🐝 Principal Duties: Killing Wasp Nests & Keeping i
Yep, you read that right.
Some days, you’ll catch me walking the campus… with wasp spray in hand.
Could I call maintenance?
Absolutely.
But when you’re a principal, you don’t always have the luxury of waiting — especially when it comes to keeping students and staff safe.
If I see a wasp nest near a door or walkway, I handle it.
Why? Because I care. And because sometimes, it’s just faster and more efficient to get it done yourself.
🧹 Leadership Isn’t Always Glamorous
Being in charge doesn’t mean sitting behind a desk all day.
It means:
• Walking the building and actually seeing what needs attention
• Taking ownership of the little things before they become big problems
• Showing your team that no task is beneath you
🎯 What I’ve Learned
These quiet campus walks — even the ones with a can of wasp spray — give me time to observe.
I spot maintenance needs, connect with custodial staff, and often leave with a to-do list that’s way more helpful than anything in my inbox.
It’s not always pretty, but it’s real.
And honestly?
This kind of servant leadership is what I signed up for.
LearningWithDrJ #PrincipalLife #ServantLeadership #MiddleSchoolMatters #WomenWhoLead #BeyondTheDesk #CampusWalks #WaspNestWarrior 🐝
Being a principal involves much more than administrative duties; it requires active engagement with the school environment to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff. One practical example is addressing immediate hazards, such as wasp nests near entryways or common walkways. While it may seem unconventional, principals taking the initiative to handle such risks demonstrate true servant leadership and commitment to their community. Proactive campus walks allow leaders to observe maintenance issues firsthand and foster connections with custodial teams. This direct involvement prevents minor problems from escalating and encourages a culture of shared responsibility among staff. Using wasp spray to eliminate nests promptly not only reduces potential allergic reactions and stings but also exemplifies the hands-on approach necessary in school leadership. Summer months pose increased challenges with pests like wasps becoming active, making it crucial for school administrators to remain vigilant. Addressing wasp nests quickly mitigates risks to students, particularly those with allergies, and helps maintain smooth daily operations. This practical leadership style aligns with Google’s emphasis on creating authoritative and useful content that provides actionable advice for school leaders. Moreover, such leadership extends beyond safety. It shows that no task is beneath a leader, fostering respect and motivation among staff and students alike. Principals who prioritize visible, real-world engagement influence their school culture positively, embracing the full scope of their role beyond desk work. For those in educational leadership, understanding and practicing these hands-on duties enhance campus safety and staff morale, underscoring the value of servant leadership. This approach not only addresses physical hazards like wasp nests but also establishes a responsive, caring school environment where everyone feels valued and secure.
