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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tony Payton |
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Payton gets called to principal’s office
Participates in Philadelphia’s Principal for a Day program
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 27 – State Rep. Tony Payton, D-Phila., reported to the principal’s office today at the Franklin Smedley Elementary School to participate in the annual Principal for a Day program.
About 150 community and business leaders participated in the program, sponsored by Greater Philadelphia Cares in partnership with the School District of Philadelphia. The intent of the program is to send a powerful message that the community cares about its children and about making public schools better places for them to learn.
“It’s important for us to realize the job principals do because they are our front line in schools and the ones who ensure our children receive a quality education,” Payton said. “Their dedication to teaching provides our children with a bright future scholastically and a foundation to succeed later in life. I was thrilled to spend a day in their shoes, and to create a partnership with Philadelphia school officials so we can deliver the best education possible to our children.”
Throughout the day, participants shadow the activities of their host principal, talking to students and faculty, and sharing ideas. Payton joined Dr. James G. Cantwell and said that a principal’s job doesn’t end with students -- principals must also handle personnel issues and upkeep of the school.
“The program allows local business and civic leaders to volunteer in schools and gives us a chance to interact with kids at a very crucial age,” Payton said. “Today I drew on my own educational and professional experiences while speaking with the students to offer them a different perspective and encouraged them to do their very best in school.”
For more information about the program, visit www.philacares.com.
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CONTACT: Ann Collis |