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Elementary Principal

Fredericksburg Christian School
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Description

The Principal at the Lower School supports and advances the mission of FCS by directing the program and special activities of the preschool, kindergarten, afternoon kindergarten, first through fifth grade classes, and before and after school daycare, overseeing the building, grounds and play areas to make sure they are secure and well-maintained; coordinates the use of the building; is directly responsible to the Head of School; and works closely with the Superintendent, other department Principals, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Finance Director and Operations Director.

 

Responsibilities of the Elementary Principal

  • Functions as an active member of the administrative team, keeping them informed of the needs and activities of the department and development of student programs
  • Works closely with the Upper School Principal to assure a smooth transition for students from Lower School to Upper School; assures a smooth transition from preschool to Kindergarten; coordinates scheduling of shared faculty members
  • Leads the process of the interviewing potential new staff members and the hiring of a qualified team for the department; gets approval from Head of School before final hire
  • Meets regularly with other administrators to reinforce unity of purpose and help plan school events
  • Works with the Head of School, Upper School Principal, and Director of Curriculum and Instruction to plan teacher training in-service programs that assure the quality of the educational program and inspires teachers and staff toward excellence
  • Prepares a yearly budget and works closely with the Finance Director and Head of School to stay within that budget
  • Works closely with Grade Level Leaders, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Head of School to build and maintain a strong Christ-centered academic program which meets state requirements and is integrated biblically
  • Observes and assists teachers in strengthening instruction; conducts teacher and staff evaluations; prepares a written evaluation for each according to evaluation policies
  • Makes sure that new teachers are trained in curriculum objectives and specific methods in conjunction with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction
  • Supports Director of Curriculum and Instruction with any needs related to weekly teacher lesson plans
  • Plans teacher assignments, and assigns students to classes
  • Leads spiritually throughout all programs; assigns and oversees Prayer and Share time, making sure that all teachers attend at least one per week
  • Oversees preparation of report cards and reads and edits formal written communication that goes to parents
  • Builds a positive relationship based on mutual respect with as many students as possible
  • Oversees the general discipline of students along with the Assistant Principal to document significant discipline situations; enforces school and department policies on dress code and classroom behavior; communicates with the Superintendent on special situations
  • Plans chapel programs and other special programs, emphasizing salvation, worship, growth in Christian character and ministry to others
  • Maintains awareness of those students who need extra help academically or an extra challenge, and coordinates efforts with teachers and Resource Center Coordinator to see that these needs are being met; maintains awareness of students with special spiritual and emotional needs and disciples one-on-one or refers student for professional counseling
  • Checks to make sure student records are complete and up-to-date
  • Develops ways to build a positive spirit among students through Spirit Week and other special activities; models a spirit of praise and encouragement
  • Develops partnership with parents, meets often with them and encourages close communication between parents and teachers
  • Participates in making decisions regarding enrollment; consults with faculty and other administrators for any challenging admissions decisions
  • Plans yearly orientation meetings and Back-to-School Night
  •  Keeps informed of the information that flows through the office
  • Functions as a building CEO, overseeing the opening and closing and has the overall responsibility for the operation and appearance of the building, in coordination with Operations Director
  • Assures appropriate technology readiness of faculty and support staff in conjunction with the technology team
  • Works with Operations Director to conduct emergency drills (such as fire, tornado, lockdown and active shooter drills) according to state and local guidelines

 

Requirements

1.  Committed Christian with a close personal walk with the Lord, maintained through personal routines

2. Possesses Christian character qualities to serve as a role model for young people and readiness to share faith in Christ with students as part of our school’s mission 

3. Regular in attendance at a Christian, protestant, Bible-believing church, whose fundamental beliefs are not contrary to the FCS Statement of Faith (Hebrews 10:25)

4. Commitment to a Biblical lifestyle

5. Master’s Degree in Education, School Administration, or related field and broad classroom experience,

6. Committed to keeping ACSI or state certification current according to FCS guidelines; ACSI certificate in administration required

7. Understanding of the spiritual, emotional, social, physical and academic needs of young people

8 Strong interpersonal skills

9. Professional, reliable, committed to excellence in self and others

10. An effective leader who is able to take initiative to solve problems while also working closely and cooperatively with others

11. Ability to communicate sensitively with students, staff, parents and the general public and to communicate a vision for Christian education

12. Teachable, servant spirit