I began developing Entry Plans many years ago as I applied for head football coaching positions.  I always believed the plan played an instrumental role in getting me the job, and guided me successfully through the initial challenges of the job if I was fortunate enough to land it.  An Entry Plan forces you to develop your vision, values, goals and beliefs as a leader.  It challenges you to research the prospective employer and postion, and if done right, puts you in the position of understanding the school, company or business better than some of the people on the other side of the interview table.  My Entry Plan is a living document that I reflect on weekly and adjust when necessary.  I highly recommend anyone interviewing for a leadership position to develop an Entry Plan.  If you are already in a leadership position an Entry Plan could easily be used to establish your new vision and assess your progress.  The Entry Plan below has guided me in my first 100 days as a new Principal. 

In Jim Collins’ bestselling book “Good to Great” he points out that the enemy of Great is Good. He explains that we don’t have great schools because we have good schools – society is content with good. Normandin Middle School is a NELMS spotlight school that is primed for greatness. A clear, concise and intentional plan will ensure that the transition of principals is a catalyst for excitement, change and continued improvement. An Entry Plan serves as the principal’s review of the school; it demonstrates that he is a keen observer, an active listener and a proactive organizer. This document will provide our school administration, staff, students and community insight into my vision and thought process, and will outline my goals to aligning Normandin Middle School along a path of Greatness.  I have found the process of developing this plan insightful, challenging and rewarding.  The complex decisions involved in creating this plan were based on my fundamental core values as an educator and lifelong learner. My vision is to lead Normandin Middle School so that it is not only the best middle school in Massachusetts, but also the best school-period!

 

 

Our Normandin School community is a family. As educators we must treat each child as if they were our own. We must work together, support each other and realize that no one person is bigger than the school/family. We will all work hard, support one another and grow together. Our school is our family – success is a by-product of our commitment to working together and respecting each other.

 

Education is the meal ticket to success! Students must demand from themselves that they do everything in their power to succeed in school, while the adults do "whatever it takes" to ensure student success.  Students must strive to do their best academically and behaviorally-becoming leaders in our school.

 

We must commit to giving back to our community through community service learning. It is important that we understand and respect the great New Bedford history and contribute as model citizens.

 

 

place where the climate provides personalized learning for every student, built on strong student, staff, family, business and community partnerships. A place where everyone is treated with respect, treated fairly and appreciated.

 

members work together and take ownership in developing and maintaining a dynamic student-centered learning environment.

 

Our school will be a place where academic and personal excellence is an expectation for all. It must be our fundamental belief that all students can learn and achieve at high levels. It is our collective responsibility to ensure we do “whatever it takes” to prepare our students for the competitive 21st century global evironment.  We will celebrate our successes!

1. Perform a needs assessment to establish our strengths and needs for improvement

2. Establish a culture of learning

3. Establish system for clear communication

4. Establish high expectations that are clearly defined and communicated