Timeout for Leadership-your one-minute leadership idea

The Principal Coaching Clinic #21

Are your shades at one level?

This is my annual message about the shades in your building.  You must think about the little things.  My “shades at one level” theory applies to just about all of the little things that are many times overlooked by the principal or leader in your organization. 

My “shades theory” is an outgrowth of the broken windows theory of public policing that was popular in the 1980’s.  The broken windows theory was based upon the belief that at the first visible sign of any anti-social behavior if left unaddressed will encourage more similar types of behavior.  In other words, if the window is broken, fix it. There has been considerable debate about the success of this theory as it applies to society in general.  However, I am convinced that my “shades theory” works in the school.

My “shades theory” is quite simple.  At the close of school, every shade must be placed at the same level so when someone rides by and looks at the school one sees neatness and precision.  When someone looks at this, they will see an organized and safe environment.  In an era when we must market our school in competition with charters, magnets and parochial schools, this small technique is important.  It sends the same message to the parents and the community of your present students.  This communicates that the school is clean and ready for the students and the teachers.  We are ready to teach and learn here!

Let’s take a look at some other quality of life issues.  Namely:

  • Any graffiti must immediately removed.  Photograph it and get rid of it.
  • Your student restrooms must be clean and functional.
    • Soap is always available
    • Stalls are working, private and functional.
    • Paper towels are available to dry hands.
    • Hot water is available.
    • Toilet paper is always available.
  • How often do you visit your student restrooms?  How about your staff?  Random adult visibility is critical.  Do you encourage your staff to walk into the student restrooms? 
  • Do your custodians “run the halls?”  That is, do they have a regular schedule where the halls are swept?   As part of this regular procedure do, they check the restrooms?
  • Do you and the other adults bend over to pick up a piece of paper or do walk right over it?  Think about what message you want to send.   What do you want to model?
  • Is cold, clean drinking water available?  Are all of your drinking fountains clean and operable?
  • Do students have adequate time to eat?  Is food quality acceptable? 
  • Are lockers operable?  Are they secure?
  • Is student entry and exit safe and sensible?
  • Look at the outside perimeter of your building. 
    • Are weeds growing around the foundation?  (I have seen some as big as small trees)
    • Is the grass cut?  (all year)
    • Are shrubs and bushes well maintained?  (all year)
    • Are outdoor teaching areas safe for instruction and play?
  • Are parking lots safe and well maintained?  Do outdoor lights work?  Do you have your lot regularly swept to remove any debris or broken glass?

I could probably go on and on.  You must personalize this list and make it your own.  I guarantee people will notice. 

I strongly believe that if you take care of the little things, the big things like teaching and learning will start to improve.  Cleaning up the space is the first step to improving the culture and the climate of your school or organization.  And we know by now, especially if you read this blog, that, IT IS ALL ABOUT THE CULTURE AND CLIMATE.

HAVE A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!