End of Year

End of Year Resources for School Leaders

The end of the school year is a chance to reflect on the work your team has completed together. School leaders can close out the year with recognition and care by incorporating some of these practices into the final months of the school year.

Two women sit on a bench in front of a window and wall with children's drawings on it. They are smiling at each other and have notebooks in the laps.
Two women sit on a bench in front of a window and wall with children's drawings on it. They are smiling at each other and have notebooks in the laps.

A Guide to Stay Interviews

Keep great teachers by having the right conversations.
10–15 min
A hand places a notecard with handwritten notes on it in a slot mailbox.

Appreciation Avalanche

A simple teacher recognition idea.
Ongoing
Two women sit at a table with pens in hands. they write on notecards.

Quick Quarterly Questions Icebreaker

A quick staff icebreaker activity for reflecting on quarterly wins, goals, and gratitude.
15-20 min
Four women stand in front of a yellow wall placing sticky notes under pieces of paper that say "start, stop, continue."

A School Staff Exercise: Start, Stop, Continue

A start, stop, continue template that invites big conversations.
15 min
A woman sits at a desk with an open laptop on it, writing on a piece of paper. A brick wall and whiteboard are in the background.

Two Stars and a Wish

A structured peer feedback format where staff share two specific strengths and one growth suggestion.
10-15 min
Two women place sticky-notes under four posters with "learned, liked, lacked, and longed for" printed on them on a frosted glass wall. A yellow table with pens and a plant is between them.

The 4 L's Retro

A simple reflection activity to celebrate wins, spot gaps, and plan what comes next.
15-20 min
Papers are taped to a white wall with purple sticky notes stuck around them. A hand reaches in to place a note.

Sticky Note Stations

A simple way for teachers to share honest feedback and ideas anonymously.
Ongoing
Several sheets of paper, small notecards, pens, and a roll of tape lay on a light blue background.

A Collection of Little Wins

An activity to notice the people, moments, and memories that make your school special.
15-20 min
Two women look down at a notecard with handwriting on it.

Goal Buddy Pair-Ups

A simple professional development idea that builds lasting peer support.
5-10 min
A man sits at a desk in a classroom. He is looking at blank notecards and making notes in a notebook.

Glow and Grow Cards

A quick peer feedback activity for staff meetings and PD days.
5-10 min
A colorful paper chain lays on a yellow table. Two hands reach in to add another link to the chain.

Family Connection Projects

A year-round family engagement project for school leaders.
Ongoing
A woman stands in a hallway smiling while another woman hands her a small piece of paper.

Staff Meeting Exit Ticket

A quick slip for the end of a meeting or PD session to capture takeaways and questions.
2-3 min
Someone stands in front of a wood table with paper cuttters and office supplies on it. They place items in a blue folder.

Classroom Support Program

A list of tips for organizing classroom volunteer programs.
Ongoing
A large calendar lays on a table. A hand reaches in to cross out a date that says "staff meeting."

The "No-Meeting" Staff Meeting

Low-lift ways to keep staff informed and connected without another meeting.
Ongoing
A woman sits reading notecards with hand-written notes on them.

If I Were Principal...

A quick staff feedback activity that gives every teacher a voice.
10-15 min
A piece of paper with "bright futures" typed on it hangs on a white wall next to a window. Below is a string with small pieces of paper hanging on it with clothespins. A hand reaches in from the right side to hang one more piece of paper.

Student Success Story Toolkit

Celebrate student growth, recognize your teachers, and build a stronger school culture.
Ongoing (weekly or monthly)
A man sits at a desk with school supplies on it. He writes with a pencil on a piece of paper. Background is a wood wall with reels of paper.

Reflect & Refine

A set of ready-to-use reflection forms that help school leaders gather honest staff feedback throughout the year.
10-15 min
Three women sit at a table in a cluttered classroom. They converse and write while at the desk.

Vertical Planning Guide for School Leaders

A practical guide to aligning your teachers across grade levels.
30-45 min
A man sits at a desk with a notebook, coffee cup, and open laptop. He fills in a bingo card with a blue pen.

Family Connection Bingo

A bingo card full of family engagement activities.
Ongoing

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