The officer could be given the phone to speak directly with the parent.
Rather than have the police wait outside the school to arrest the student
as she left, often an accommodation was reached for parents to bring the
child to the local police station that afternoon or for the police to meet the
parents and child at the home or a local church. Such cooperation is better
for all involved.
When Ms. Nguyen first became principal, it was a tradition at her Hous-
ton elementary school to have a Secretary Recognition Luncheon during
secretaries week in April. A light lunch was provided, and Ms. Nguyen
said a few words in praise of the work of her three secretaries. Over time,
she expanded the invitation to include paraprofessionals, school aides,
the school dietician, school security staff, and the custodial staff so that
it became the School Support Staff Luncheon. This took some time from
Ms. Nguyen’s busy day, but it was validation for the contributions all
members of the support staff made to the ambience of the school and the
well-being of students. A school leader may wish to start a similar tradi-
tion if one does not already exist in her school.
There is no downside to this precept. It simply means having respect
for the entire staff, not only the teachers. Everyone who works in a school
building contributes to meeting the needs of the students. Everyone is a
caring adult in whom a child may confide. Everyone makes the school a
better place for all.
158 Chapter 11