July 6, 2017

“Are the window shades all at one level?”

Although this is not taken from any list of popular idioms, it is a saying that I consistently preached to my administrative team. It is a favorite of mine that I think says quite a bit. It all started as a result of me driving by a neighboring parochial high school every day on the way to work.  I noticed how professional and prepared the school looked every morning with every window shade in the building set at the same level. To me this orderliness represented something far beyond the fact that someone every night took the time to do this task.  To me this image told me that this school was prepared, inviting, orderly and ready for the students and the community.  It also told me that something serious was going on in this building.  This attention to detail was also a conveyance of pride and respect. I always tried to have my staff replicate this.  I am not sure that everyone understood this message.  Although one might say that you cannot judge a book by its cover, an exciting and appealing cover may get me to open the book and actually take the time to read it. An exciting and appealing school may get students to want to be there and more importantly take advantage of what the school has to offer. Therefore, whether you are at home or in school, please make sure your “shades are all at one level”.  The results may surprise you!