I know summer is calling your name. I can feel the sunshine and smell the barbeque now! But there is a little work that still needs to be done. Ending the school year strong also involves laying the groundwork for the next academic year. By reflecting on what worked well and what could be improved, educators can better prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Work smarter, not harder! This is the second installment from the “Alpha and Omega” podcast with the best tips and tricks to get ready for the next school year before you leave the building. 

How can you be prepared for next year?

Mark Your Calendars

Did your 24-25 district calendar get approved by your board of education? Administrators, principals, and department chairs, this is for you. Have you ever had too many meetings in one week? Have staff double-booked because of poor planning? It’s time to start loading days off, in-service days, PLC meetings, staff meetings, and holidays in a shareable calendar! This is the perfect opportunity to plot out your big school events, especially the traditions that drive your school's climate and culture. 

Share this calendar with your staff sooner rather than later. Just imagine: No last-minute notice, committees can brainstorm and process, staff with families can plan childcare, and increased participation. BOOM! Instant growth with communication among all stakeholders. 

Begin with the End in Mind

Use the end of the school year as an opportunity to prepare for the next academic year. Grab a new calendar for next year, or use the link from IntegratED below. Pencil in your major units of instruction.  You know what they say: begin with the end in mind! Give yourself some flexibility.  Veteran teachers, you probably do this already! But take some time to reflect.  New teachers, get a copy of the curriculum and scope and sequence to help you get started.  

Here is the link from Meg to help plan ahead. IntegratED, thanks for sharing this great resource and way of thinking! https://www.integratedk12.com/uploads/1/3/2/9/132950162/sample_integated_planner.pdf

Reflect

• In the last quarter, what worked really well? 
• What needs improvement for next year? 
• How can you make your lessons more engaging for students? 
• In what new ways can they demonstrate mastery of the content?
• How do you want your classroom to feel next year?

Looking for more? Check out this blog post.  

Get Organized

Before you leave for the summer, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the start of school.  Take control of what you can, and you’ll be able to enjoy your summer that much more! Eliminate your Sunday Scaries. 

Materials

What do you need for the first week? Month? Quarter? Make sure it is in an easy-to-find location when you return.  You know you need- a welcome letter, student interest surveys, beginning-of-year benchmarks or work samples, syllabus, first unit of instruction, Back to School Night materials, and other materials you need in the first month.  Heck, take advantage of the fact that there is no line at the copier now and have them ready to go!  

Folders! 

Whether you use physical folders, binders, or digital drives, name them in a way that works for you. Get organized by the month, marking period, or units of instruction.  When you come across things online or in your room, put them in the corresponding folder, binder, or digital drive. If you are one of the lucky teachers to have more than one content area or grade level, consider color-coding the corresponding materials. 

Ensure you have some engaging activities for the first week to build relationships.  Of course, you need to establish routines and expectations.  Find a balance of both, and your students will thank you for it.  Nothing is more exciting than the first day of school rules from every teacher. BORING! 

Bring on the Fun!

Try Something New

Have you ever felt that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) is a heavy, time-consuming endeavor? Think again! "Ten Minute Classroom Openers" proves that creating a positive and supportive classroom atmosphere doesn't have to be a burden. These activities are designed to be quick and easy to implement. You don't need preparation or materials. Just open the book, pick an activity, and you're good to go!

And here's the best part: this book is incredibly user-friendly. The font size is large, so you won't need your reading glasses. You can simply open it, read an activity, and immediately engage your students. It's like having a classroom transformation at your fingertips. These openers are not just about warming up the room; they're about warming up hearts and minds. They're about creating a classroom culture where students feel valued, engaged, and excited to learn.

Here’s a free opener!

Movement Monday (teacher-timed activities 10-15 seconds): Feel free to ask questions to students participating to expand the connections. You should participate, too. 

• Jog in place if you have a pet.
• Give yourself a hug if you have done something kind this weekend.
• Walk around your chair if you have felt confused with new classroom routines.
• Do five jumping jacks if you were outside this weekend.
• Do your favorite dance move.

Get your copy today! https://a.co/d/bUrO9Tn 

Pick a Theme

Meet with your climate and culture committee. Decide on a theme for the year and share it with the staff, students, and the community. When stakeholders have this information, creative ideas for bulletin boards, spirit days, activities, props, and content for rallies will flow over time! Don’t forget to select your service learning platform for the year. Here is a list of themes to get you started.

Have you ever considered creating your own personal theme? A new school year always offers the promise of a fresh start. You get another chance to refine your mindset, teaching practice, and the opportunity to build new relationships with students and your teaching team.  Remember, the tiny humans have nothing to do with the administrative stressors of teaching; it’s not their fault. 

The First Day

The first day of school should feel like New Year’s Day. It comes with the hope of a fresh start, new beginnings, and new opportunities. Use this powerful energy to start the year off by modeling what you respect and value in your classroom and campus. Host a Happy New Year Assembly or Rally on the first day of school! You will have a captive audience to celebrate, honor summer achievements, and discuss whole-school expectations.  

Looking to shake up your assemblies? Check this out. https://www.standtallsteve.com/blog/mastering-the-art-of-student-assemblies

While the first day can feel like a family reunion, it can be an overwhelming experience for students and staff who are new to your district family.  Make time to welcome new students in town, especially any new grades entering your building.  Your new staff needs to feel at home, too! Be sure to greet each of them and get some face time.  Ensure they know who to seek help from.  Looking for more tips? Here you go!  https://www.standtallsteve.com/blog/start-strong-setting-the-tone-for-a-successful-school-year 

Summer is so close, but a little work now will save you more work in a few months.  Beginning the school year with clear expectations is essential for reinforcing learning, maintaining motivation, and preparing for the future. Get organized before your break begins so you can offer yourself the opportunity to unplug completely. You’ve earned it! Set aside time for fun relationship-building activities in all the formalities of returning to school. Celebrate the promise of a fresh start with a new year. Best of luck, and Stand Tall! 

Meg and I will return to wrap up the school year with you.  When we return, we will have a new name, brand, and logo but still provide the same quality content to improve the climate and culture in our schools. Keep Standing Tall!

Innovative Schools Summit

See us in the Exhibition Hall! We have tables and would love to connect with you. I will host an interactive keynote, “Unlocking Climate and Culture.” Come by and say, “Hello!”

Nashville: https://innovativeschoolssummit.com/nashville/

Las Vegas: https://innovativeschoolssummit.com/vegas/ 

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• Program Flexibility (perfect for those transitioning careers) 
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Join me in the City of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia) on June 28, 29th, and 30th for the WOR retreat at Holiday Inn Express Midtown. Don't let your goldmine of knowledge and expertise go untapped. Unlock your potential as a professional speaker and trainer with Within Our Ranks. Embrace this transformative coaching program and embark on a journey to become an influential voice in educational speaking. Together, let's make an impact and inspire others through the power of effective communication.

Learn more today! https://www.withinourranks.com/ or Schedule a time to talk with me!