A handbook to guide coordinators of parent activities in their role in a quality Head Start program is presented. Discussion includes the following topics: motivation, informal and formal participation, teamwork, and total involvement. A bibliography is attached. (CK)

Inadequate employee orientation programs can cost companies in high turnover and reduced productivity. This article discusses training techniques that can be used to orient new employees. (JOW)

Surveyed 217 new employees to report socialization practices most available and the extent to which these practices were helpful. Results showed that socialization practices and perceptions of their helpfulness vary, affecting subsequent job satisfaction and commitment. Interactions with peers, supervisor, and senior coworkers were most helpful.…

Describes a method of orienting new employees to the community college. This method consists of 10 instructional packages for employee use on an individual basis. (DC)

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) believes that prior to the start of each season, all high school head coaches, assistant coaches, and volunteer coaches should be required to participate in a comprehensive orientation to the sport program. This orientation should be planned and conducted by the athletic director or…

Library employees who do not consider a library program as part of his real" job may give the project as little time, effort, and thought as possible. (MM)

Reviews some of the difficulties that result from the change of a college's president and suggests 11 activities which can be initiated by a college in support if its president in his/her early months. (AYC)

Discusses a rationale for and a guide to organizing a written policy and procedure guide for operating a college newspaper. (AEA)

Steps in developing a camp staff handbook include considering its intended uses, choosing a name, deciding on the handbook's size and the cover's style and design, choosing and sequencing topics and subtopics, and designing the layout of each page. Eye-catching ways to present information and tips for refreshing an old handbook are discussed. (SV)

Advises beginning school financial officers to know their own limits and capabilities; review district records, prior years' audit reports, financial statements, and budget documents; examine board of education policy; establish a calendar of events; keep their staff informed; and develop information contacts. They should also pursue continuing…

Successful superintendents recognize that taking charge is not a one-time event, but a two- or three-year process. Inspired by John J. Gabarro's May 1985 "Harvard Business Review" article, this article identifies five passages (taking hold, immersion, reshaping, consolidation, and refinement) that new superintendents must navigate…

A survey was completed by 25 trained volunteers serving for more than one year as companions to people with mental retardation. Factors such as a strong orientation process, adequate support, appropriate matching, positive characteristics of clients, and a high perceived degree of reciprocity were characteristic of these stable relationships.…

Returning camp staff can help build a team environment with new staff during precamp activities. A panel of experienced staff can answer questions and previous emergencies can be reviewed to build risk management expertise. Three games are described in which returning staff can share knowledge in a fun way. (TD)

A California high school principal advises beginning principals to understand and respect their position; obtain a mentor; listen carefully; be humble; do something safe, dramatic, and visible early; find out about predecessors and possible "land mines"; ask for decision-making advice; exercise educational leadership; be positive; and…