Back to school basics

​Time sure does fly when you’re having fun!  Summertime is over and it’s time to trade the tank tops and flip flops for the suit and heels.  The beginning of school is an exciting time.  For educators, it’s another year to make a difference in the lives of a new group of children.  As the campus leader, how you start the year is paramount to a successful school year.  The principal sets the tone for the year… for staff members, students, and parents.  Below are a few tips on how to start the year off right.
 
Staff Members

• Send a welcome letter to all staff members
  • Welcome them back with enthusiasm and positivity
  • Give them the outline of the staff days
    • Denote days they’ll be in campus training, district training, and days they will be able to work in their rooms
    • Inform them of the dress code for each day
    • Include the day and time for Meet the Teacher
• Be wise in scheduling back to school staff trainings
  • Start light
    • Play games to get to know each other
    • Introduce new staff members
    • Announce summer marriages or new babies
    • Share summer vacation trips
    • Introduce the theme for the year
  • Go heavy
    • Talk data from the previous year
    • Have teams determine goals for the new year
    • Train teachers on appraisal system
      • For Texas principals, have teachers work on their goals for the new year
  • End light
    • Take staff picture
    • Allow teachers to work in rooms to prepare for Meet the Teacher Night
• Offer teacher tips on how to greet parents and students on Meet the Teacher Night
  • Greet every parent and student as they enter the room
  • Have directions on the board so parents/students will know what to do if you are talking to another parent/student when they walk in
  • Make sure you personally meet each student and parent

 
Students

• Schedule a Leadership Academy for the “seniors” on your campus
  • I did a 5th grade Leadership Academy open to all 5th graders on the campus
  • We trained the students on leadership skills
  • We introduced them to the different jobs they can have on campus
• Schedule a day/activity for students to come to the school before the year begins to start their year on a positive note
  • My first year on a campus as principal, I invited students to come up on a Saturday to help re-paint the paws in the parking lot
    • This gave the parents and students an opportunity to meet me, but also gave them a positive way to prepare their school for the new year
• Be visible in the hallways and around the building during Meet the Teacher Night
• Greet students by name whenever you see them

 
Parents

• Send a postcard with important Back to School dates
• Post pictures of students with their parents at Back to School activities on social media
• Show them that you are happy to have their child at your school

 
What activities do you have scheduled for your staff, students, and parents?