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. 

School Uniforms – ACUs v. Civilian Dress

By Karen Hix, M.Ed. - Education Support 

Not long ago, SGM Malone and I had a 15-minute visit with a Government teacher at a local high school.  The SGM was in ACUs and I was in professional civilian dress as the civilian contractor.  SGM Malone repeatedly mentioned the National Guard in this conversation – “represent the National Guard” – “oversee the National Guard recruiters” – been in the National Guard” – ABOUT 5 TIMES IN 15 MINUTES.  When we ended the conversation, the Government teacher said, “You Army recruiters are great; you are always welcome to talk to my classes.” ARMY?  Was she even listening?  Probably so; however, your uniforms have a “US ARMY” label, and (trust me on this) very few people even know what rank you are, what the badges, ribbons, patches, and other ‘paraphernalia’ is on your uniform.  They see camouflage, your name, and US ARMY.  That’s all they recognize – and all they respond to – no offense, but that’s reality.

To set yourself apart from the other service branches, when appropriate, and if your command allows it, I suggest you wear Civilian Dress (soft sell) uniform for classroom presentations; a collared shirt with National Guard logo, dress slacks (or a skirt for women), and business casual shoes, at a minimum.  You are a member of the community and a guest speaker in the classroom.  If you are talking to students about going to college, setting goals, or other civilian topics, wear your Civilian Dress.  Of course, whenever you present or represent military careers and what the National Guard is, then wear ACUs or Class Bs.   For instance, for most tabletop displays, you represent the Guard and a career in the Guard – wear military uniform.  

While we are on the subject of dress codes for schools – dress professionally, as a role model for students, and to gain the respect of school personnel.  Even if you are only a couple of years older than the students are; you have a maturity level that exceeds theirs, you stand for values, and you want to inspire them to become better citizens. Wearing the same styles as the students does not get you that respect.  Students, personnel, administration, and parents EXPECT you to be a step up from the students – you’ve earned it.  Wearing blue jeans, baggy shorts, huge t-shirts and tennis shoes (for guys), or tiny t-shirts bearing midriff and shorts with flip-flop sandals (for girls), showing off tattoos and piercings, or wearing other teen fad styles –  does not give school authorities, parents, or students the idea that you are serious about your presentation or your message.  You ARE the Guard. 

Does wearing Civilian Dress Uniform mean that you are not proud to wear the ACU or Class B uniform?  No!  However, in this competitive recruiting world, you have to set yourself apart from the other service branches.  National Guard has many unique features and benefits that the other service branches do not offer; Civilian Dress Uniform sets you apart – and lets others know you are with the National Guard.

Now, retired SGM Malone believes that a Recruiter should be in uniform all the time, preferably Class Bs.  I agree with that most of the time; but he also thinks that if you are in civilian clothing that you are trying to “sneak up” on them or you are not proud to be a soldier.  He mentions all the time that he has never seen a Marine Recruiter other than in uniform.  Obviously, he and I have agreed to disagree; but what do you think?  Let us know with your comments.

School Protocol – Part I

- Karen Hix, M.Ed., Education Specialist

 

JAMRS Educator Study (2004) reveals that 87% of teachers don’t really know what and how military enlistment is all about.  They are also not “wowed” by lots of free stuff.  They take it, and they appreciate it – but it generally doesn’t gain invitations to talk to students learn more about what you or the Guard have to offer.  At PEC, you are taught that the Principals and the Counselors are the main POCs in school markets.  NG-PAM 601-1 gives you many hints on what to do with your school program. 

 

If you are lucky, if you have grown up in that community, if your family and your children are heavily involved in the education system in your area, you might be lucky enough to get presentations to students other than to their JROTC.  They will allow you to have lunchroom displays, but even those are becoming very strictly limited in recent times.

 

School protocol says that you must contact the Principal, the Assistant Principals, and the Counselors for permission on school campuses.  They are the primary gatekeepers of all things on campuses – including access to students.  Consider them like the R&R Commanders, the SGMs, and the NCOICs.  However, just like those Commanders, the Principals are generally not directly involved in the day-to-day “field operations” of those they lead.  They are usually not the ones who schedule what will happen on a daily basis in classrooms. 

 

You have to meet the teachers to find those times and subjects where your SEVs are most valuable.  Teachers have “planning periods” – the school receptionist can let you know when those are.  Make advance appointments to meet with them during those times to share what you have to offer!

WORLDS APART?

By Karen Hix, M.Ed.

The education world and the military world – not too much in common?  Think about this:

• Which one has salary and budget funded by the legislature – typically just before deadlines?

• Which one is generally and typically misunderstood and sometimes maligned by the public?

• Which one has people saying, “I couldn’t do what you do – thank you for doing what you do.”

• Which one has more “bad side” than good side focused on by the media?

• Which one has to work with less and do more with it?

• Which one has difficulty recruiting for positions?

Contact us for more similarities and how we can help you bridge the differences with your educator COIs!

Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer

By Karen Hix, Education Specialist

 

Lazy, hazy, yes — But don’t be so quick to ignore school campuses in the summer time.  High school campuses may be closed to students and most of the faculty and staff is on vacation; however, the District offices, colleges, GED centers, and other educational camps are in full swing.

 

Sure, you would rather enlist someone into the Guard – but to make the most of the target market in high schools, you must first sell the gatekeepers and those Centers of Influence who promote you to the students when school is in session.  And the best time to do that is when the students aren’t there!

 

In my time as an Education Support Specialist with the Guard, I found that although most people know that the Guard “is there” for disaster relief, they really don’t know who you are and how you are different than any other military service branch.  You have the same uniform as the Army (it even says U.S. Army on the pocket flap); and to most educators, a military recruiter is a recruiter is a recruiter is a recruiter.  

When you spend time letting them know YOU, that personal rapport gives them a reason to talk about the Guard.  Yes, some Guard units are deploying overseas – that is a factor to deal with; however, which branch can say that their members actually come HOME afterwards – not stationed at a base far from home?  Which branch is allowing single parents to keep custody of their children and still serve their country?  Which branch is allowing students to complete 2 years of college before (and if) serving in Iraq or Afghanistan?

 

Go by those schools that look vacant – if there are any cars parked there, chances there are teachers preparing for their next year.  They could use a Good Samaritan to help them move books and shelves; and this is a prime time for you to ask them about what they do.  Sell them on who you are, and they will sell you to who you want to see in a couple of months.