Trading Places

Trading places is in vogue these days, and it is an annual feature in the Helena Public Schools. Each February school administrators bring members of the Helena area business community into the schools in the morning, then switch roles for the second part of the day. Business leaders who haven’t been in a classroom for years will have a chance to revisit many memories and see what has changed.

This unique event is designed to allow business and community leaders the chance to learn more about the role of administrators in our schools and to experience the decisions and responsibilities principals face each day. Principals, on the other hand, will learn more about the business world and see how schools can play a role in supporting local businesses and community organizations. “The whole idea is to not only to share ideas and a sense of responsibility for public education,” stresses Helena Education Foundation board member, Dr. Lee Harrison, “but to share a sense of responsibility for developing the leaders and employees of the future.”

While they won’t actually be dishing out discipline or choosing curriculum at the schools, the new “principals” will meet teachers and students, participate in class activities and meetings, tour the school, learn about the school improvement plans and No Child Left Behind, visit different types of classes, attend special activities, and generally see what is happening at our school. Following lunch at the schools, the school principal will travel to the business person’s organization to plunge into the world of business. The day will culminate with a reception, allowing participants a chance to discuss what they learned and identify areas where schools and businesses can work together, to the benefit of  both.