New Tech High Creates Deeper Community Connections with Envoy
We enjoy chatting with school leaders to learn how schools use Envoy. We sat down with Principal Riley Johnson (New Tech High School in Napa, California) to get a sense of how he uses Envoy to enhance project based learning at his tech-forward school.
What are some of the technology tools you use?
At New Tech High, we try to be proficient users of technology as a tool. We utilize all platforms of social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Vine, Pinterest, Remind) to communicate with multiple stakeholders. Our leadership has started using Slack as an internal communication tool. Our school is a GAFE school, so Google apps play a vital role in what we do.
Why did you sign up for Envoy? What problem has it helped you solve?
We signed up for Envoy for two main reasons: 1) to modernize our guest registration, and 2) to collate multiple sign-in processes into one simple format. It has helped us keep better track of who is coming on campus and for what specific reason.
We use Envoy to keep track of which community members are coming in for projects and at what rate. This data has helped us analyze the types of adult connections we are creating for students.
Why is it important to analyze these kinds of connections?
Being a wall-to-wall project based learning school, we work with a plethora of community partners. Having data on who our students have met with helps us deepen our community connections and understand more generally who from the community has visited our school.
A great example is our freshman BioFitness class (which encompasses Biology, PE and Health). The students worked with different stakeholder groups on a land dispute regarding a quarry to see how its expansion would impact the community. The record of these connections is really valuable for other students and future use.
What do you think it means to be a “21st century principal?”
I think that being a 21st century principal means you think like a start-up. The ability to be agile when necessary and the ability to allow things to play out their course are both equally important. I think that a 21st century principal understands how to complement good teaching and learning strategies with current and upcoming technologies to support deeper learning.
What is a normal day like for you?
There is no such thing as a normal day in the life of a principal. If I had to sum it up, I would break it into thirds. A third is spent with students and in classrooms. Another third is spent communicating and dealing with logistical needs. The last portion is spent dealing with outside stakeholders of the school (district needs, community needs, etc).
What are some things you do that people might not be aware of?
When relating to the business world, I don’t think people understand that the principal is the CEO, CFO, COO, etc. of the school. A good principal knows how to build the capacity of those around them. I also think I spend a good deal of energy deflecting things away from teachers and students so they can spend their time in highly engaging project based learning and not worry about the issues that might distract from what goes on in the classroom.
Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Riley! We’re honored that we can help schools like yours be more effective. You can find Riley on LinkedIn.
