With another intense school year winding down, it can be tempting to check out. But now is an especially crucial time to strengthen relationships with students and families, said school counselor Michael Creekmore and instructional coach Nita Creekmore in a recent ASCD webinar.
“We’re entering that phase where all we can think about is being on the beach somewhere,” said Michael Creekmore. But relationship-building, done right, can not only "help you close out the school year strong, but move into the next school year even stronger.”
The Creekmores laid out several steps to end the year in communal and connective ways:
- Reflect with this year’s students. Now is the time to take a look in the rearview mirror at what’s happened over the school year. Either one-on-one, in a group, or through journaling, ask students: How did the year go for you? What are you most proud of? What are areas you could still grow in? Sharing pieces of those conversations with families—in an email, a newsletter, a call or note home—can be a good way to create a sense of closure for this year and excitement for the next one.
- Give everyone a clean slate. While it might be tempting to let colleagues know about difficult experiences with certain students or families, kids deserve a fresh start, said Nita Creekmore. “Just because they had a previous negative experience this year doesn’t mean it’s going to be the same thing next year." This isn't to say that teachers shouldn't share constructive information with one another about students from one year to the next, but be cautious about giving too many sweeping impressions before the next teacher and student have a chance to get to know one another.
- Be personal. It’s important to check in on basic information for next year's classes, like name preferences and whether students are a car or bus rider—but equally necessary is thinking about what personal information you will share with families in an introductory email or newsletter. Whether it’s what school you attended or what your favorite food is, “it’s important for families to know who is teaching their children,” said Michael Creekmore.
“As parents of four children, we can say the little things absolutely matter,” the Creekmores concluded.
School Is Almost Out, Now What?
If you missed Michael and Nita Creekmore's recent ASCD webinar, a free recording is available.
If you missed Michael and Nita Creekmore's recent ASCD webinar, a free recording is available.
