Back to school is an exciting and challenging time! Here’s some advice from the consultants at Edwards Ed Services to make it a great year.
- “Administrators, schedule yourself to be with students. Always be out front when the kids arrive and be there when they leave. Ride buses. Play basketball at recess. Walk around and chat with kids during lunch. Get to their competitions outside of school. Play chess with them in your office or invite a group of kids to eat with you in your office- modify the stigma of the “Principal’s Office”. Ask them questions during your classroom walk-throughs. Read to them and have them read to you. Let them know that they are the most important part of your school life.” –Debbie
- “Smile and remember what it felt like to be a student on the first day of class! Meeting new teachers, getting adjusted to a new schedule, and finding somewhere to sit at lunch can be overwhelming for many students.” –Michelle
- “Our youngest is starting school this week. His teacher’s welcome letter said that her room would be full of Love, Laughter, and Learning. Two days later, his teacher called our home when she heard that he had had his tonsils and adenoids removed. My wife and I were really impressed that she called especially since school had not even started and she has never met our son. At the end of the week, he received a get well soon card and a gift card from Dairy Queen from her. These kind gestures have taken away any fear or apprehensions we may have had about his first days of school. It is my hope that ALL students could be in a room that is full of Love, Laughter, and Learning. –Darrin
- “To ensure student achievement, highly engaging instruction and student-focused learning it is imperative for all school leaders to set their school’s Vision, Mission, Theories of Action and Learning Expectations for the start of the school year. These school-wide expectations must be presented to all members of the learning community as the academic “road map” from which to follow. In fact, they should also be communicated as “non-negotiables.” Successful implementation of learning expectations and organizational change occurs when specific structures are in place, when on-going support is part of the school’s culture, and positive, focused, and immediate feedback is offered by administrators.” –Nancy
- “Teachers, let go of last year. This is a new beginning. Learn the strengths of your students, your colleagues and your parents. Practice positive interactions and build relationships with all constituents.” –Debbie
