How to Survive a Trip to the School Principal

A summons to the principal's office usually means one thing: trouble. Sure, you can be called in and commended for your fine work on the debate team. However, if it's more likely that your name has come up in connection with some sort of shenanigans serious enough to involve the lead administrator, consider yourself busted. Accept the reality of the situation, put on your best face and try to minimize the fallout.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get in touch with the reason for the trip to the principal's office. Understand that it is rarely a mystery to the summoned parties. Visualize the meeting with the principal and display your best manners.

2. Take responsibility and tell the truth. Express concern that lying or creating a cover story results in more problems for everyone.

3. Maintain good eye contact with everyone in the office. Greet the person at the desk, state your name and that you've been asked to report to the Principal. Say, "Thank you" to whatever response you receive.

4. Use good posture when entering the Principal's office. Greet the Principal with, "Hello, Ms. Brown" or, "Good Morning, Mr. Smith." Stand tall and wait to be told to sit.

5. Listen carefully as the principal speaks. Answer all questions truthfully in a calm, even tone. Maintain eye contact while speaking with the principal. Keep a neutral expression and sit as still as possible.

6. Understand the school administration probably has most of the facts of the situation, so own up to behaviors, regardless of the consequences. State simply that forethought was lacking, acknowledge irresponsibility as needed and apologize profusely.

7. Resist the temptation to blame others for inciting the incident or inspiring the behavior or others. Own up to personal behavior and that of no one else.

8. Offer to apologize to offended parties. Make the suggestion to perform community service at the school as a way of making amends. Accept punishment gracefully.