Whether you’re stepping into the principal’s office for the first time or returning with years of experience under your belt, the start of a school year brings a flurry of tasks, expectations, and relationships to manage.
Valerie Boggan, Principal, Kalamazoo Central High School
Take intentional walks through your building with a variety of people—custodians, counselors, teachers, even students. As you walk, ask questions that stir vision:
- “What happens in this space?”
- “Does it serve us well?”
- “If you could transform it, what would you create here?”
These walks aren’t just about maintenance—they’re about unlocking possibility. See your school through fresh eyes and begin building a shared vision rooted in function, belonging and pride.
- Identify students who are chronically absent or struggling academically—and make it a mission to show up for them. Coordinate home visits to listen, learn and lift. Then, establish a team of dedicated staff members, your “Student Connectors,” who will regularly check in, build trust and champion these students throughout the year.
This isn’t just intervention. It’s restoration. It’s showing families and students that we see you, we care and we’re in this together.
- Create a Flow Map to show the primary responsibilities of Principals & Assistant Principals
JoLynn Clark, Principal, Frankenmuth High School
- The 90-day plan is a great resource for new and veteran principals.
- For new administrators, this checklist offers a structured roadmap, highlighting what to prioritize, whom to connect with, and how to quickly get oriented with the systems, culture, and operations of your building and district. Use it as a guide.
- For veteran leaders, it serves as a powerful recalibration tool, providing a fresh lens through which to re-engage with your school community, revisit building systems and strengthen professional relationships. It helps ensure alignment with district goals while encouraging continuous improvement. Use it as a reminder to always re-examine your role.
- Using this checklist in the summertime as an admin team can lead to coordinated efforts and common practices across the district.
Michael Leiter, Principal, Jenison High School
- The 90-Day checklist is a tool that should be reviewed throughout the summer as many of the items require planning and communication that will ensure a smooth start.
- Develop a mechanism to record observations/notes on your cell phone or laptop that you can access with your teams throughout the week. This is helpful as you walk the grounds, visit classrooms or interact with support staff.
- Develop a system of recognizing staff early in the school year to reinforce the building policies you want to focus on. One example is a “party cart,” which is a cart with prizes/snacks that can be pushed into random classrooms to recognize both students and staff for following the policy. Bonus points for music and lights!
Patrick Weber, Principal, Leslie Middle School
- The 90-Day Plan provides a framework for leaders to utilize regardless of their years of experience.
- Intentionally review your practice and systems, then compare them with the 90-day plan.
- Schedule your 1:1 with your staff and support people to maximize communication.
- Block out time for classroom visits/student interactions
- Add a “schedule a time” on your email signature for parents and colleagues to access.