If you have a principal who often gets in your way or frustrates you, you'll actually do well to make him or her a hero as much as you can, too. It's the old "kill 'em with kindness" theory, and it works well here. If your principal comes to see your group as an asset or an ally, and -- perhaps especially -- if you share credit with the principal for your own victories, then cooperation and support will follow. This little bit of sweet talk can really work if the goal is to grow involvement and make your school thrive.

We have several articles on ptotoday.com about the care and feeding of principals:

• Get the Principal on Your Side


• Make the Principal Your Partner


• What Principals Fear From Parent Groups

Good luck!