Principals spend night on roof
Two innovative school principals found a way to get Grand Prairie ISD Superintendent Dr. Susan Simpson to serve them breakfast on the job, spend the night on the roof of Sally B. Moore elementary school.
With initial results from the TAKS test indicating Sally B. Moore Elementary School achieved Exemplary status, the night on the roof for the school’s Principal Linda Ellis and Assistant Principal Cheryl Horton was the fulfillment of a promise to their students for reaching the state’s highest criteria for student achievement.
Principal Ellis said the idea of the roof top sleepover as a way to motivate the students and staff to strive for the Exemplary status was Ms. Horton’s.
A campsite display was setup in January in front of the school to promote the principals’ night on the roof top. “Every week we would add something new to the campsite and the kids got all excited about it,” Horton said.
Both Principal Ellis and Horton said they got no sleep while on the roof. Every hour a member of the school staff would pay a visit. “It could be that it was a check of our integrity to make sure we stayed up here. We chose to believe it was just part of being a team. They came up here and brought us snacks, coffee, and drinks. It was a lot of fun for all of us,” Principal Ellis said.
As promised Dr. Simpson brought the two principals breakfast Friday morning.
With an unobstructed panoramic view of Grand Prairie, Principal Ellis and Horton enjoyed hearty IHOP breakfast courtesy of their boss.
Dr. Simpson said, “For the kids to see what their principals are willing to do really motivates them to do their best. These kids can see how successful they can be. We have school leaders here who are willing to do what it takes. I’m just thrilled to be able to work in a district as this.”
Principal Ellis and Horton said they do not know what motivator would be used next year, but both said head shaving was out.
Comments
What awesome principals!
Posted by: Claudia Flores | May 31, 2008 02:42 PM
Way to go, Cheryl! Who would have thought my babysitter, who helped raise my kids, would be a celebrity. No doubt, you love kids and have always done what you could to help them.
Posted by: Jerre K. Dowty | May 31, 2008 05:31 PM
Congratulations Cheryl, I only know one other woman that would do something like you have done. Peggy Ann would love to have done some thing like this..you are just like Her and that is quite a complement. GO GIRL.. PATRICIA FUNDERBURGH
Posted by: Patricia Funderburgh | June 2, 2008 05:36 PM
It is an honor to work under your great leadership. Way to go!
Posted by: Cindy Garcia | June 6, 2008 09:56 PM
I'm so proud of you both for following through with your promise to the kids! I'm so lucky to work with such awesome leaders!
Debbie S.
Posted by: Debbie Story | June 26, 2008 06:45 PM
How lucky I am to be on a staff that is led by these two outstanding principals!
Posted by: Carolyn West | July 23, 2008 09:36 AM