Principal Appreciation

Principal Appreciation

Lifetouch and the Illinois Principals Association (IPA) encourage all communities in Illinois to celebrate Principal Appreciation Week October 15-21, 2023, and Principal Appreciation Day on Friday, October 20, 2023. This state-endorsed recognition was first approved by the Governor of Illinois in 1990 and is celebrated annually. The IPA also joins the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), and the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA) to recognize October as National Principals Month.

Principal Appreciation Day provides learning communities an opportunity to publicly recognize the work, commitment and importance of principals, assistant principals, and deans throughout the state. Lifetouch and the IPA invite all teachers, students, parents, and community members to perform some act of appreciation on Friday, October 20 to acknowledge the leadership of building administrators in Illinois’ public and private schools.

IPA President and Elk Grove High School Principal, Dr. Paul Kelly, shared, “The school principal has one of the most demanding, challenging, and rewarding jobs in existence--shaping and guiding one of the very cornerstones of the community. And as we celebrate Principal Appreciation Week, let me be the first to say to my colleagues, THANK YOU for leading forward each and every day.”

Kelly added, “Even as we prepare for the unpredictability of every morning, afternoon, and evening, the school leaders of Illinois are proud to embrace our amazing opportunity to influence and inspire every member of our community. Our students, staff, parents, and our neighbors look to their community schools as the foundation of our future. Each and every day, there is a principal there; shaping the culture, building the systems, and celebrating the learning. There is no job like ours--incessant yet incredible, exhausting yet exhilarating. We wouldn't have it any other way.”

“This year, we celebrate and encourage our state’s school leaders as they Lead Forward.,” said Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA Executive Director. “To do so, these courageous individuals lead their learning organizations with optimism, humility, vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to do what is best for their students. Both research and common sense tell us how critical these servants are to positively influence young people, teachers, and communities. For this, they deserve our respect and gratitude.”

Social Media Toolkit

Below you will find sample tweets and images that school districts can share on social media or in newsletters. Feel free to change as needed. Make sure to include the hashtags: #ThankAPrincipal #LeadingForward2023

October is National Principals Month and we celebrate our principals for their passion and persistence as they strive for educational excellence. #ThankAPrincipal #LeadingForward2023 https://ilprincipals.org/principal-appreciation/
October is National Principals Month and we appreciate our principals’ purposeful dedication and relentless passion they demonstrate every single day. We support you! #ThankAPrincipal #LeadingForward2023 https://ilprincipals.org/principal-appreciation/
October is National Principals Month, and we recognize the remarkable commitment of our school principals. Thank you for your commitment to Illinois education. #ThankAPrincipal #LeadingForward2023 https://ilprincipals.org/principal-appreciation/
October is National Principals Month, and we thank you for your tireless dedication to education. We celebrate your impact on Illinois students, educators, and communities. #ThankAPrincipal #LeadingForward2023 https://ilprincipals.org/principal-appreciation/

Recognize Your Principal

Below are a number of ideas or good acts that can be performed for your principal.

Write to Your Principal

Write poems, letters or notes of appreciation and leave them on the desk of your principal.

Prepare Souvenirs and Specialty Items

Print your principal’s name on coffee mugs, t-shirts, schoolbags etc. to advertise the efforts of your Principal.

Make Notes

Have your students write notes like “Well Done!” “Thank You” and “You’re Appreciated” and put them on the desk of your principal before he/she arrives at work.

Decorations

Decorate the office and hallways of the school showing your appreciation for your principal.

E-mail

Teachers can have their students send their principal thank you notes via email during computer class.

A Day to Reflect

Principals have little time for themselves while dealing with the immediate and urgent details of their job. Give them a day to unplug, get away from the building, and take time to recharge and reflect on how they can be better leaders.

Be creative and have fun!

Lifetouch School Portraits is celebrating over 80 years of photographic memories. The school “Picture Day” has become a tradition that provides a photographic record of growth and maturity for millions of children each year. Lifetouch is proud to be the official school photographer for the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Lifetouch is honored to support local members of the Illinois Principals Association in recognition of Principal’s Appreciation Day. Learn more about Lifetouch at http://schools.lifetouch.com.