Eric Nichols, EdD’s Post

The mid-July window is a unique time for school leaders. The quiet of June is officially over, and the high-energy chaos of a back to school in August hasn't quite hit yet, but it is coming and on the horizon. It’s the perfect time to transition from high-level strategy to tactical school readiness. I've created my thoughts on getting ready-to-get ready. 1) Take care of "the stuff" at home. Establish your "go-home" boundary now. Decide what time you will leave the building during the first couple weeks of school, and practice holding that line. Is it 5pm? Is it 4pm? 6? Hold the line! Practice that line now. Work in the yard until 5pm and then spend time with the those you love. Hold the line! Clear your personal to-do calendar. Get your oil changed, stock your freezer with a few quick meals, and schedule any personal appointments (dentist, check-up, eye appointement, etc.) now so they don't compete with school priorities in August. 2) Have a plan for taking care of the "BIG 3" of back to school The BIG 3 can completely derail any academic focuses you might have. i. Facilities (Room conditions, keys/key cards, technology) ii. Master Schedule (room conflicts, staff duties, student schedules/teacher rosters) iii. Communication (Staff Handbook, Welcome Back Letter, Student/Parent communications) Double-check the BIG 3 and have a plan for it when you return to your district and building. 3) Have a PD (professional development) plan. Rebuild trust and energy after the summer break. What is the BIG THING? Establish the single biggest academic and/or cultural goal for the year. Narrow down the data presentations to three slides max. Drowning by data and spreadsheets is no way to go. Show staff the target. Discuss. Attack the target with the professionals and create a plan together. Watch the magic happen! 4) Prioritize the new hires. New staff (and staff new to your building) are likely feeling a mix of excitement and quiet panic. Check in on them and help as needed. Pair new hires with a returning veteran staff member. Reach out to those veterans now to confirm they are ready to step into that mentor role on the first day. Work with your IT department to ensure new hires, and all staff for that matter, have working email addresses, laptop access, and building entry. We cannot eliminate all opening of school frictions, but we can eliminate predictable frictions. Focus energy on the systems that allow teachers and staff to walk in, teach and be successful on Day 1.