ACSA’s Elementary Education Council is seeking “Favorite Practices of a Friendly Front Office” from school administrators throughout California.

“The council hopes to collect at least 100 favorite practices by the end of the year to be published in an upcoming book,” said Dan Owens, past council president. “We are looking for a cross section of practices that make work in our schools meaningful – and a fun place to be.

“With all of the daily demands administrators face, it seems like having an array of favorite practices from our colleagues might just make our jobs a little more satisfying.”

Steve Ahle, current council president, added: “With the success of ‘Favorite Practices of California Principals,’ the council looked for a logical next step. The front office is the first point of contact for the public, so sharing great ideas should be of value to our members.

Examples of favorite practices already collected include:

•We have a digital photo frame that runs an ongoing/looping slide show of student activities. Pictures are changed frequently and parents can easily view this when they walk into the office. Tressie Armstrong, Kelly Elementary School.

•Students who are first to bring their classroom attendance back receive a Hershey’s kiss – one for the student, and one for the teacher. Gary Yee, Ruhkala Elementary.

•We have a basket full of toys for children to play with while their parents complete enrollment or any paperwork. Bob Noyes, Western Placer USD.

Do you have a favorite practice that you are willing to share with your colleagues? If so, please take a moment to write a short e-mail with your name, phone number, school and district, and send it to Dan Owens at dowens4449@sbcglobal.net or Kelly Moreno at kmoreno@acsa.org.

Who knows, maybe your practice will become a favorite in the Elementary Education Council’s next publication, “Favorite Practices of a Friendly Front Office.”