u/No_Hunter_2892

I've been AP in this district for four years, so I'm relatively familiar with a lot of basic things District wants us to do to get the plane in the air. Each year, they give admin a checklist for us to complete before the year begins; it's handy.

Next year, we get a new building, and I'll be the big dawg for the first time. I want to start strong! What are some things that, in your administrative experience, can/should be done to make the year better and make the school a place students and staff want to be from the jump?

"Get rest this summer. You'll need it."
"Being principal is lonely."
"When District sees you can carry 100lbs, they don't tell you 'good job.' They give you more."
"The hardest job I ever had was building principal."
"It sucks."

So...what makes it worthwhile? Anticipating these hardships, what are ways that you, tenured principals maintained your sanity, joy, and passion for education?

My bf wants to play cards with his crew on his birthday at their weekly local tournament, and I would love love love to bring cupcakes to the shop for him to share with everyone. I plan to call the shop first, of course, but if the shop owner/event organizer says it's cool, would it be poor form according to everyone else at the event to do this?

As AP, I didn't wear blazers or business formal dress clothes. Cardigans, slacks, polo shirts, and Hokas were my regular pieces. I feel like as building principal, I will need to look more...fancy, sharp, distinguished, etc.; however, I will also need to be functional in order to deal with behavior issues on the fly.

I don't have a preference for dresses or pants. I just don't want to be hot while running to handle classroom management. I also need shoes that are comfortable!