President's Perspective

Ending The School Year Strong

Dr. Karla Neathery, AAEA Board President

The end of the school year is a whirlwind, but with a good plan, you can ensure a smooth transition and set the stage for a successful year ahead. This checklist will help you wrap up the current year and lay the groundwork for next year.

Wrap Up the School Year

• Finalize student records: Ensure all grades and transcripts are finalized and accurate.

• Solidify building budgets: This can help teachers get the right supplies, digital tools and resources they need.

• Schedule summer maintenance: Coordinate with custodial staff to schedule any necessary cleaning, repairs, or renovations for the summer.

• Communicate with parents: Send a final communication to parents outlining important dates, summer learning resources, and information about the upcoming school year.

Reflect on the Past Year

• Review data and reports: Analyze test scores, attendance data, and program evaluations to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement

• Gather feedback: Conduct surveys with staff, parents, and students to gain insights into the school climate and areas for improvement.

• Reflect on goals: Assess how well the school achieved its goals for the year.

Celebrate accomplishments

• Recognize staff achievements: Publicly acknowledge and celebrate the hard work of your teachers and staff.

• Celebrate student achievements: Organize end-of-year awards ceremonies or celebrations to recognize student success.

Finalize Staff Matters

• Complete evaluations: Finalize all teacher and staff evaluations.

• Plan for staffing changes: If there are staff changes, finalize the hiring process or identify temporary replacements.

• Scheduled professional development: Plan professional development opportunities for the upcoming year based on identified needs

Plan for the Upcoming Year

• Develop strategic plan: Use data and feedback for the previous year to develop a strategic plan for the upcoming year.

• Order supplies: Order necessary supplies and materials for the next school year.

• Review/update policies: Review school policies and procedures and make any necessary updates.

Take Care of Yourself

• Schedule downtime: Plan some time for relaxation and rejuvenation before the next school year begins.

By following an end of the year checklist, you can ensure a smooth end of the current school year and a successful start to the next. Remember, taking care of yourself is also important - schedule some time to relax and recharge before the next year's adventure begins!