00:00:00] Welcome to The Principal’s Handbook! In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about how to make the most of your summer as a principal. Whether you’re working in the summer with no teachers or taking time off, this episode will help you balance productivity and rest. Stay tuned!

I’m Barb Flowers, your host and certified life coach with eight years of experience as an elementary principal. Each week, I share strategies to boost mental resilience, manage time effectively, and prioritize self-care. Together, we’ll navigate the challenges of school leadership and reignite your passion for the job, all while focusing on your wellbeing.

As we all know, summer can pass by quickly, and if it’s not planned well, we can end up feeling like we’ve accomplished nothing before the new school year starts. Whether you’re off completely or working in the building without students and staff, having a clear plan is key. Summer should be a balance of productivity and rest. You want to return to school feeling refreshed and excited. But if you work too much, it may feel like you didn’t truly get a break. On the other hand, if you don’t do any work, it might feel like you’ve accomplished nothing.

Today, I want to share three areas of focus for making the most of your summer as a principal.

1. Focus on Your Wellbeing
Summer is the perfect time to establish healthy habits that will carry over into the school year. It’s much easier to create a routine when you’re not under the pressure of a busy school schedule. Use the summer to implement an exercise routine, start meal planning, and practice mindfulness.

• Exercise: If you’re not already active, summer is a great time to begin. Exercise boosts your energy, improves your mood, and supports overall health.

• Meal Planning: Healthy meals will help you feel energized and reduce stress. Without a plan, I tend to grab whatever is easy, but meal prepping ensures I make healthier choices that fuel my body and mind.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices are crucial for managing stress. Just five minutes of meditation each day can improve your nervous system and help you regulate stress, preventing burnout and improving long-term health.

If you’re not focusing on these practices, especially as a principal, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Use the summer to set yourself up for success by developing habits that will help reduce stress during the school year. Trust me, it makes a huge difference in how you feel when you return to school.

2. Plan for the Opening Meeting with Teachers
Your opening meeting is critical. It sets the tone for the entire school year, so it’s important to approach it thoughtfully. Use this time to:

• Revisit Expectations: Review any expectations that weren’t met last year and set new, clear goals for the upcoming year.

• Acknowledge Concerns: Address any concerns or suggestions that staff may have expressed at the end of the previous year.

• Empathy: Recognize that teachers are often stressed and anxious about preparing for the school year. Keep the meeting productive but mindful of their time and needs. Make sure to engage teachers with activities and discussions to keep them involved.

I’ve always found that a well-planned opening meeting, where expectations are clear and the tone is positive, helps teachers feel confident and ready to start the year.

3. Prepare for New Initiatives and Policies
Summer is a great time to research and plan for any new initiatives or changes that will be implemented in the coming year. Whether it’s a new curriculum, policies, or state mandates, use your summer to develop a detailed plan for how to implement these changes successfully.

• Professional Development (PD): Plan the PD sessions you’ll need for teachers to ensure they feel confident about the new initiatives. I’ve found that providing ongoing PD throughout the year helps teachers feel supported and reduces stress when new curricula or changes are introduced.

• Clear Communication: Develop a communication plan to keep teachers informed and offer support when they need it. Whether it’s through PLCs, Q&A sessions, or math committees, ensure that teachers know where to turn for help and that they are well-prepared.

Having a solid plan for new initiatives and clear communication about expectations will help teachers feel supported and confident, reducing any anxiety about upcoming changes.

Bonus Tip: Focus on Coaching
Coaching can be a great way to work toward your goals this summer. If you’re interested in one-on-one coaching, I offer a free consult to help you identify where you are, where you want to be, and how to bridge that gap. If you’re looking to improve your leadership and achieve specific goals, coaching can give you the clarity and support you need.

To wrap up, remember that summer is about balancing productivity with rest. Prioritize your wellbeing, plan your opening meeting with teachers, and prepare for new initiatives so you can go into the school year feeling confident and energized. And if you’re looking for additional support, coaching is a great option to help you focus on your goals.

If you’re interested in coaching or need help developing a nutrition plan, I’m starting a nutrition group on July 8th. Feel free to reach out to me at Barb@barbflowerscoaching.com.

I hope you have a productive and restful summer. If you’re enjoying the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Keep in mind, you have the power to shape your life and leadership through the mindset you choose.

See you next time!