[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 47 (Wednesday, April 10, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E417]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                   NATIONAL ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS WEEK

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                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 10, 2013

  Mr. HONDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for 
National Assistant Principals Week, April 8 through April 12, 2013. 
Assistant principals are vital school leaders responsible for 
establishing a positive learning environment and building strong school 
community relationships. The National Association of Secondary School 
Principals/Virco National Assistant Principal of the Year program began 
in 2004 to recognize outstanding middle and high school assistant 
principals who have demonstrated success in leadership, curriculum, and 
personalization. This week, 47 assistant principals from across the 
country will participate in professional development, networking, and 
advocacy to share best practices and discuss the issues facing school 
leaders today.
  As a former principal, I would like to recognize these distinguished 
school leaders for the pivotal role they play in their school 
communities. Assistant principals interact with all sectors of the 
school community, including support and instructional staff members, 
students, and parents. Assistant principals play a significant role in 
the instructional leadership of the school by conducting instructional 
supervision, mentoring teachers, encouraging collaboration, and 
ensuring the implementation of best practices. Assistant principals 
also monitor student-achievement goals and progress, facilitate and 
model data-driven decision making to inform instruction, and foster 
continual school improvement. Furthermore, assistant principals support 
the day-to-day logistical operations of facility management, 
attendance, transportation, and scheduling, as well as supervise extra- 
and co-curricular events. Lastly, assistant principals are entrusted 
with maintaining an inviting, safe, and orderly school environment that 
supports the growth and achievement of each and every student by 
nurturing positive peer relationships, recognizing student achievement, 
analyzing behavior patterns, providing interventions, and conducting 
discipline.
  I applaud the work of assistant principals and recognize their 
contributions to the success of students in schools in the United 
States. I encourage the people of the United States to observe National 
Assistant Principals Week with appropriate ceremonies and activities 
that promote awareness of the primacy of school leadership in ensuring 
that every child has access to a high-quality education.

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