Looking at the months of the year, determine what activities or responsibilities you must handle each month.
Please note that this list is primarily for an elementary school; however, there are many similarities with middle and high school events. Pre-planing is critical to your success regardless of whether you are in an elementary, middle or high school.
Charting the events helps ensure you do not face unnecessary surprises. You can build into your plan the more time-consuming activities, such as gathering information for writing Teacher Performance Appraisals and make sure you get that type of commitment underway during the less hectic months.
Be sure to share what is coming up each month with your administrative assistant so that she can be prepared and ready to assist in whatever capacity is necessary. Your administrative assistant can get photocopying done, forms prepared, contacts and reminders taken care of for you. Working hand in hand with your administrative assistant will make your job immensely more enjoyable and do-able!
(Please note that I am referring to capable and efficient administrative assistants. If you are not in the fortunate position to have a competent administrative assistant, then please note that I will be posting about dealing with incompetence or dysfunctional people in a future blog.)
Below you will find an outline of the events that will require your time and attention. You will need to add or delete items on this list according to your particular situation.
August
Ready for start up
Finalize class lists
Ensure calendar is finalized
September
First Day
First Week
First Staff Meeting
First Fire Drill
First Health and Safety Meeting
First Assembly
Set tone and theme
Parent Teacher Conferences
Terry Fox Run
Obstacle Race
October
Assembly
Staff Meeting
Health and Safety Meeting
Teacher Observations
Pro D
Halloween
November
Assembly
Staff Meting
Health and Safety Meeting
Teacher Observations
Report Card Preparation
December
Assembly
Staff Meeting
Health and Safety Meeting
Concert
January
Assembly
Staff Meeting
Health and Safety Meeting
Teacher Observations
Parent Teacher Conference
February
Assembly
Staff Meeting
Anti-bullying day
Health and Safety Meeting
Pro D Day
March
Assembly
Staff Meeting
Health and Safety Meeting
Teacher Observations
Report Cards
April
Assembly
Staff Meeting
Health and Safety Meeting
Teacher Observations
Budget Preparations for Next Year
May
Assembly
Staff Meeting
Health and Safety Meeting
Create Next Year’s Calendar
Staffing Meeting
Finalize Budget for Next Year
Assign Next Year’s Grades to Teachers
Finalize School Supply Orders
Teacher Observations Wrapped up
Prepare Teacher Performance Reports
June
Assembly
Class Placement Meetings
Finalize Teacher Performance Reports
Staff Meeting
Health and Safety Meeting
Organize and Distribute School Supplies
Year End Activities
Report Cards
July
Year End Wrap up
Close School for Summer
What other activities do you need to add to your calendars?
If you need details on any of the individual events listed above, please let me know in the comments and I will elaborate on any of the items.