10 Things only Principals at a Sanctuary School must constantly focus

Episode 88

Just last weekend I went out to eat with my wife and our five kids.  It was a local Coney Island that my wife and I often frequent because we know exactly what we’re going to get and the surprisingly high quality of the food. (I am a Coney Island connoisseur and their food is fantastic!) We brought the five kids this time because it was her birthday.  The number of us eating is important because what I’m going to say next isn’t based on a small sample size.  The food wasn’t anywhere near as good as it typically is.  When we asked the server where the regular chef was she informed us that he had been picked up by ICE (immigration and customs enforcement).  This got me thinking of our chefs' family and especially his children.  This man has been working in the restaurant for at least the last 15 years.  Which means his children have established friendships and relationships within our school system.  The following are 10 things only principals that are attempting to create sanctuary schools must focus on in a scary political environment for our students.  

• Promote a safe and orderly school environment for all students.
• Have a robust ELL program.
• Send out newsletters in more than one language.
• Have a graduation ceremony that includes an interpreter.  
• Consistently celebrates multiple cultures throughout the school year.  
• The staff works towards cultural proficiency.
• Minority students come to school at the same rate as the general student body.   
• Immigration and Customs officials treat your school as a “sensitive location”.
• Multiple staff members speak some of the languages of your student body.  
• Students’ families bring food in to share with you and members of your staff.  

While most schools may touch on these 10 components from time to time principals that are creating a sanctuary school must focus on these.  What are other ways schools can demonstrate a commitment to all children?  Share your views in the comment section below.  

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For more short articles and tips that support educational leaders check out my blog at the howtobeagreatprincpal.com and/or pre order my newest bookHow To Be A Great Principal: 36 Shared Leadership Success Strategies which also has quick and easily digestible pointers.  If you’re an auditory learner you can download my podcastThe Principal Entrepreneur, new episodes weekly.  To join the podcast as a guest email me atjonathanroyce@theprincipalentrepreneur.com. Finally, I’m part of a  community of supportive principals please join our privateFB group.

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