school of your choice and tell them you’d like to join in.
"Everybody can and should get involved with the kids and schools,"
Asquith Reid concluded. "There’s a lot to do and a few people can’t do
it alone, so let’s get more people involved."
To find out about how you can become a Principal for a Day, visit
PENCIL’s website at www.pencil.org
or call them at (646) 638-0565.
