To determine the first things that a new principal does during the first few months on the job, an intensive case study was conducted of 12 first-time high school principals in Florida, Virginia, Missouri, and Colorado. Each beginning principal was assigned a research team member who conducted on-site visits, reviewed documentation regarding the new principal's entire first year, and made debriefing interviews by telephone every 2 to 3 weeks. Further, questionnaires were mailed to beginning principals in 15 states to obtain additional information. Analyses of data collected indicated that: (1) most principals emphasized developing a positive school climate; (2) induction programs for new principals are needed; and (3) most principals focused heavily on academics from the beginning. The study was designed on the assumption that most principals take over their positions during the summer and thus are present for the new school year's beginning; however, in the search to identify first-time high school principals, it became clear that a large proportion begin their duties in January. The next step in research should be to compare midyear and summer start times. Additionally, a comparison of more and less successful entries, and an examination of gender differences would be enlightening. (13 references) (KM)