School Administrator's Clip File • July 8, 2020
Recharge your batteries in four steps
This has been an incredibly stressful school year. These four strategies can help you have a relaxing, yet productive, summer—so you can face the challenges of the upcoming school year with renewed energy and optimism:
- Unplug from technology. Schedule digital-free times when you won’t check your email or social media. Instead, be completely present in whatever you are doing.
- Do something meaningful. Whether it’s taking a class or volunteering for an important cause, participate in an activity that will help you meet your goals and connect with others.
- Get a jump start. Make a list of things that worked well this past school year and things you want to change. Think about the tasks you need to accomplish in the fall and try to get a head start on a few of them.
- Goof off! Give yourself permission to spend time just relaxing. Take a leisurely walk, read a fiction book or have a long chat with a friend.
Engage parents for academic success
Studies consistently show that a positive home environment contributes to student success—especially when students are learning from home. Remind parents that:
- Regular schedules and routines help children develop the independence and self-discipline they need to succeed in school.
- Effective discipline begins with establishing clear rules and consequences—and enforcing them consistently.
- Children perform better when they know what is expected of them. When parents set high and reasonable expectations, children are more likely to meet those expectations.
Did you know?
The American Academy of Pediatrics issued a statement calling for in-person learning this fall. In part, it reads: “The AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming school year should start with a goal of having students physically present in school. The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on children because of school closures in the spring of 2020.” You can read the entire statement here: niswc.com/SACF_AAP.