Reflections: The Day After September 11th
by Veronica Williams
“We had to hang on to those thoughts and use them as conduits towards a better tomorrow…
one that you and I would be responsible for September 12 meant we had to overcome. There is work to be done.”~ Ada Rosario Dolch
The next day still arrived. The day after the very tragic September 11th…September 12th, is what resonated with me the most overall in the book. The world kept moving, although it felt a little scarier. Life kept going on, but just a little more sadly. God forbid a school is involved in a crisis; however, we always must look forward to the next day. There is hope in the next day. There is peace in the next day. There is strength in the next day. Looking forward to the next day in the middle of a crisis gives us the strength to keep moving and endure so that we can make it to our own “September 12” to show that we, too, can overcome.
one that you and I would be responsible for September 12 meant we had to overcome. There is work to be done.”~ Ada Rosario Dolch
The next day still arrived. The day after the very tragic September 11th…September 12th, is what resonated with me the most overall in the book. The world kept moving, although it felt a little scarier. Life kept going on, but just a little more sadly. God forbid a school is involved in a crisis; however, we always must look forward to the next day. There is hope in the next day. There is peace in the next day. There is strength in the next day. Looking forward to the next day in the middle of a crisis gives us the strength to keep moving and endure so that we can make it to our own “September 12” to show that we, too, can overcome.
Most powerful key elements of the Leadership Lessons for me:
Trust must be established among staff and students
Staff and students will not follow your lead if they do not trust you. They must know your heart and believe that you will act in their best interests.
Safety Walks
Know every aspect of the building—have a mental map so that when things are out of place, it is obvious. Also, have a plan to make the best use of all places and spaces in the building. Check locks on outer and inner doors
Communication
Have a clearly established line of communication with alternates and back-ups. This includes telephones, intercoms, walkie-talkies, or cell phones. Have a clearly established phone tree within the campus and outside of the campus through the central office as well. Have a plan to address parents and students.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Establish safety procedures, practice them, debrief, and revise as needed. Do it again. Do it again. Do it again. Make it clear that deviation from the plan can be very harmful. When the plan needs to be adjusted, the lead decision-maker will make the adjustment and communicate that out. There has to be a clear and definitive agreement to follow plans to keep everyone safe.
Be Ready to Adjust
Sometimes the plan will not work as written or practiced. Be ready to think quickly; know your community/surroundings; have a sense of urgency--but remain calm; lead with confidence and advocate for those in your charge; be aware of the heightened emotions around you; empower those who can lead to take on key roles.
Trust must be established among staff and students
Staff and students will not follow your lead if they do not trust you. They must know your heart and believe that you will act in their best interests.
Safety Walks
Know every aspect of the building—have a mental map so that when things are out of place, it is obvious. Also, have a plan to make the best use of all places and spaces in the building. Check locks on outer and inner doors
Communication
Have a clearly established line of communication with alternates and back-ups. This includes telephones, intercoms, walkie-talkies, or cell phones. Have a clearly established phone tree within the campus and outside of the campus through the central office as well. Have a plan to address parents and students.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Establish safety procedures, practice them, debrief, and revise as needed. Do it again. Do it again. Do it again. Make it clear that deviation from the plan can be very harmful. When the plan needs to be adjusted, the lead decision-maker will make the adjustment and communicate that out. There has to be a clear and definitive agreement to follow plans to keep everyone safe.
Be Ready to Adjust
Sometimes the plan will not work as written or practiced. Be ready to think quickly; know your community/surroundings; have a sense of urgency--but remain calm; lead with confidence and advocate for those in your charge; be aware of the heightened emotions around you; empower those who can lead to take on key roles.
Reflections about Principles for Principals, Leading the Way to School Safety by Ada Rosario Dolch
The Day After September 11th
By Veronica Williams, Assistant Principal Polly Ryon Middle School
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, Richmond, Texas
The Day After September 11th
By Veronica Williams, Assistant Principal Polly Ryon Middle School
Lamar Consolidated Independent School District, Richmond, Texas
Link to Reflections About Ada's Story
The Day After 9/11 | Observations | Be Prepared and Be a Leader | Communication Is Key | New Safety Check List | It's Not a Matter of "if" but "when"
Buy Principles for Principals | Store | Free eBook for All Principals
The Day After 9/11 | Observations | Be Prepared and Be a Leader | Communication Is Key | New Safety Check List | It's Not a Matter of "if" but "when"
Buy Principles for Principals | Store | Free eBook for All Principals