Summer.....an Appreciation!

The last day of school brings anticipation and excitement for students and teachers. Students are excited about not waking up and going to bed early. They are anticipating days without having the responsibility to study and complete homework assignments. On the other hand, teachers anticipate getting the well deserved rest and relaxation needed from the stress and strain of the school year. They plan long vacations, typically to a beach or a tropical island where the sun is bright and the water is clear. Summer is also a time to catch up with family and friends that have not been heard from in weeks and months. It is just a time for teachers and students to break from the daily and weekly grind of school.

Conversely, administrators are putting in long days, four or five days a week preparing for the upcoming school year. There are countless meetings, analyzing data, creating rosters, hiring new staff, setting goals and objectives, among other responsibilities. They reflect and discuss the lessons learned from the previous year. As I have witnessed, administrators also use this time to strengthen their relationships, and develop ways to improve their relationships with teachers and students. There job is literally year-round to try and create an environment where students and teachers can thrive. I know that they get paid handsomely to be at school, but I'm sure they think of relaxing under a cabana on a tropical island somewhere as well.

Although they are not relaxing on a sunny beach, administrators are having just as much fun planning for the challenges and successes the upcoming year will bring. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to share in these summer administrative experiences. Preparing for the year is just as rewarding!

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