Anna Tufo

Administrative Internship EDL-651

Dr. Root

Shadow Report

Cooperating Administrator: Dr. Amy Kenton, Assistant Principal,

School: Park Avenue Elementary School, Westbury, New York

Summary

On December 14th, Dr. Kentons day began supervising the early morning ELA and Math

program. There are currently 2-4 sections of students on each grade level receiving additional

instruction in English Language Arts and Mathematics in the morning as well as after school. These

students were chosen for the program based on established criteria according to the STAR 360

assessment as well as teacher recommendation. The class runs from 7:45-8:45 in the AM and 3:10-4:30

in the PM.

At 8:30, students began to arrive to take advantage of the free breakfast program. In order for

the program to run efficiently, Dr. Kenton has stationed teachers and teacher assistants to various areas

around the school. At this time she walks around to make sure everyone is following through with their

responsibility. If individuals are not, it is noted and addressed.

The school day begins at 9:00. Time is allotted for teachers to go through their morning routine

and get everyone settled and ready for the day. Dr. Kenton makes morning announcements.

Announcements begin with a good morning and an introduction of a 5th grade student who then recites

the pledge. Next, the quote of the week is stated by Dr. Kenton and supported with examples in which

students can relate to. This weeks quote was, When believing in yourself anything is possible. Dr.

Kenton then gave an example communicating to the students that if they try their best, work hard and
believe they can achieve any goal easy or hard; as long as they put their mind to it. The morning

announcements are then translated in Spanish and Haitian Creole to ensure understanding for all

students.

The morning was then followed up by returning phone calls and emails to parents, staff and

colleagues and breaking up classes due to teacher absence and the lack of subs. Next, she visited all 5th

classes to ensure they understood the lunch schedule change for the afternoon to accommodate the

Fifth Grade Holiday Feast.

From 10:00-11:00 Dr. Kenton held a meeting with myself and another teacher to discuss the

PBIS presentation for Tuesdays staff meeting. In this meeting discussions took place, responsibilities

were delegated and expectations were clear. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Monday to review

the presentation.

At 11:00 Dr. Kenton and I attended a Data meeting with the Principal, the Math Coach and two

Resource Room teachers. Throughout the meeting we discussed the different assessments used district-

wide, the analyzed data and the next steps in communicating this information to the teachers.

Throughout this meeting there was a great amount of collaboration where all members voices were

heard and appreciated.

Dr. Kenton then left the meeting to ensure the change of lunch periods was being followed and

running smoothly. There was only one glitch where a class that had a substitute did not follow the

change and therefore the cafeteria was overcrowded and there was not enough seating to

accommodate the students. She solved the problem by asking a specialist to take the class back to their

room until the substitute teacher arrives. Those children then returned at the appropriate time for

lunch.
 At 12:45 all 5th grade teachers brought their classes to the auditorium to watch a movie. At this

time the teachers decorated and set up the cafeteria for the Holiday Feast. All teachers, specialists and

administrators turned the cafeteria into beautiful holiday dining hall. The students entered with big

smiles on their faces as holiday music played. They were served a delicious lunch and dessert. The

students were very appreciative and respectful to all adults involved. At the end their manners and

behaviors were recognized and commended. The Holiday Feast was a great success.

Reflection

Throughout my experiences during my internship as well as during my day of shadowing, it is

apparent that being vice principal of such a large school is a very demanding and can be overwhelming

at times. Dr. Kenton is a wonderful leader who has to wear many hats throughout each and every day

from student discipline, observations, school functions, parent meetings e.g... Throughout this

experience, I have learned that the key to success is organization. With all the responsibilities that go

along with the job, the number of different things going on at once and the unexpected events the only

way to stay on top of it all is to be organized. I also was able to see the importance of collaboration and

delegation. Hearing different opinions, seeing others outlooks and hearing different interpretations is

important. It is also very important to delegate certain jobs out to other reliable staff, one person can

not to it all alone effectively and efficiently/