School districts throughout Michigan will celebrate Michigan School Principal’s Week from February 9-13, 2009.

“School principals play a central role in creating an environment conducive to learning,” said State Board President Kathleen N. Straus.  “Teaching, leading, and learning in the 21^st Century is faced with many new and unique challenges that require the creative, effective leadership of school principals.”

The school principal acts as the liaison between the school and the community it serves, and ensures that parents and taxpayers are aware of student achievements.  The expectations for principal leadership within schools have increased greatly in the past decade, including quality and accountability for all children.

Inspiring and energetic school leadership and the valuable contribution of the school principal are essential if schools, teachers, students, and support staff are to achieve excellence. 

Michigan School Principal’s Week serves as a fitting time to support all Michigan principals and encourage each school and community to appropriately recognize their principal and the vital role the principal plays in the success of all students.