Nestled in Ukrainian Village, Christopher Columbus Elementary School stands as the only Ukrainian dual language program in Chicago. At the helm of this unique school is Principal Wendy Oleksy. Her days are long, starting at 6:45 a.m. and often ending later than 5 p.m., but her enthusiasm and passion for her job never wanes.
Quiet Starts
I usually get to school around 6:45 a.m.聽to enjoy the quietness until 7:30 a.m. I check my to-do list and important emails. Between 7:15 and 7:30 a.m., I talk to teachers.
Open Door
I have an open聽door policy. If my door is open, I鈥檓 available. This holds true for teachers, parents and students. A parent might come in and want an impromptu meeting. I鈥檓 always finding a way to hang out with students. I usually walk through the lunchroom or pop in at recess. Typically聽I have scheduled my day in light pencil. I鈥檓 popping in classrooms for 10聽to聽15 minutes, at most, to give feedback to the teacher or to assist with the activity the students are engaged in. I do some more administrative work starting at 11:00 a.m., but I鈥檓 available at all times because of my open door policy.
Check Ins
During lunch time (12聽to聽1 p.m.), I remain available for incidences of misbehavior or to help resolve student conflicts. During that time, I do some more administrative work. Then, from 1 until 2 p.m., I鈥檓 walking the building. I鈥檓 just popping in. I might also use the time to set up meetings with kids. I鈥檓 also looking to ensure interventions are taking place during intervention time we call Academic Enhancement.
Winding Down
Then, from 2 to 4 p.m., I鈥檓 dismissing kids and having impromptu conversations with kids and parents. I also meet with various committees and clubs. I take 4:30-5 p.m. to wind down the day and craft a to-do list for the next day. That鈥檚 a really good day, especially if I鈥檓 out by 5:00 p.m.