PMP158: Why Telling Your Own Story Matters
: Play in new window | DownloadA few nights ago I was sitting in a theater with my wife watching the movie, Yesterday, starring Himesh Patel and Lily James. I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but I do…
Principal Matters
with William D. Parker and Friends
William D. Parker
PMP157: Preparing for the Start-of-School Year
: Play in new window | DownloadJenny is a returning student at her high school. She has a part-time job which keeps her up late most nights. When she arrives late to school, she has already missed breakfast and she’s…
PMP156: 6 Tips for Managing School-Wide Changes
: Play in new window | DownloadWhen my family recently visited the Rocky Mountain National Park, we enjoyed drives through snow-peaked mountains. But my 13-year old son, Jack, was most excited about hiking and climbing. One morning, we gathered the…
PMPEncore077: Four Tips for Parents as Principals
: Play in new window | DownloadTwo years ago, my oldest daughter graduated from the high school where I was principal. When she headed off to college that fall, it was a mix of celebration and grief on my part.…
PMPEncore028: Four Reasons Your Vacation Matters
: Play in new window | DownloadThis week’s post is an encore episode I shared a couple of years ago. Since I’m enjoying some vacation, I thought I would remind you why your time away from school may help you…
PMP:Encore090 Branding Your School with Marlena Gross-Taylor
: Play in new window | DownloadWhen I was in junior high school, everyone on my basketball team wore Converse high-tops. Yes, that means I’m officially from the 70’s! I’ll never forget mine: They were the color of golden-rod, and I…
PMP155: Parenting as Principals – Do’s and Don’ts, Part 2
: Play in new window | DownloadA few years ago, we had a lockdown drill at the high school where I was principal. Local police had called to say they were aware of a potential threat against our school on…
PMP154: Parenting as Principals – Do’s and Don’ts, Part 1
: Play in new window | DownloadOklahoma has experienced its share of storms and severe weather this spring. The other day, our family was sitting in our storm closet as sirens were sounding at 6:30AM. Afterwards, I was driving my…
PMP153: Maintaining Balance and Focusing on What Matters, Part 2
: Play in new window | DownloadWhen Principal Jen Schwanke was talking to one of her teachers about the importance of balance, her teacher asked an honest question. “Why should I do this when you don’t?” Jen realized then that…
PMP152: Maintaining Balance and Staying Focused on What Matters
: Play in new window | DownloadWe just celebrated Mother’s Day. This time of year is a good reminder that our families play such an important role in our lives outside of school. No matter how many principals I visit,…