Chuck Thompson had homework to finish up this holiday weekend before meeting with Holly Swanson, principal of Whittier Middle School.
Thompson, president of Republic Bank and Trust, is one of more than 40 community members signed up to participate in the Norman Public School Foundation's annual Principal for a Day program Tuesday.
These community members will meet with the principals from their assigned school sites at 7:15 a.m. during breakfast at the Nancy O'Brian Center for the Performing Arts at Norman North High School. From there, they will accompany the principal back to their site for a half day of classroom visits, morning announcements, book reading and playground supervision. At 11:30 a.m., all participants will reconvene at the performing arts center for lunch and a wrap-up of their day.
Holly Swanson, principal at Whittier Middle School, said she thinks this is a good opportunity for these community members, many of whom are supporters of the Norman Public School Foundation, to see how the teachers utilize the grants received from the foundation. She is also excited to showcase the work done by local educators.
"I want them to get a feel for what happens day to day," said Swanson. This will be her first year as head principal to participate in the program.
This will be the second go around for Norman Police Chief Phil Cotten. Last year, he served at Madison Elementary. This year, he has graduated elementary and will move to the middle school level, where he will shadow Darien Moore, principal of Longfellow Middle School.
In his former experience, Cotten said he was pleased to see how well-behaved the students were. He also enjoyed seeing the thriving relationships among the diverse group of children.
First time participant and first time foundation board member Kevin Hopper is eager get a more personal view of the inner workings of the school system. Between his involvement on the board and having a son in second grade in Norman, Hopper has ties to the school system. He looks forward to seeing his site at Dimensions North Alternative Education Academy from the principal's eyes, though.
"I know Norman has awesome schools ... I expect to see great things," he said.
This will be the first year for Thompson to take part in the project as well. Fortunately, though, he has a little help at home to help him prepare for the big day: His daughter is a sixth grade student at the school. He has already visited the school several times for her events and is expecting to feel at ease when role-playing as principal.
For more information on the foundation, visit www.npsfok.com.
Local news
Community members prepare to play 'Principal for a Day'
- Local news
-
-
Veterans, community remember the fallen
Wesley Carroll lives on, but countless numbers of his friends and family have been laid to rest after their service in conflicts dating as far back as the 18th century....
-
Deputies arrest 10
Cleveland County sheriff’s deputies made 10 arrests in a Saturday night and early Sunday morning saturation patrol....
-
Troopers release name in Thunderbird drowning
Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers have released the deceased’s name in a weekend drowning at Lake Thunderbird....
-
Holiday fun
Sunday wasn’t just another church night at Harvest Church. The church’s pre-Memorial Day fellowship event featured a monster truck show, bike stunts and fireworks, among other things....
-
Volunteers clean up Bishop Creek
Norman’s Bishop Creek is home to a lot more than frogs, turtles and water skimmers, a group of volunteers say....
-
More travelers to hit the road this Memorial Day
NEW YORK — More Americans will hit the road this holiday weekend than a year ago. And they’ll have a bit more money to spend thanks to lower gas prices....
-
OBA names officers
TULSA — Brad Swickey, president and CEO of Valliance Bank in Oklahoma City, was inducted as chairman of the Oklahoma Bankers Association at the OBA’s 115th Leadership Forum and Annual Convention, held May 14 and 15 at the Renaissance Hotel ...
-
Rig count down by 3 to 1,983
HOUSTON — The number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. is down three this week to 1,983....
-
Cornerstone Metals Recycling opens in Norman
Cornerstone Metals Recycling has officially opened a recycling facility in Norman at 2350 Industrial Blvd. The facility will provide easy access drive-through for recyclers in the Norman area including South Oklahoma City, Moore and Pauls ...
-
Agriculture Department spurring exports
International Market Development Coordinator Barbara Charlet is constantly finding new ways to introduce Oklahoma’s agricultural products to foreign markets. With 18 years of experience in the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and ...
- More Local news Headlines
-
