Summer may be a break for students and teachers, but for principals, it’s a critical time for preparation. The new school year will be here before you know it. Effective summer planning can set the stage for a successful year ahead. How? By ensuring that both your staff and students have the resources and support they need to thrive. Here are ten critical tasks (The Summer Big 10) for principals to complete over the summer to ensure a smooth and productive school year ahead.
The Summer Big 10
➤ You are only as effective as your staff!
When it comes to building an effective team, hiring the right people is essential. Begin by conducting thorough interviews for vacant positions, focusing on candidates who meet the qualifications and also align with your school’s vision and values. Ideally, look for people who are passionate about education, eager to collaborate, and committed to student success.
➤ Your School Improvement Plan
It’s crucial to develop a sound transition plan for staff members changing positions or grade levels. This might include mentorship from experienced colleagues, professional development opportunities, and clear communication about expectations. Ensuring your team feels supported during transitions will help maintain a positive work environment.
Update School Improvement Plans: Review and analyze student achievement data from the previous year. Identify areas needing improvement and develop targeted strategies to address these gaps. This data-driven approach ensures that your improvement plans are relevant and effective.
➤ Professional Development for the Year
Create a comprehensive professional development plan for the summer, fall, and spring. The plan should be flexible, allowing for adjustments based on new data and feedback from your staff. Make sure to collaborate with teachers to identify their professional development needs and interests. Doing this ensures the training is meaningful and impactful.
➤ Policies and Procedures
Update Policies and Handbooks: Regularly update school policies, procedures, and handbooks to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. You want to make sure these documents reflect the latest policies in your district and are clearly communicated to all staff members. These updates will help prevent misunderstandings and ensure consistency in school operations.
➤ Squeaky Clean
Maintenance Checks and Improvements: Summer is the time to conduct thorough maintenance checks of your school buildings and grounds. Collaborate with your custodial lead and district facilities director to identify and address any issues. Your job as a school leader is to ensure a safe and well-maintained environment, creating a welcoming atmosphere for students and staff.
➤ Community Partners and Parents
Parent and Community Involvement: Maintain open lines of communication with parents and community members, even during the summer. Keep your parent and community informed about important updates, events, and opportunities for involvement. Building strong relationships with these stakeholders fosters a supportive and engaged school community.
➤ Grow Your Team
Professional Development for Leaders: Stay current on educational trends and best practices by meeting with district administrators and attending professional development conferences. Continuous learning helps you lead with knowledge and confidence, ensuring your school remains at the forefront of educational innovation. As you do this, determine your administrative team’s strengths and weaknesses. Plot out how you will grow them by developing individualized growth plans for each leader.
➤ Money, Money, Money
Update Budget and Order Materials: Develop a budget for the upcoming school year and prioritize funding for necessary resources and programs. Complete department or grade-level budgets and encourage your team to order supplies or materials before school begins. This foresight ensures your school is well-equipped to support student learning from day one.
➤ Build a Schedule
Master Schedules and Contingency Plans: Use the summer to monitor and update your Master Schedules and complete your other schedules, such as supervision, sports/games, etc, pertinent to your school. For secondary schools, develop a game plan for sudden changes due to staffing shortages or section adjustments. Make sure you communicate updated plans to staff.
➤ Take a Vacation
Relax and Recharge: As a leader, it’s important to take time for yourself and have a work-life balance. When you are a well-rested and energized principal, you can lead with more enthusiasm and passion. This sets a positive tone for your entire school.
The Takeaway
Following ‘The Big 10’ will set you on a path to building a strong, effective team. In turn, this will help ensure a successful school year. Remember, as a principal, your leadership and planning are key to creating an environment where both staff and students can thrive. Starting in the summer is a vital step.
Join the Edu-Lead4Impact Newsletter to get timely information for school leadership and updates on upcoming courses.