On Thursday, Nov. 17, business and community leaders from across Nashville get the special opportunity to see what it’s like to run a public school as they shadow a Metro Nashville Public Schools principal as part of PENCIL’s Principal for a Day event.

Principal for a Day gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at how our public schools operate, witnessing the hard work done by Metro Schools faculty to ensure quality education in Nashville. They take part in a series of activities unique to each school and end the day by coming together at a luncheon to share their experiences.

Mayor Megan Barry is among the community leaders participating in Principal for a Day, a testament to the mayor’s commitment to seeing continued success in our public schools.

“I’m looking forward to getting a close look at some of the amazing things that are happening at Apollo Middle Prep thanks to the hard work of Principal Shawn Lawrence and his fellow faculty members,” Barry said.

Principals on all levels –– elementary, middle and high school – will host guest principals who will do everything from sharing in morning announcements to sitting in on classes and staff meetings, to helping out with pep rallies.

“Principal for a Day gives members of the community a chance to see the many great things that happen in our public schools,” said Angie Adams, president and CEO of PENCIL. “By connecting them with principals, staff and students inside the schools, we are establishing deeper ties between MNPS and city leaders to create the strongest commitment possible to public education in Nashville.”

“Most people do not realize just what it takes to run a school,” said Director of Schools Dr. Shawn Joseph. “I’ve been a principal, and it’s not easy. You have to be an instructional leader, be a manager of and coach for dozens of employees, serve as a primary point of contact for the community, parents and district, and support hundreds – or thousands – of kids. I am grateful to PENCIL for giving us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on our school leaders and create opportunities such as this for community members to come in the door.”

The Principal for a Day luncheon will be held at Lipscomb University from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Principal for a Day began 15 years ago to further enhance the partnership between PENCIL and Metro Schools, which aims to support community engagement in schools for student success.

About PENCIL

As Nashville’s first and most comprehensive education-related nonprofit, PENCIL links community resources to Nashville public schools to help young people achieve academic success and prepare for life. PENCIL serves all of the 88,000 students attending Metro Nashville Public Schools through PENCIL Partnerships, tutoring programs, a free school supply store and more. For more information, visit www.PENCILforSchools.org.

About Metro Schools

Metro Nashville Public Schools is one of the nation’s top 50 largest school districts, preparing 88,000 students to excel in higher education, work and life. With the goal of being the first choice for Nashville’s families, Metro Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education to every student. The district is earning a national reputation for urban school reform, its commitment to social and emotional learning, and rising academic achievement. The governing body for Metro Schools is the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education, a nine-member elected body. For more information, visit MNPS.org.