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Navigating the Mid-Fall Challenges: Building Resilience and Engagement in Our Schools

As secondary school administrators across Michigan, the month of October often feels like a crucial turning point in the academic year. By this time, we’ve transitioned from the hectic energy of the school year’s beginning into a steadier rhythm. However, this period also brings its own unique challenges—student engagement may begin to wane, faculty may be feeling the wear of early-year initiatives, and administrators often find themselves juggling mounting demands with the day-to-day operations of the school. It’s a time that tests our resilience and leadership in tangible ways.

In my capacity as both a high school principal and a member of the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) Board of Directors, I’ve seen how October sets the tone for the rest of the year. Here are some key strategies for addressing the challenges that many of us face this time of year, focusing on student engagement, staff morale, and proactive communication.

By mid-October, the excitement of a fresh school year often fades. Homework piles up, extracurricular activities compete for attention, and students—especially in secondary grades—can begin to feel disengaged. Our challenge as administrators is to ensure that students remain motivated and connected to their learning environments. Here are a few strategies to consider:

  1. Leverage Student Voice: One of the best ways to keep students engaged is by making them feel heard. Organizing student-led forums or leadership groups where students can express concerns, suggest activities, or provide feedback on school culture fosters a sense of ownership in their education. It also helps build a school climate that students feel personally invested in, which has been shown to improve engagement.
    • At Jenison, we utilize our Student Advocacy and Belonging team to elevate student voice.  Every month we host “Pizza with a Purpose” and invite students to stop in for a slice and to answer one central question: How can we improve JHS? We have hired a Support Systems Specialist who manages this group, they are the liaison to the administration and attend our Student Support Team meetings. 
  2. Emphasize Real-World Relevance: The “why” behind learning becomes even more critical during these mid-fall months. When students understand how what they’re learning connects to the real world—whether through project-based learning, guest speakers, or partnerships with local businesses—they’re more likely to stay engaged. Administrators can encourage teachers to integrate relevant, real-world applications into their curriculum, ensuring that students see the value in their studies.
    • At Jenison, staff are encouraged to partner with the community to expand learning outside the four walls of the classroom.  This includes guest speakers from the Chamber of Commerce, local authors, and community leaders.  In addition, action research projects such as an invasive species project at a local park or bringing in Michigan’s Chief Growth Officer to discuss efforts to grow Michigan’s population.
  3. Early Identification of Struggling Students: October is also a critical month for identifying students who may be falling behind. Data from the first quarter should provide us with clear indicators of students who need additional support. Whether it’s academic help or addressing social-emotional challenges, proactive intervention during this time can prevent more serious issues later in the school year.
    • At Jenison, our Student Support Team meets weekly to review data from three key areas: Attendance, Behavior, and Academic Performance.  Intervention systems are deployed for each group and PBIS systems are used to target intended outcomes. One example is our party cart – Administrators visit classrooms and recognize classes with zero tardies or if everyone followed the cell phone policy. 

Just as student energy can dip in October, so too can staff morale. Teachers are often juggling lesson planning, grading, and extracurricular involvement while managing the diverse needs of their students. As administrators, we have a unique responsibility to ensure our staff feels supported, motivated, and valued.

  1. Foster Collaboration and Professional Development: Professional learning communities (PLCs) are a powerful tool for boosting morale and improving instructional practices. October is an excellent time to revisit these collaborative groups, providing teachers with opportunities to share insights, challenges, and solutions. Offering targeted professional development (PD) sessions—especially ones that address specific needs teachers are encountering at this point in the year—can also reinvigorate staff. Even short, in-house PD sessions on classroom management, tech tools, or wellness strategies can make a significant difference. 
    • At Jenison, our Department Meetings inform our Building Leadership Team which then builds our Staff Meeting agendas and Professional Development planning. Topics this year have included common assessments and unit planning, AI integration, and student engagement.
  2. Acknowledge and Celebrate Successes: Teachers, like students, need recognition. Highlighting staff accomplishments, whether big or small, can lift spirits and build a sense of community. This could be done through newsletters, staff meetings, or even informal shout-outs. Recognition doesn’t always need to come from the top; facilitating peer-to-peer acknowledgments can create a more supportive atmosphere as well. 
    • At Jenison, we recognize staff as “Winning Wildcats” during staff meetings.  Every winner receives public recognition and some sort of prize (i.e. A gift card to our school coffee shop, the Green Bean)
  3. Promote Wellness: The pressures of October can weigh heavily on educators, making it an ideal time to promote wellness initiatives. Encourage teachers to practice self-care, whether through mindfulness activities, exercise programs, or simply by respecting boundaries between work and personal time. Administrators should model these behaviors by actively promoting a healthy work-life balance, acknowledging that our leadership is most effective when we take care of ourselves, too. 
    • At Jenison, we partner with local businesses to support teachers.  For example, this fall a local chiropractic business provided a massage therapist to our buildings for free teacher appointments. In addition, we know that time is always the most precious resource for teachers, so we have been intentional about giving time for teachers either through release days or through PD planning to do the work and minimize new initiatives.  Especially those not aligned with our strategic vision or building goals.  

Communication is the backbone of any successful school, and October is the time to assess how well we’re engaging with both families and the wider community. Keeping families informed about their child’s progress, upcoming events, and school policies helps build trust and keeps everyone on the same page.

  1. Parent-Teacher Conferences: Many schools schedule their first round of parent-teacher conferences in October, offering a prime opportunity to strengthen relationships with families. Administrators can help teachers prepare for these conferences by ensuring they have access to the right data and tools to communicate student progress clearly and effectively. 
    • At Jenison, we offer one night of in-person conferences with appointments scheduled digitally through Power PTC (PowerSchool) and then one night of virtual conferences through Zoom.
  2. Consistent, Transparent Updates: Regular, transparent communication with families is key to keeping them engaged and informed. Whether it’s through email newsletters, social media updates, or school websites, providing timely information helps parents feel connected to the school. Administrators should aim to maintain a balance between positive updates—such as student achievements—and any necessary discussions around challenges, such as new policies or behavioral expectations. 
    • At Jenison, we utilize our district’s Communication Department to post celebrations to all social media platforms.  I use the Smore digital newsletter for larger bi-monthly communication and our MYJPS app to push out important updates or athletic information.  

As we navigate the month of October, it’s important to recognize that this is a pivotal moment in the school year. By focusing on sustaining student engagement, supporting staff morale, and fostering proactive communication, we can ensure that our schools remain vibrant, welcoming places for learning. The challenges we face are certainly real, but they also present opportunities for growth, innovation, and community building. Let’s continue to lead with resilience and purpose, remembering that the work we do now will set the stage for the success of the entire school year.