Students thrive when they are empowered, when they believe that they have the power to make their school the best learning place ever. Meet with the student government, get invited to classes to introduce yourself and discuss the issues of the day.
Ask students how they are doing and what they think you should know about the school. Get around to the student meeting places, make sure you meet the different groups--the morning groups, the lunch groups, the group that hangs out by the wall, the bus groups. Ask them what's the thing they like most about their school.
Ask them to think about one thing that would make it a better place. Laugh with them. Pull together diverse groups to discuss their issues. Pull random groups together for pizza with the principal during lunch.
Let them know that you will listen and that they will be involved in decisions that affect them. Teachers will take a cue from you about the importance of listening to students.
Parents also will be eager to tell you what they think is important, and they will want to know from you how you view school, how you value their children, how you will uphold the highest standards of learning while understanding the special needs and frailties of their children.
Take every opportunity to let parents know who you are and the values that you hold. Attend the neighborhood "meet the principal" coffees; be available at open house night; have the PTA president work to bring out diverse groups of parents to special topic meetings. You will be amazed at what supportive, energetic, and focused parents can do to enrich the learning environment of the school.
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