Desk Drops & Daily Joy
A toolkit for school leaders to show appreciation, strengthen staff connection, and celebrate the everyday.
Ongoing
Take Ten
A simple way for school leaders to give teachers and staff a 10–15 minute break during the school day.
Molly Bartek-Miller
By stepping in to cover a classroom, duty, or activity, leaders create a small moment of support that can have a big impact on staff wellbeing.
Why try it
Some of the most meaningful acts of support are also the simplest. Giving a staff member ten uninterrupted minutes to grab a snack, take a walk, catch their breath, or simply reset sends a clear message: I see how hard you're working, and I want to help. These small breaks can boost morale, strengthen relationships, and remind staff they don't have to carry everything alone.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Create your coverage plan
Use the included Take Ten! Schedule to identify times when you or another school leader can cover classrooms, supervision duties, or other responsibilities. Decide whether staff will sign up, be assigned a time, or rotate through the schedule.
2
Invite staff to participate
Introduce the idea during a staff meeting, in a newsletter, or through email. Let staff know the goal is simple: give them a few minutes to step away, recharge, and return refreshed. Share how the schedule will work and encourage everyone to take advantage of it.
3
Cover and connect
When it's someone's turn, step in and cover their classroom or duty for 10–15 minutes. Engage with students, support the learning environment, and leave behind a quick note of encouragement for the staff member when they return.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Busy season boost
Schedule Take Ten! breaks during particularly demanding times of year, such as conferences, testing windows, report cards, or the weeks leading up to breaks.
Team coverage day
Recruit assistant principals, instructional coaches, counselors, or district leaders to help cover classrooms so more staff members can participate in a single day.
Surprise Take Ten
Instead of a sign-up schedule, surprise a few staff members throughout the month with an unexpected break and a note of appreciation.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Be consistent
Leave a note after each coverage shift to recognize something you appreciate about the staff member.
Leader Tip #2
Utilize the coverage activity ideas
Find a quick way to engage students while you're in the classroom.
Leader Tip #3
Small moments stick
A few minutes may not seem like much, but small moments of support are often remembered the longest.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Molly Bartek-Miller
Teacher
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