Access the Just ASK 2013 Closing of School Checklist

What a year this has been! We can call it pressure, excessive demands, “great expectations,” or we can call it by its more common name: stress. In these days of heightened educational accountability, stress is as prevalent as books, bells, and buses. Part of the stress administrators and teachers face each day arises from unexpected sources or unforeseen events. Additionally, many of us are simultaneously implementing the Common Core State Standards, preparing for or administrating new assessment instruments matched to those standards, undertaking new performance evaluation systems for both teachers and administrators, and continuing to strive to meet the learning and emotional needs of an ever-changing and diverse student population. Any or all of these obligations can impact us physically and emotionally.

A few years ago, a retiring superintendent concluded his final address to the leadership in the district with these words: “Take care of yourself and take care of this place.” These few but important words should be our guiding principle as we close out the 2012-2013 school year. The physical and mental health of the adults and students in our schools should not be left to chance or be an issue we will get to someday. We can’t wait for someday; some faculties are discussing this issue openly at staff meetings, not to point fingers or place blame, but to identify ways to decompress and minimize the negative impact stress can have on us and our young charges. What can you do to better take care of yourself, the staff, your colleagues, and students?

Best wishes for a successful school closing. Do find time to take a deep breath and relax!

Access the Just ASK 2013 Closing of School Checklist

Oliver, Bruce. “The Just ASK 2013 Closing of School Checklist” Just for the ASKing!April 2013. Available at www.justaskpublications.com. Reproduced with permission of Just ASK Publications & Professional Development (Just ASK). © 2013 by Just ASK. All rights reserved.