Beat this Crazy Time of Year

This time of the year gets crazy. Students have spring fever, get squirrely, and test the adults’ patience. Adults are worn down and often ready to be done for the year. The overarching theme is counting days until summer. It is so tempting and easy for us all to fall into the trap of unintentionally demonstrating our frustrations and impatience as we just try to finish another school year. The challenge before us is how do we avoid the negative tendencies and finish strong with a positive attitude?

Step one: it ALL starts with you. Each of us contributes to the culture of our classroom, school, and the district at large. Every one of us through modeling our attitudes demonstrate where our heads are at. YOU have to be intentional about staying positive, celebrating students and colleagues, and finishing strong.

Step two: don’t settle or float. It is easy to start floating the last few days of the year and just want to take easy street into the summer. Keep pushing and stay strong to the last day!

Step three: reflect on how your students and staff will remember the end of the year. Will students and staff leave in June thinking “thank goodness I’m out of that class/school” OR will they leave saying, “I’m going to miss that class and school”? You have to be the one decides to go into the summer on a high note.

As your last few days of the year wind down, be intentional in being a positive beacon to your students and colleagues and have everyone around you say, “Mr. or Mrs. _______ was so awesome to the last day”. It is hard to do as the crazy train does come through town, but our students deserve it and you will feel better when you begin your summer and reflect on how the year ended. I’ve got faith in you, and I’m cheering for you, and in your corner. Beat this crazy time of year with positivity and patience!