July - A New Year
As many new leaders begin to transition into their respective roles and responsibilities, I am optimistic that they will continue to foster a sense of belonging for all students. As I often share, our students do not choose where they go to school or where they will be served; however, they still want to be valued, seen, heard, and respected. We, as leaders, are called and chosen to serve in our roles within their communities.
Our teachers, like our Gen Z/Gen A students, want relationships deeply rooted in trust, where they are empowered to be creative and bold. They seek the autonomy to take risks and be innovative, and they deserve recognition for their contributions to the classroom, school, and community.
As a current or new leader, it is essential to ensure that the school year starts on the right foot for not just your students and families, but also your teachers. Whether you’re in the same position as last year or stepping into a new one, processing these success criteria is vital to making the 2024-2025 school year a success.
Listen: If you are returning, ask about what worked and what didn’t. If you are new, engage in conversations to understand various perspectives.
ACTIVITY: Keep/Start/Stop - This quick and easy activity helps gauge what is working (keep), what is not (stop), and what could work (start). This allows you to ask questions and seek to understand, ensuring you foster a sense of belonging, a culture of accountability, and that all voices are heard and matter.
Communicate: Be clear in your communication and expectations. Ongoing and continuous communication is critical to success. If you do not tell your story, someone else will, and it’s not always from the same perspective. Moreover, if you are not consistent with your communication, people begin to form their own opinions and perspectives, telling a false narrative of the current situation. Be mindful of how frequently you communicate and where you can improve to ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the happenings within your communities and spaces. Lastly, share the positives - there are great things happening all over the world!
ACTIVITY: Weekly Newsletter - Send weekly updates with all the happenings within your building or departments. As a principal, I would send weekly memos with data points, upcoming events, and shout-outs. As a cabinet member, I would send out department updates with similar content. This keeps a pulse on what is happening and allows team members to have transparency and consistency.
Be PRESENT: Be involved, intentional, visible, and active. Participate in or plan summer events. Host back-to-school events, popsicle with the principal, a back-to-school bash for your staff or students, or even go to community homes (apartments, houses, condos) and set up an office to engage with your stakeholders. When you, as a leader, are more visible and active within your community, you foster relationships with high levels of trust.
Be Flexible and Adaptable: Flexibility is crucial in education. We must pivot and adapt regularly. Be open to change and feedback. Be flexible and adaptable to ensure that all decisions are rooted in what’s best for students.
Congratulations to each of you as you serve in your roles within your communities and districts. They are better because of it. We are better because of you. As you plan for the new school year, please reach out and connect with me. I look forward to hearing your stories, your focused work, and the incredible things you are doing for your students, staff, and community.
Keep shining bright! You’re awesome!
- Dr. C