BROKEN BOW—“Have you ever seen your principal cry?” asked Principal Kim Jonas, through tears, on Friday morning during an assembly at North Park Elementary. Broken Bow students, staff, and parents joined forces to celebrate National Principal Month during the week of October 4-8.
Principal Jonas was honored with a week of special events and kind messages that showed appreciation for her work at North Park. On Wednesday, October 6 parents and teachers brought in more than 400 popsicles because “their principal is so COOL!”
Each day had its own theme to celebrate National Principal Month.
Monday-The school was decorated with notes the students and staff wrote thanking Mrs. Jonas.
Tuesday-Pamper the Principal day-Mrs. Jonas received a gift basket.
Wednesday-Popsicles for the Principal: Since she is so cool- sponsored by PTA
Thursday-Dress like a Principal Day
Friday-Assembly to thank Mrs. Jonas
A morning assembly on October 8 featured excited students who were able to show off a video where they expressed what they love about Mrs. Jonas.
“She’s nice, she keeps us safe, and she gives us free lunches,” were just some of the responses from the students. Others thanked Mrs. Jonas for “being the best principal forever and the best principal in the whole wide world!”
“You guys make my day, every day and you don’t know this but you have the most amazing teachers and they’re the ones that make this school so great, so let’s give them a round of applause,” said Mrs. Jonas.
A resounding “THANK YOU” rang through the elementary gymnasium in appreciation for the principal and staff at North Park Elementary.
“I have been truly blessed to work with all of you, for all of you. This is an amazing place and we’re going to keep doing good things for kids. Thank you all,” concluded Mrs. Jonas during Friday’s assembly.
KCNI/KBBN reached out to a few teachers at North Park with some questions about Mrs. Jonas. The responses are shown below. All wished to remain anonymous.
What makes Mrs. Jonas a great principal?
• Mrs. Jonas genuinely cares about her staff and her students. She is a great role model for staff and students.
• She truly cares that we do what is best for our students at North Park. She also listens to your ideas and suggestions. Does that mean she always does what you are asking or suggesting? No, but she gives you a chance to share your thoughts which is much appreciated by her staff.
• Mrs. Jonas truly cares about her staff and all of the students.
What’s the best piece of advice Mrs. Jonas has ever given you?
• Take care of yourself because you can’t care for others when you’re not at your best.
How does Mrs. Jonas compare to other principals?
• Mrs. Jonas is inclusive of all staff in the school- classroom teachers, specialists, and paraeducators. She is knowledgeable about all disciplines at North Park and not just classroom teachers.
• I think Mrs. Jonas strives to be a strong leader and be active in the community of Broken Bow. She can often be found at PTA meetings and local fundraisers. I think at times it can be a challenge being a female administrator, but Mrs. Jonas is a very strong woman.
In what positive ways does Mrs. Jonas set the tone for the rest of the school year?
• Mrs. Jonas sincerely acknowledges when staff does a great job and is known to show random acts of kindness.
• She reminds us to be flexible as things come up and we may have to adapt to those changes. She also reminds us to have grace for our students and ourselves.
• Mrs. Jonas strives to make sure every opportunity for every student has an educational impact!
