Inside: The last thing teachers want to do is think about the upcoming school year before the current one is over. However, incorporating a few end-of-school-year organization tips can help you start on the right foot next year!
Tips That Have Saved My Sanity
You know the drill. The new school year brings numerous meetings and little time for room prep. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I could take some of the beginning of year stressors off my plate. These are little end-of-school-year organization tips that are tried and true! I spend my summers relaxing, traveling, and smiling because my school “basics” aren’t lingering in my mind.
These tips help me leave pretty early on our last contract day!
Tip #1: Take Pictures
Don’t even try to memorize one more thing this year. Plus, this will prevent frustration at the beginning of the year. Does anyone have items that end up on the other side of the building?
- Room layout (desks, tables, storage, etc.)
- Bookshelves
- Cabinets
- Centers/Stations
- Technology (iPad cart, etc.)
- iPad folders & apps (just in case the district wipes devices over the summer)
Tip #2: Refresh Your Items & Space
Nothing is more of a buzzkill than having to replace items in between 573 meetings. Do it over the next month and breathe a sigh of relief.
- Look for labels that are peeling or wrinkled
- Replace and/or laminate items that you always use now (name tags, locker tags, etc.)
- Make new labels or cut out laminated items over the summer at your leisure
- Books (assess, repair, donate, give away in a student raffle, etc.)
- Toys and games (tape those loose boxes and/or find new tubs)
- Label your items (remember that items “walk away” over the summer…see Tip #1)
Tip #3: Change Your Calendars
On the last day or two of school, change your calendars. It sounds so simple, but again, one less task later!
- You’ll have a current calendar to look out without fumbling around
- Change your Velcro calendar or student calendar (Calendar Math/Morning Meeting area)
- Desk calendars
Tip #4: Make Copies
Yes, I know you think I’m crazy! If you have a few things that you always do on the first day and/or week make those copies now! You’ll thank me later, I promise!
- You can even pull books that you always read and tuck them into the worksheets. Store in a cabinet or shelf, and voila, they’re ready to grab and go!
Tip #5: Email Management
- Set an “out of office” message (I’m serious)
- Print or save emails
- Delete and/or reorganize your folders
Tip #6: Purge & Shred
Do an inventory of your entire room. Students always love taking home “school items” if you’re allowed to do that.
- If you didn’t use it this year, reevaluate if you need it
- File cabinets (yikes!)
- Make a shred box if your school doesn’t have one and get rid of student lists, work samples, and tests. *Check with your administration first if you don’t know the procedure for destroying tests.
Tip #7: Leave Yourself a Positive Note
Write a quick note to yourself with a compliment from this year or something you love about yourself.
- Leave it inside your desk or somewhere that you’ll remember. When you open that location next year, you’ll have an instant smile on your face!
Tip #8: Prep Student Presents & Awards Early
Don’t be that teacher that’s scrambling the night before an Awards Assembly writing awards (or trying to find awards in the first place).
- If you give your students an end-of-year present, certificate, or award…do it now. Yes, right now!
My ALL-TIME favorite end-of-school-year tip
Tip #9: Recruit Help
Students are excellent helpers and can do a lot more than you think. I’ve taught Kindergarten and 4th grade, and with a little training, both have ROCKED the end-of-school-year cleanup!
- Carry & organize books
- Remove labels
- Test markers (throw away dried out or smushed tipped ones)
- Clean out lockers/cubbies
- Dust with a Swiffer or sock
- Wipe down iPads
- Erase random pencil marks on walls and/or door
- Peel off the tape from random surfaces
HUMOR ALERT: They might’ve even been the one to put the pencil and/or tape there in the first place…that’s always a funny discovery. Hey, they’re honest!
Tip #10: Relax
Spend one prep period or lunch break doing something fun. Watch Netflix, listen to music, really be present in the moment.
- Pat yourself on the back, you’ve earned it!
- Smile because you’re ready for next year, and you’ll reap the rewards in a few months!
Disclaimer: I don’t change my bulletin board trim or theme from year to year. I selected one theme that keeps me happy each year, and that saves me so much time! If you like changing it yearly, great…start now or get a little done before the beginning of the year. If you’re looking for some awesome decor, check out Melanie at SchoolGirl Style! I have the Midnight Paisley design line if you’re curious!
Happy Organizing,
Explore. Travel. Read. Repeat.
