October is National Principals Month, a celebration dedicated to recognizing and honoring the pivotal role that school principals play in shaping educational environments. By supporting teachers and creating a safe, productive, and positive learning environment, principals ensure that each student has a successful life.
The eight campuses that comprise Arizona Charter Schools are fortunate to have the best principals in the state. That’s why students, parents, teachers, and staff should all take time this month to express their gratitude and recognize the hard work, dedication, and leadership of our principals.
History
The effort to formally recognize principals began with National School Principals Day on May 1st, established in the early 1990s.
Twenty-five years later, the organizations representing principals saw the need for a larger platform. In 2015, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) officially joined forces to declare the entire month of October as National Principals Month.
Each year, these organizations petition the U.S. President, governors, and mayors across the nation, to obtain an official proclamation recognizing October as National Principals Month. This formal recognition would enhance the significance of the celebration.
What Principals Do
Principals are the cornerstone of any school. Their responsibilities are immense and go far beyond administrative tasks. The month aims to highlight their critical impact in these areas:
They Provide Instructional Leadership They set the academic vision, coach teachers, and work to ensure high-quality learning for every student.
They Create School Culture
Principals foster a positive, safe, and inclusive environment where students and staff can thrive.
They Manage Operations
They handle everything from budgets and facilities to scheduling and safety protocols.
They Initiate Community Engagement
Principals act as the bridge between the school, families, and the wider community.
They Support Students and Teachers
They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave, solving problems, providing support, and championing their school’s needs.
National Principals Month brings this multifaceted and often challenging role into the spotlight, acknowledging the profound difference a great principal can make.
Ways to Celebrate
Celebrations can be driven by the school communities and organizations to show appreciation for their principals. Ideas range from small, personal gestures to school-wide events. Here are some ideas on how to say “Thank you” to our principals:
Students
- Create thank-you cards, posters, or a “Thank You Wall” in the main hallway.
- Make a video compilation of students sharing what they appreciate about their principal.
- Nominate them for a principal recognition award.
Teachers and Staff
- Organize a potluck breakfast or lunch in the principal’s honor.
- Collect funds for a gift card to their favorite restaurant or store.
- Write sincere, personal notes thanking them for their specific support.
Parents and Parent Organizations
- Coordinate a week of treats, like “Bring the Principal Coffee and Donuts” day.
- Present a gift or plaque on behalf of the parent community.
- Use social media to publicly shout out the principal’s achievements using official hashtags like #ThankAPrincipal and #NationalPrincipalsMonth. Share photos, stories, and public messages of appreciation.
- Let the principal know that you as a parent see and appreciate their hard work.
National Principals Month serves as an important opportunity to express gratitude to the educational leaders who dedicate their lives to fostering environments conducive to both student and educator success. A simple gesture of recognition can significantly support these often-overlooked heroes and lets them know that they’re appreciated, not just in October, but every month of the year.
