FINAO Principle # 5

I will be looking at each of the Failure is Not an Option principles, but feel I need to skip to principal five to talk about the role parents and the community play, since we are starting a new school year. Communication is critical to students and school success. Parents now have the ability through e-mail and online student data information systems to keep up with their student’s academic progress. However, is that enough? When and under what circumstance should parents get involved in their students learning? The answer is clear. Parents must remain active participants in our students learning from kindergarten through graduation.

Parents, you were given the greatest gift you will ever receive when you became a parent. It is the schools responsibility to facilitate a partnership with you to make you feel welcome in our schools and remain active in their instruction (p. 172).

How can parents help? Make learning the greatest priority in your family. Ask your students questions about their day and help them stay on top of any and all homework assignments. When I talk to my children about school, I ask this question….What question did you ask your teacher today? I want to know that more than I want to know what they have learned. If students are asking questions, then learning is taking place.

What is the school's role? Your student’s school must remain dedicated to providing your students with a comprehensive education. We must reach out and encourage parents to join us in this journey. Schools must be willing to accept criticism when it is warranted and make any necessary changes to make learnin

g more meaningful.

Parents…. Please get involved if you are not. If you are, then continue to be our partner and let’s create a learning environment together that is positive and challenging for all students.

Just Stuff:The Sooners are on a roll. However, they have yet to play a quality team. We will see what happens when they have to step up a

nd play their Big 12 opponents.

FNO Principle #1.

In Failure is Not an Option, the book lays out six principals that are imperative for schools and school districts to focus attention on if they are to be successful in meeting each individual student’s academic needs. The first principle is centered on common mission, vision, values, and goals. Simply put, if school leaders have a common thread running through each of the schools, regardless of how big a school or a school district becomes, its primary focus of academic excellence can always be seen in all verbal and non-verbal communication. Cohesive communities and relational trusts among all adults will greatly impact the character of the school and school district.

The mission of the school district must remain straightforward. The mission should include “what” we want to do, “how” we will know id we are succeeding, “what will we do to ensure success (p.72). I realize this seems like “well duh”, however when you begin to deal with all the distractions that are placed in front of you in the course of the year, it is easy to loose sight of what should be the most important aspects of providing our students with a quality education.


A vision is the uniting force that ensures that all decisions in the district have mean and are purposeful. A school’s vision offers a realistic alternative for a better future (p.77). School values are those attitudes and behaviors an organization embraces (p.85). Goals are divided into short and long term and should reflect the mission, vision, and values.

In summary: Principal # 1 is the foundation to the building of a successful school and school district.

Just Stuff:

• I am in search of North Texas best barbeque. If anyone would like to tell me their favorite place to eat barbeque, I would greatly appreciate it.


• Sooner Football: Come on OU play somebody your first week. It was a great time at the game, but 50-0 at half isn’t fun for anyone. Pick a team like Arkansas State the pride of the Sun Belt t Conference…..well maybe not Arkansas State……we still want to win the game….right A&M fans! My prediction for the OU season is 10-2. The defense will struggle against an explosive offensive team….

Photo credit: Louis DeLuca, Dallas Morning News.