Wednesday, July 30, 2025

3 MUST-DOs for Principals to Start the School Year Strong

The first weeks of a new school year sets the tone for the months ahead. As a principal, this is your opportunity to establish culture, build relationships, and create a clear vision for success. Here are three MUST-DOs to ensure you and your school community start the year on the right foot.


1. Be Highly Visible and Accessible

Your presence matters. Greet students at arrival, walk the hallways, and visit classrooms EVERY DAY. This isn’t about monitoring, it’s about connection. When teachers, students, and parents see you actively engaged in the life of the school, they feel supported and valued.

2. Clearly Communicate Expectations and Priorities

The start of the year is the perfect time to set the tone for your school culture. Ensure staff, students, and families understand your vision and the key priorities for the year. Provide clarity around requirements, goals, and how success will be measured.

3. Build Relationships Before Diving Into Initiatives

Strong relationships are the foundation of school success. Invest time early on in building trust with your staff, students, and families. Attend events, listen to concerns, and celebrate small wins. People will be more open to feedback and new initiatives when they know you value them as individuals.


The first few weeks of school are not about perfection. They are about presence, clarity, and connection. Keep working to set a strong foundation for a successful year ahead.




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