13 Oct 2009
Sponsor Capital One Bank with partners Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and Dallas Regional Chamber Help Rally Business & Community Leaders To Give Back
DALLAS–Corporate, social, professional, civic and community leaders will leave their jobs to become "Principals for a Day" on Thursday, October 15, as they greet students, make the morning announcements and walk the halls at more than half of the Dallas Independent School District schools.
Sponsored by Capital One Bank, in partnership with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and the Dallas Regional Chamber, the Principal for a Day program gives community leaders the opportunity to experience firsthand what Dallas ISD principals encounter on a daily basis. In addition, the program is designed to increase awareness and understanding among individuals in the private sector of the strengths and challenges of schools in the District. It also demonstrates the private sector's commitment to ensuring quality public education for all students and forming ongoing partnerships between individuals, businesses and Dallas ISD.
"We are thrilled to partner once again with Dallas ISD and encourage all Principal for a Day volunteers to look at this as a long-term relationship, not just one day," said Kent Eastman, Texas State President for Capital One Bank, who will be a "Principal for a Day" at Sam Houston Elementary School, located at 2827 Throckmorton St. Eastman represents Capital One to local civic, economic development and non-profit organizations. In addition, he oversees Capital One's commercial banking groups in Dallas, Fort Worth, Tyler and Shreveport.
An average school day includes meetings with the faculty to learn about the day-to-day operations of a school. Guest principals may also teach a class, meet with the student council, attend student performances, read to students or lead a class assembly.
Jeff Markham, Regional Managing Director for Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in the Texas Region, will serve as "Principal for a Day" at Nathaniel Hawthorne Elementary, 7800 Umphress Road. The son of a former educator, Markham touts the importance of making a difference in the lives of our youth. "We look forward to learning more about the needs, challenges, and accomplishments within Dallas-area schools," said Markham, "As guest principals, we hope to enhance awareness among principals, educators and students about the business skills necessary to succeed in the workforce."
Also a luncheon will be hosted for all principals and community leaders participating as "Principals for a Day" following the program at the schools. Dallas ISD Superintendent of Schools Michael Hinojosa will greet the Principal for a Day volunteers and district principals during the luncheon. The luncheon will take place at the Hilton Anatole Hotel, 2201 Stemmons Freeway, 12:30 p.m., at the Wedgwood Ballroom.
Program participants are matched and assigned to either an elementary, middle, or high school. Other business and community leaders who will be "Principals for a Day" include:
"Dallas ISD has improved more than any other urban district in Texas and more than all but one urban district in the country in narrowing the achievement gap."
-Brown Center on Education Policy, Brookings Institution - February 2009