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The Tip Sheet Today's Informed Principal
March 9, 2021
Reconnecting and Reengaging with Families
As schools across San Diego County begin the process of reopening or expanding in-person learning, some sites are noticing a concurrent shift in the relationship dynamics with their families. All relationships need nurturing and attending to; the school-home relationship is no different.   

Many times this dynamic is somewhat one-sided: the school frequently gives out information to families about logistics and expectations, but there are no operational, ongoing structures in place for personalized, thoughtful conversations with parents and other caregivers. 

Relationship-building with the families and communities who entrust their children to us is especially important right now. The California Department of Education (CDE) has published a comprehensive guide, The Family Engagement Toolkit: Continuous Improvement Through an Equity Lens to help school leaders create a genuine, reciprocal relationship with members of their community.

In addition, San Diego State University’s Dr. Reyes Quezada is the co-author of a book titled, Equity Partnerships; A Culturally Proficient Guide to Family School and Community Engagement (Amazon link). In it, the authors describe the seven C’s of engagement and provides actionable suggestions for improvement. The seven C’s are Collaboration, Communication, Caring/Compassion, Culture, Community, Connectedness, and Collective Responsibility. 

More resources, including a few short articles that can be used to launch conversations with staff and with families can be found in the Resources for School Leaders section below.
Principal Spotlight
This week we learn more about Encanto Elementary School Principal Audra Mandler and her experience leading during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mandler’s motto for leadership: Relationships before Rigor; Grace before Grades; Patience before Programs; and Love before Lessons (by Dr. Brad Johnson).

Over 19 years ago, Mandler started at Encanto Elementary as a classroom and resource teacher. She has been serving as the principal for the past five years.

During the past few months, Mandler has been making positive contributions to her professional development. She shares, “Leading through distance learning has pushed me to better utilize technology in connecting with staff, students, and families. I am able to support staff in classrooms in a few quick seconds and am able to continue with our professional learning communities' collaboration and professional learning.”

She is most proud of the collaboration that takes place in her learning community and said, “All staff take ownership for all students and families. We are becoming a fully integrated system of support for student achievement.”

Mandler believes that no matter how tough the situation, there is always a positive to be found. She shared that “As a result of distance learning, we will continue to utilize technology to support student learning and collaboration during and after school. We will be able to support students when they are unable to be on campus and maintain a continuity of learning.”

During this time, Mandler has leaned on the support of the Lincoln High School principal cluster. This is where a group of principals come together to support each other in problem-solving technology, family needs, and best practices for engaging online learners. She finds that being able to problem-solve and find solutions together has been the most valuable contribution of their collaboration.

Fun Facts 

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
I would have dinner with Stacey Abrams.

What would you do (for a career) if you were not an educator?
If I were not an educator, I would be a book editor so I could spend all day reading.

What is your most treasured possession?
My mother's wedding ring is my most prized possession!

Thank you, Principal Mandler, for your Principal Spotlight contribution and for the work you do for the Encanto Elementary School community!
Leadership Learning Opportunities
New! SDCOE Learning and Leadership Guidance Document
The Learning and Leadership Services Division recently released a new guidance document, Engaging Students Through the Pandemic and Beyond. The document serves to provide resources and information in six distinct areas.

Join us for a deeper look into Section 3 Grading Guidance:
Principal Community Forums

Please join us on March 30 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for our next Principals Community Forum.

The forums are designed to provide leaders an opportunity to have open dialogue about current issues faced out in the field. Principals will engage in a learning component on suggested topics or themes, followed by facilitated discussions for meaning-making and application to school leadership. You can register for any of the monthly sessions below:

  • March 30
  • April 27
Develop Your Targeted Feedback Skills

Giving targeted feedback is a powerful skill and an important tool to support teachers as they grow their practice. It can help leaders give immediate feedback to a specific learning goal or area of focus. The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) partners with the nationally recognized University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership to offer the Targeted Feedback Institute. 

Learn more and register for the next institute, which will be March 17 to 19 from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
Restorative Leadership 

This learning session will provide participants in leadership positions with a clearer understanding of how to use restorative practices in leadership specifically with:
  • Communicating the restorative message
  • The restorative leadership model
  • Empowering vs. oppressive leadership
  • Developing a restorative school culture
  • Strategies to help staff feel honored and valued

The session will be from 1 to 3 p.m. April 13. Learn more and register here.
Leading While Female Conference

Join the authors of Leading While Female and other dynamic leaders who will offer conversations and stories through keynotes and breakout sessions designed to help all educational leaders confront and close the gender equity gap. The conference is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 20. Learn more and register here.
Tips for School Leaders
Resources to Support School Leaders

Further (short) readings on engaging families in a more effective manner include:
Grant Opportunities
Higher Education Grant 
  • Funding Source: National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) 
  • Funding Amount: $2,500 
  • Direct Link: https://www.nshss.org/educators/grants/higher-education-grant/ 
  • Description: Grants of up to $2,500 to USA individual teachers and counselors for financial assistance in attending professional development courses. Applicants must register as members of the funding source organization prior to applying. Funding is intended to help with the costs of expenses and tuition for university courses taking place in the summer and fall of 2021 or the spring of 2022. Pre-application information: Apply online by registering as an educator. Once registered, click the Grants link at the top of your dashboard.  
  • Deadline: March 31, 9 p.m.

Academic Enrichment Grants
  • Funding Source: McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation
  • Funding Amount: Up to $30,000
  • Direct Link: https://mccartheydressman.org/academic-enrichment-grants/
  • Description: Grants to educators employed by schools to enhance learning for PreK-12 students. Funding is intended to support the development of extracurricular and in-class programming that improves learning and develops the abilities of children from low-income households.
  • Deadline: April 15, 10:59 p.m.
 
Amber Brown Grant
  • Funding Source: Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
  • Funding Amount: $250 stipend, visit by author or illustrator, $250 worth of visitor’s books
  • Direct Link: https://www.scbwi.org/awards/grants/amber-brown-grant/
  • Description: The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) offers the Amber Brown Grant to commemorate author Paula Danziger. Eligible applicants are prekindergarten through grade 12 schools. SCBWI membership is not required. The purpose of funding is to encourage children and youth to read, and to connect them with creative influences. Award includes a visit by a children’s book author or illustrator; school principal must support the school nomination.
  • Deadline: April 15

Computers for Learning (CFL)
  • Funding Source: U.S. General Services Administration
  • Funding Amount: In-kind awards of computers and computer equipment
  • Direct Link: https://computersforlearning.gov/
  • Description: Schools and educational organizations are eligible to request computer equipment reallocated from government agencies. Applicants must register with the CFL website. Once registered, schools can view and select computer equipment that federal agencies have reported as excess and submit requests for items they need. Items include laptops, desktop systems, monitors, servers, keyboards, scanners, printers, and keyboards. Note: the school must pay shipping and handling. 
  • Deadline: Ongoing
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