My Summer Principalship

 My Summer Principalship

By Deborah Martel-Rogers, 



Longfellow Summer Principal 2023, BCSD 


   This Summer, I received two Principalship offers. I asked where my leadership was most needed before making my decision. Both opportunities were such a blessing! 

  The Summer started for me (as the Principal) before my regular school year finished. My Program Director and I met numerous times at her office. I also participated in several training sessions with the fantastic teachers who would be my Summer Teachers only about a week later. I turned in my keys at my former school on Friday and picked up my Summer school keys the following Monday. I could feel the adrenaline running through my veins, and I could have burst out with joy and pride. 


  A lesson that I learned very quickly is that it does not matter how talented you are. You are as innovative as the sum of your team members. I was blessed with a beautiful team, always willing to work hard, show up, and put their best foot forward. I also had the support of the Program Director and the Data and Assessment Executive Director, two exceptional professionals whom I have always respected and admired. 


  Another lesson I learned was that H20 is your best friend. There may be no time to sit down and have a formal meal. That is all right. Now, Water is not negotiable. Those who may have experienced a heat wave know that Water and Air Conditioning are proper nouns. As soon as the second day of Summer School, this Summer Principal had cases and cases of water in the office for me, my teachers, the parents who showed up with any questions, comments, or concerns, my Summer nurses, the Program Director, Support Team (bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria team, security, etc.) and virtually anyone who showed up in my office.  


  It was not always praises and roses, as you can imagine, but, for the most part, I had daily conversations with teachers, students, parents, community members, and District supervisors who kept me on fire and constantly eager and ready to make a difference in each student's lives. Although I had not taken a vacation in five years,  my energy came to me quickly just by thinking of the importance of providing the best services for our students! I even got some public criticism. As my great-grandmother Ana would have said: I got a free advertisement. Great Grandma Ana Did not have an extended formal education but knew people skills like a queen.

  Although Summer School lasted for six weeks,  it seemed like a breeze. Not because it was a bit of hard work. It was tough! But I could do it all over again because I loved it so much, my Summer teachers and support staff were excellent, and my District's support was incredible. Yes, I needed the break after it was over, but it was so much more than just a job: It was a calling. Seeing my Summer Team's incredible role in empowering so many families in just a few weeks felt great! I am so grateful for this opportunity and so proud of them! Also,  I am so thankful, honored, and blessed to have been called to his honorable profession! 


  For those of you who are wondering:  I look forward to what comes next. 


  The best is yet to come!


  Onwards and Upwards! 


  Déborah Martel-Rogers

      Harris' TOSA 

            BCSD 

  




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