School Protocol – Part 2

-Karen Hix, M.Ed. 

Ok – School opening is getting closer on the calendar.  Let’s look at additional protocol you can use to set yourself apart from others.  Protocol is “traditionally accepted practices” and schools are all about following those rules. 

Schools are ’sanctuaries’ (of sorts) for learning.  And with imposed security issues and academic requirements, school personnel have a daunting task of keeping students focused on achievement and managing behaviors.  

Recall for a moment your weeks in Basic Training.  No outside influences, and no interferences.  All Drill Instructor,  all the time.  What if one of your high school teachers showed up one day during those weeks and asked to talk with you for a few minutes about your future?  How would your DI react?  ok – (take out the four letter words)  and that is exactly how a teacher feels when someone from the school office (or you)  knocks on the classroom door to take a student out of the class “for a few minutes.” 

Follow school campus rules, and you will win the respect and cooperation of teachers, counselors, and parents, too. 

When you are making classroom presentations – start on time, end on time.  No ringing or answering cell phones during class time (students and teachers are generally not allowed to do so – neither should you).  Be on time.  School operates by the second and the minute and by the bell schedule.  Don’t hold a students out of class to talk with them – it is not within your authority to approve when they can leave from or arrive at school or class. 

If you agree to a classroom presentation for a teacher – keep this appointment.  It is a good idea to ask the teacher to suggest 2 alternate dates – or have a contingency Plan B –  just in case you are unexpectedly required to participate in an event by the State Command on that one particular day.  If you leave them “high and dry,” it generally is not “ok” and takes a long time to trust you again.

By the way, did you know that school calendars are generally planned and set in April of the year before?  Yes, the grading periods, holidays, early releases, testing schedules, sports schedules – everything – is already on the calendar for School Year 07-08.  And teachers plan lessons and schedule resources weeks in advance.  I used to have to schedule the use of the school library or the computer lab for my classes at the beginning of the semester for any time in November or April!  That is why it is vital and crucial for you to plan and schedule in advance with them, too.  Protocol.

If you take students off campus to take ASVAB tests, or physicals, this affects the attendance record for the student.  It is always a good idea to get a written note from the parent, and let the teachers and school personnel know as far in advance (days, if known) as possible.  The student will nearly ALWAYS say that it is ok; but it’s just not cool (to school administrators) to show up at lunch to take a student off campus for the rest of the day!  Of course the student will always say that it’s ok (show me a student that doesn’t want to find a way to get out of going to class!) – but you will help your reputation with the school to take on the responsibility that the student (your applicant) is doing the right thing, the right way.  Set the example.  Take care to recognize that taking them off campus affects more than just you and the student.

If you are not sure about the rules of the campuses you visit, go to their website and find the student handbook or code of conduct – that’s the protocol.  Visitors to the campus (you) need to comply with the protocol to help the schools maintain safety for all students.  Some larger school districts are requiring that any community speaker sign up as a “volunteer” – don’t shy away from this, use it to your advantage – it’s just a way to verify those who are on campus regularly.

Reliability, Dependability, Trust – all very highly regarded qualities when doing business with school personnel.