"Parents who are leaving kindergartners -- or
any student who is new to the school -- are nervous. Have a small 'welcoming center' for them and make yourself available
to calm their worries." (Jean Carolyn Williams)
Having lists of things to do before school is
extremely important. But having lists prepared for Day One is essential! "Have lists that indicate where kids should
go when they first arrive at school. Homeroom lists should be posted everywhere. They should be copied to all staff
too. Monitors who also are carrying lists should be in the hallways, prepared to meet-and-greet and respond to questions.
The most common questions during the first days revolve around What's my schedule? and What time is lunch?
Readily available lists will help staff respond to those questions." (Doug Finelli)
Join the
Conversation
Have you a tip for ensuring that the first day of school will go smoothly? If you could give one piece of
first-day-of-school advice that you have learned from your principal-ing experience, what would that advice
be? Click to join
the conversation. Share your thoughts and ideas so others might learn from your experiences.
"Don't schedule any appointments. Keep a notebook
with you all day. Jot down things to do in your office after the last child has left the building or tomorrow -- but
don't plan or arrange to be in your office all day." (Lolli Haws)
Principal Les Potter's advice for the first day
is simple: Plan, plan, and plan. "Look at hiring staff, the master schedule, student schedules, transportation issues,
orientation, supplies, bell schedules, the school handbook, facility repairs, new student registration and schedules…
The list is long, but if you don't plan first, the first day -- or the first weeks -- can be a disaster. Review all
the possible scenarios in your head and on paper, create checklists of what you need to do, then be prepared for the
unexpected. You might even meet with an experienced principal or two from nearby schools to pick their brains about
planning for the first day." (Les Potter)
Making sure that the end of the first day of
school goes as smoothly as the start of the day is important. "At the end of the day, I like to go to each class to
see how the teacher's day went and to find out if they have any questions. I make sure to compliment them on a good
first day and to reassure them that the rest of the days will be good ones too." (Kim McLean)
Take Five more to read this entire article from Education World's "Principal Files" series: "Great Starts: Veteran Principals Offer Opening Day Tips"
(Education World -- August 1, 2003)
http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin317.shtml
Looking for more ideas for getting the school year off to a great start? Be sure to check out Education World's
Back to School theme page.
TAKE
FIVE for...
"Parents who are leaving kindergartners -- or
any student who is new to the school -- are nervous. Have a small 'welcoming center' for them and make yourself available
to calm their worries." (Jean Carolyn Williams)
Having lists of things to do before school is
extremely important. But having lists prepared for Day One is essential! "Have lists that indicate where kids should
go when they first arrive at school. Homeroom lists should be posted everywhere. They should be copied to all staff
too. Monitors who also are carrying lists should be in the hallways, prepared to meet-and-greet and respond to questions.
The most common questions during the first days revolve around What's my schedule? and What time is lunch?
Readily available lists will help staff respond to those questions." (Doug Finelli) 
"Don't schedule any appointments. Keep a notebook
with you all day. Jot down things to do in your office after the last child has left the building or tomorrow -- but
don't plan or arrange to be in your office all day." (Lolli Haws)
Principal Les Potter's advice for the first day
is simple: Plan, plan, and plan. "Look at hiring staff, the master schedule, student schedules, transportation issues,
orientation, supplies, bell schedules, the school handbook, facility repairs, new student registration and schedules…
The list is long, but if you don't plan first, the first day -- or the first weeks -- can be a disaster. Review all
the possible scenarios in your head and on paper, create checklists of what you need to do, then be prepared for the
unexpected. You might even meet with an experienced principal or two from nearby schools to pick their brains about
planning for the first day." (Les Potter)
Making sure that the end of the first day of
school goes as smoothly as the start of the day is important. "At the end of the day, I like to go to each class to
see how the teacher's day went and to find out if they have any questions. I make sure to compliment them on a good
first day and to reassure them that the rest of the days will be good ones too." (Kim McLean)