Tips for Closing Out the School Year
As we approach the end of the school year, it is essential to stay organized and on track so that you can leave school on the last day; on time. Educators that show up every day for their students and work hard to ensure quality education deserve that hard-earned summer break. Here is how I was able to turn in my classroom keys when the last bell rang.
A month before school ends, make a checklist of tasks you must complete before the end of the school year. Make sure you include due dates. If you are not sure of closeout procedures, ask an experienced teacher, a mentor, or an administrator for help developing your checklist. Many schools have closeout procedures in writing. Things like where to store materials, paperwork, updating records, etc., are on the list. If they are not ready to share a new list, ask if you can have a copy of last school year's list. In my experience, the list does not change much from year to year. Even an old list should be helpful. Once you have your list, start checking off items.
Clean up, clean up, everybody clean up. Purge a section of your classroom each week during the final month of the school year. Slowly take down signs and box materials that you will not use. If you have to take down anchor charts and signs for the end of the year testing, keep them down and put them away. Before taking down and boxing up, take pictures of your current classroom set-up. You might want to arrange your classroom similarly next school year or move things around, either way having those pictures will be valuable. The pictures will serve as a reminder of what worked and needed changes.
Throw away or give away materials or supplies that you do need. Avoid hoarding materials. If you don't need it, let it go. As you purge, organize, and label materials. Use QR Codes and a Google Doc to keep up with materials. As you pack, create a list of materials in each container on a Google Doc. Make a QR Code for your Google Doc and put the QR code on the box. Next school year, you will be able to scan the QR Code and know exactly what is in the container.
Keep teaching, the school year is not over until the last day. Believe me when I tell you breaking your routine will signal to students that the school year is over. Sticking to your routine will; help maintain structure, limit behavior challenges, and remind students that they are in school and must continue to follow the rules. Incorporate a few fun activities like making a yearbook, or class memoir to add fun while maintaining order.
Before you leave the school, take some time to reflect. Some years are great, and some are challenging. No matter what kind of year you experienced, take some time to reflect on what went well, who was an ally, and what changes you want to make next year? Take a few notes and email them to your personal email, then go and enjoy your summer. Before beginning next school year, review your notes to see if they are still applicable and act accordingly.
Finally, celebrate successes. Teachers often recount the most challenging parts of their jobs. The students did not listen, or the parents complained a lot, or the administrator that went out of their way to make things difficult. I want to encourage thinking about the good parts of being an educator. Focusing on things like the students growing socially and academically. The parent that loved you and told you so every chance they got or the time the administrator did something that made you smile. You have worked hard and made it to the end of the school year; celebrate.
Preparing for the end of the school year can make turning in the keys to your classroom quicker and easier on the last day. After all, you have worked hard and summer is calling your name. Go and enjoy your time away from the classroom.
