Introduction

It is a critical role of the urban school principal to create a sense of community in the school as well as in the broader school community. Building the school community addresses many key issues. It preserves formal school traditions that have been passed down for years while at the same time constantly developing new traditions that meet the needs of an ever changing school identity. While building both formal and informal traditions building the community creates a sense of connectedness for all constituent groups, preserves positive school climate, and is the foundation that helps foster a sense of belonging, engagement and ownership.

In a diverse school with various constituency groups in many cases there will be competing interest. It is imperative that everyone’s voice be heard in a way that values and affirms their participation in the community.

Building the community also includes the discussion about safety and security. Without a sense of being safe and secure in school the basis of the educational process, teaching and learning cannot take place. A safe and secure building leads to a positive school climate which in turn leads to school pride. The outward manifestation of school pride is school spirit.

Building a strong community also leads to resource development, volunteerism, community organization support, and involvement of alumni in key programs and initiatives. Schools will have a difficult time reaching their full potential without having strong supports in all of these key areas.