Students look forward to moments when teachers allow them to be leaders. Today at Jackson Academy, third grader Caroline Reeves served as the leader, not just for her class but for the whole school.
Caroline’s day as head of school came about through the Jackson Academy Association’s event, A Blue & White Night, where JA constituents bid on items in a silent auction. One auction item is the experience “Head of School for the Day.”
Caroline’s leadership began early, greeting JA’s Preschool and Lower School students as they arrived in the car pool. Actual JA Head of School Palmer Kennedy modeled how to meet others, look them in the eye, smile, and wish them a great day! Caroline then visited the administration building, meeting staff and learning about divisions that advance the school through financial management, fundraising, alumni relations, recruitment, and marketing. These behind-the-scenes areas manage the resources needed to enable faculty to offer an exceptional academic environment and product.
Caroline also met Associate Head of Student Life Jimmy Messer and Head Fastpitch Softball Coach Tyler Parvin, who gave her some batting tips. At the Raider Dome, Caroline talked with Head Girls Basketball Coach Jan Sojourner and basketball players.
The day was quite full and provided Caroline with a good idea of what it’s like to be in charge of an organization. After a busy first day as head of school, Caroline had learned and practiced one expression a senior leader sometimes says when asked for a decision on the spot: “I’ll think about it.”
