On Tuesday, Feb. 21, the Putnam City Public Schools Foundation hosted its fourth annual "Principal for a Day" event. Business and community leaders spent the morning at district schools, shadowing the principal, visiting classrooms, talking with teachers and students, touring schools and discussing challenges schools face.

The program is designed to help create an awareness and understanding of the issues facing Putnam City schools and open the door to business-education partnerships.

"We know that when people get a chance to see a school in action, they are extremely impressed with the commitment, passion and skill of district teachers and administrators. The experience is a catalyst for greater understanding and support," says Steve Hanebaum, Foundation president.

Written evaluations filled out by principals of the day confirm Hanebaum’s assessment. 100 percent of participants rated the value of their principal for a day experience as high or very high. 100 percent said they liked it so much they would recommend the same experience to a colleague.

Below are comments pulled from their written evaluations:

• How the teachers engaged the youngsters. They taught them things that will grow their minds as well as their self-esteem.
• The Literacy First program. What was impressive was the overwhelming evidence everywhere that they had a plan and were following it.
• I was truly amazed at the extent of the services provided for special needs children.
• The team approach to helping each child.
• The dedication of teachers, innovative teaching styles and the friendliness of the school.
• I was impressed with the quality of the teachers and the dedication of the principals.
• The understanding among all school faculty as to the school’s mission, direction and the most effective ways to meet student needs.
• The effort that the principal and staff take to really help the kids learn and how they help the kids overcome challenges.
• There is a very dedicated staff of teachers and support staff here.
• How positive everyone was throughout the building. It’s a great learning environment.
• I was impressed with the great organization and staff. The principal is a wonderful "hands-on" administrator working with dedicated teachers and staff.
• The principal’s sincerity and dedication to her teachers and students.
• The staff and students were very respectful, responsible and receptive.

• The number of students in the school and the skill and involvement of the staff. They are very caring and truly want to ensure the success of students.
• The workload that everyone bears, from the teachers to the principal and assistant principal to the secretaries.
• Students’ lives have changed since I was in elementary.
• I was surprised to see such a variety of students culturally and socioeconomically.
• The poverty level in a Putnam City school.
• How well-behaved the children were and how well they are doing despite their societal situation.
• The details that are painstakingly made in the entire organization.
• The class size was smaller than I expected.
• How smart the students are compared to when I was a student.

• The district I grew up in is still going strong. I know that teachers work hard, but I have a whole new appreciation for them.
• What Putnam City is doing for students is exceptional!
• There are great opportunities for our students to learn, and the school is doing a great job.
• The multiple ways of educating children in ways that appeal to them and make them want to learn.
• Some students were from homes whose parents did not support them academically.
• I really learned the value that external support can provide to a school. I also gained a much better appreciation for the life investments that teachers make in their students and schools.
• The caring, supportive role of the teachers and principal fostered a great learning atmosphere for the kids.
• I learned that we are "underaware" of the love and commitment given to each and every one of our students.
• That there are lots of kids who need love and attention that they sometimes don’t get at home, and that there are teachers and principals who really care and do everything they can to provide an environment where kids can learn and grow.
• The behind-the-scenes overall effort to manage a school. The day-to-day activities appear to be endless. Without the dedication I observed, it couldn’t happen.
• How much education and the process of educating has changed.
• That kids ask a lot of questions.