Conclusion

__** A few more suggestions 11/09/10 **__ __** Suggested Updates 11/9/10 **__

// ﻿ // As the superintendent of Wingfield School District, I am committed to supporting Jim O’Connor in his implementation of the necessary reforms at Hickory Ridge High School. After collecting data and monitoring progress at the school, Hickory Ridge will develop a new mission and vision. This new mission will give all faculty and stakeholders a shared direction for Hickory Ridge. Developing these common goals together will help the staff to better understand what it means to be a part of the school community. Mr. O’Connor will participate in the National Mentor Program to facilitate his growth as an educational leader. A mentor will benefit Mr. O'Connor as he experiences the evolving role of the principal. Mr. O’Connor will also be connected to an experienced principal within the District that will assist him with district-related operations and procedures if needed. These mentoring relationships will help Mr. O’Connor develop the confidence and skills needed to be an effective leader. Principal O’Connor will unite staff by using simple team building activities at faculty meetings and in-service trainings. He will also develop professional learning communities to promote collaboration throughout the school. To reduce the divide between veteran and new teachers, Mr. O’Connor will develop a mentoring program within the school. Veteran teachers will be paired with new teachers to bridge the gap and create cross ties between classroom experience, community history, current pedegodgy, and technological knowledge. Mr. O’Connor will improve technology integration at Hickory Ridge by providing support to teachers through on-site knowledge brokers and professional development. The knowledge broker will assist in the implementation of technology along with the technical mechanics of the hardware and software. Teachers will be required to incorporate a SMART technology goal into their Professional Development Plan. They will also be encouraged to participate in professional development opportunities through the District's distance learning program. These reforms will be the start to the improved Hickory Ridge High School. With guidance and support, Mr. O’Connor is capable of being a successful leader who will facilitate the growth and success of the school.

As the superintendent of Wingfield School District, I am willing to support Jim O’Connor in making the necessary changes that are needed at Hickory Ridge High School. After data collecting and monitoring progress at the school, we will be developing a mission and vision for Hickory Ridge. As a result, all faculty and important stakeholders will know who we are as a school and what direction we are headed. Developing these common goals together will give the staff a better understanding of what it means to be a part of the school. Mr. O’Connor will be participating in the National Mentor Program. This program will be beneficial due to the fact that the principal’s role is constantly changing and requires an increasing amount of knowledge and skills. Mr. O’Connor will also be introduced to an experienced principal within the District that would be able to assist him with district-related operations and procedures if needed. These mentoring relationships will help Mr. O’Connor develop the confidence and skills needed to be an effective leader. Principal O’Connor will bring staff together by using simple team building activities at faculty meetings and in-service trainings. He will also be developing professional learning communities which will promote collaboration throughout the school. To reduce the divide between veteran and new teachers Mr. O’Connor will be developing a mentoring program within the school. Veteran teachers will be paired with new teachers to bridge the gap and help each other in specific areas such as technology integration and community history. Mr. O’Connor will improve technology integration at Hickory Ridge by providing support to teachers through on-site knowledge brokers and professional development. The knowledge broker will assist in the implementation of technology along with the technical mechanics of the hardware and software. Teachers will be required to incorporate a SMART technology goal into their Professional Development Plan, they also will encouraged to participate in professional development classes offered online. These changes will be the start to the new Hickory Ridge High School. With guidance and support, Mr. O’Connor is capable of being a successful leader and turning the school around for the better. I have been told “it takes a few mistakes before you get it right,” this time I believe I have it right.
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