Next to classroom instruction, the role of an effective school leader is crucial to the success of a school and its students. That’s why NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators have designated October as National Principals Month to honor principals nationwide.
National Principals Month is recognized in school and communities through the country and has been acknowledged by U.S. senators, representatives, and top government officials.
We encourage you and your students—along with parents and the community—to join in the festivities by participating in any number of the following activities:
Have Students Enter Video Contest
Students can create a fun one- to two-minute video telling us why they appreciate their principal. The deadline to submit your video is September 29 at 11:59 p.m. Get inspiration and see what students have done in the past by checking out last year’s entries on YouTube.
Send an E-Card to your principal
Pick an e-card, add your message of appreciation, and schedule when you’d like it to be sent.
Post on Social Media
Use #ThankAPrincipal to spread the word about what you’re doing to celebrate your principal. Same social media posts can be found in our toolkit.
Join the Capitol Hill Event
On October 24, join a special event on Capitol Hill.
And More!
Write a thank-you note to your principal; create a photo or video scrapbook; get your local paper to do a column on your principal; or come up with your own way to celebrate. No idea is too small, so get creative!
Next month, join in on the month-long celebration of the hard work that principals do to help schools improve and students succeed. Mark your calendars and generate your ideas for how to participate in this nationwide event.
Visit principalsmonth.org to learn about the celebration and to get more activity ideas.