October is National Principals Month! We’re celebrating with a new prompt each week and an opportunity to win an Amazon gift card. Check out our members’ winning responses for Week 2:
Week 2 winners: What leadership quality do you see in your students that gives you hope for the future?
The leadership trait I am seeing in my students is the willingness to speak up for any injustice they see. They are learning to do so with calm and measured voices and are learning that the adults around are listening. These are our leaders of the future. Baruti Kafele spoke at a conference I was at and said “It’s not enough to give our students a voice, we need to teach them what to say”. I would add to that “and how to say it to be heard.” That is what we are hopefully instilling in our students. – Dianne Harlow, Principal, Valhalla Elementary, Federal Way PS
What gives me hope is seeing how students respond to high expectations, guidance, and encouragement from adults they trust. I believe every student wants to succeed, know their work matters, and take pride in their achievements. When we create a sense of belonging, build confidence, and encourage students to take risks and work hard, there is no limit to what they can achieve. – Jay Opgrande, Principal, Mt. Solo Middle School, Longview Schools
The leadership quality I see in my students that gives me hope for the future is inclusion and acceptance of others. Recently, I observed a PE lesson where students of all abilities chose partners and worked together, embracing classmates with different backgrounds, physical abilities, and language skills. It warmed my heart to see how naturally they included one another. It was a beautiful reminder that leadership is about kindness, acceptance, and making sure everyone belongs. Seeing these qualities in my students gives me hope for a future where differences are celebrated and everyone feels valued. – Amanda Voorhees, Principal, McKinley Elementary, Yakima SD
The leadership quality I see in our students that gives me hope for the future is their willingness to serve. Students love having opportunities to serve others by meeting needs others have and feeling helpful in a way that makes a difference. Their actions of service not only give me hope for the future but make me grateful to serve alongside our youth today. – Courtney Dallas, Assistant Principal, Park Middle School, Kennewick SD
Congrats to our Week 2 winners! If you didn’t win this week, there are two more prompts and opportunities this month to win. Watch for our prompts on social media and via email each Wednesday.
