SITIO TARGET EXTENSION SCHOOL

RITA A. DALUSUNG

One of the aboriginal groups in the Philippines are the Aetas. They left their former dwelling place in the mountains to settle in communities. SitioTarget is a small community where the Ayta from different places built their homes. These people speak Ayta Mag-antsi as their mother tongue.

The Department of Education, with its desire to uplift the lives and dignity of the Indigenous People, offered a program that will make every Ayta learner in the community equipped with the competencies they’ll need.

Through the initiative of Dr. Victoria A. Aguas, former Schools Division Superintendent and Dr. Nicolas T. Capulong, also a former Schools Division Superintendent, an annex of Sapangbato Elementary School was established and was named Sitio Target Extension School.

To attain the vision- mission of the school , the principal , teachers, parents and the people in the community , commit themselves to provide a better institution for the learners.

Sitio Target Extension School is a public institution. It is a government school but it has relied on the support coming from Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) private sectors, and kind hearted individuals. Through the growing number of groups and people who rendered their services and shared their blessings to the school and the pupils, Sitio Target has improved so much.

Stakeholders play a vital part in the accomplishment of goals for the learners. They too are responsible in developing learners, learners who will be productive citizens of the country. Their role of providing a better learning environment for the children is also part of their commitment.

Living life in a daily basis and having a hand to mouth situation need attention from concern citizens. The present situation of the IP learners, the hunger that most children see as an everyday scenario that a family experiences, the heath condition of the children that impedes their growth and development and at times results to increasing number of deaths in the community, the need for school materials that parents could not afford to buy for their children are the realities that caught the attention of people who care.

As we aim to create partnerships with different sectors, foundations, individuals and private entities, we dream of being known as the best school for IP learners, producing pupils who will excel academically and whose talents and skills will be recognized in other schools, thus having “IP Achievers” in Sitio Target Extension School.

— oOo— The author is Principal of Sitio Target,Sitio Target Extension School Angeles City

VILMA H. VILLANUEVA

Behind every school and team of hardworking teachers are the institutional leaders who oversee everything from curriculum development to budgets to discipline.

As a principal, I believe that working with students and other staff and watching them flourish in an educational environment is the greatest reward of the job.

Having a positive effect on the lives of students and teachers is one of my greatest fulfillment in life. Motivating each members of the school, meeting achievement goals, and leading others to success are some of the best rewarding aspects of this administrative position.

But before embarking upon the administrative path, I have few advices for those who aspire to advance in this position. Many new school administrators are shocked when the reality of the job hits them for they are often unprepared for the long hours, daily crises, and overall stress that comes from the new leadership role.

I suggest that one must decide carefully when choosing a position to pursue and find the best fit. I also suggest that one must get the best education possible without shortcuts, and finally, be prepared to work longer hours than thought possible.

Moreover, there is nothing that prepares one better for school administration than teaching. The skills and talents developed and refined as a veteran teacher are not lost when one becomes a school administrator, hence one become a better administrator as a result.

School administration offers positions that require excellent education and years of experience to handle the fast-paced nature of the work and high stress levels. But stress and long hours are met with the reward of making an impact on the lives of hundreds, if not thousands, of students on a daily basis.

So, what makes a great principal? Principals vary in strategy, temperament, and leadership style, but the great ones have five characteristics in common: They take responsibility for school success; work eagerly with the staff to make the school a welcoming place for all students and their families; lead teaching and learning; hire, develop and retain excellent teachers; and build a strong school community.

Now, more than ever, schools need great leaders. As the reform movement continues to swell across the country, more eyes will be on the principal, as well as other district leaders, and their ability to ensure student learning and increase achievement.

The task now at hand is to develop a plan on how to support principal effectiveness while developing an evaluation tool that will help us do the best job possible for the students that we serve.

— oOo— The author is Principal II, Cabetican Elementary School, Bacolor South District