The end of the school year is near, but there’s not a moment to relax! These days are some of the busiest for administrators who are simultaneously ending one year and preparing for the next. All of this comes at a time when staff absences increase and substitute teacher availability decreases. Then, there are behavioral referrals, which jump in numbers at this point of every school year, taking precious time out of the days.
Here’s a detailed plan of action to help you finish the year strong!
Staff and Students
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Make time to chat with your faculty and staff about the year. Take note of common concerns to address as well as those positive procedures to keep in place.
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Finalize all staff walkthrough observations and evaluations.
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Provide teachers with a checklist of steps to close classrooms for the summer.
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Is staff in place for the following year? Schedule interviews as needed.
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Review grades. Remind teachers to communicate with parents about any concerns before sending grades home.
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Meet with committee members to finalize reports and share future plans.
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Find ways to recognize all students, not just those who excel in sports, fine arts, or academics.
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Allow students to leave a legacy. For example, paint rocks for a garden, construct a mural, or take whole class photos to hang in the building.
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Connect with students. Many students are counting down the days with a sense of dread. The place they call home might not have clean facilities, a consistent food supply, caring adults, or reliable utilities. Find out what your students may need and work to line up services if possible.
Classrooms and Equipment
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Create the master schedule for next year.
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Schedule check-in dates with the IT Department for devices. Work with teachers to share learning activities that don’t require technology for the remainder of the year.
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Collect all library books and textbooks for proper storage.
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Complete any orders for books and supplies for the upcoming school year.
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Close out and audit financial records for the year.
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Take inventory of furniture, electronics, books, and other equipment and supplies.
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Consult with custodial staff about their needs for repairs, remodeling, and groundskeeping over the summer. Share information about room changes or furniture to move. Communicate the dates when teachers can't come into the building due to deep cleaning processes.
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Is your building used throughout the summer for summer school, sports camps, extracurricular clubs, or professional development sessions? Make sure to get the names and contact information of the people in charge of those events.
Personal Reflection and Growth
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Reflect on the year. What worked and what needs adjustments?
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Review your career goals and needs. What are the next steps in your professional life?
Regardless of the challenges you faced during the school year, take the time to celebrate together. Dr. Stephen Gilbreth, Principal of Joplin High School in Joplin, MO, ends every school year the same way. He grabs a guitar and sings “Time of Your Life” by Green Day to the staff and students. Maybe these lyrics will lift your spirits, too, as you create your own traditions to close out the school year.
Think ahead by investigating math and science solutions that are serious fun.
