Sometimes, we have last-minute conversations with families who want to make a change to an IEP for the upcoming year. This could be based on moving to a new school, building, or program. Make sure that you have those documents ready to work for students to meet their needs before you pack your classroom up for the year. Then anyone that picks up that IEP document can have a great start to providing the services that student needs!

REFLECTING ON THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR

First, think about what worked and didn’t work in your classroom this past year. Perhaps a center you had dreamed up just didn’t keep the students engaged like you hoped. Maybe you used a great morning activity that you would love to continue into the next year. You may have learned about a great way to communicate with parents during the year but didn’t have the time or materials to start it up. But now, that you have some time off you want to implement it for the upcoming year. I love taking all these types of ideas and putting them in a list or simple chart to evaluate and figure out ways to get better.

All of this is perfect to start thinking about at the end of the year. Even if you don't know where you will be teaching there are some strategies and ideas that lend themselves well to tons of types of teaching roles. I've moved to different positions in my career but, I still have core values and routines that have stuck with me along the way.

HELPING FAMILIES PREPARE FOR THE SUMMER

As teachers, we should also have a goal of communication and providing support to families no matter what time of year it is. When it's the end of the year we often think that we just need to say goodbye but there is so much more we could do to help!

As a parent myself, I know I am always looking for something to provide my children structure during the summer. It makes things run better when everyone knows the schedule and routine. As a teacher, I like to provide families that support with ideas of things they can do with their children in the summer. Many parents are concerned that their child will lose skills over the sum

mer and look to me as their teacher to have information that can help. Some things I like to provide or help with are:

"I LOVE TAKING ALL OF MY IDEAS FOR IMPROVING NEXT YEAR AND PUTTING THEM IN A LIST OR SIMPLE CHART TO EVALUATE AND FIGURE OUT WAYS TO GET BETTER."

Each of the items listed can be simply shared with families or if you have the time you can provide some of the materials needed. This could be printing the visuals for the schedule, providing printed worksheets, or a list of life skills activities as suggestions. Most of the families I have worked with in the past loved if I could give them easy actionable ideas with little preparation on their part. I'd save these lists and use them year after year.

USE YOUR RESOURCES CAREFULLY

Do you get reimbursed for the materials that you buy for your classroom? All the lamination, Velcro, and dry-erase markers that you might have spent your own money on. If so, it's time to make sure that you have compiled all the receipts and you've been compensated. Not every district will do this, or they may only do it for a certain amount, but if you are lucky you should be sure to use it.

Do you get reimbursed for college classes or training you paid to attend earlier in the school year? Make sure you are getting that information into your school's business department. They will get you back the money you invested to grow profes

sionally that you are owed. Many schools do this because they want to support their teachers in learning new skills and techniques to benefit those students in the district. Check your teacher contract (if you have one) to see if this is something you can take advantage of.

Another great idea is if you get a budget for your classroom spend all that money. Don't let the dollars you receive go to waste. Even if you use an idea you have for the next year to get supplies now. Remember the reflection I told you to do? And that new idea you wanted to try in your classroom? Use those extra dollars to buy the folders, book shelf, or flexible seating options you've always wanted!

Did you get gift cards from parents that showed you appreciation during the holidays or teacher appreciation week? You can look for ways to spend this money to better your classroom for next year. Whether it’s getting a new carpet for your morning meetings or buying new caddies for your supply stations. At the end of the year we often may notice some items are worn out and need replacing. That money our families provided us with can come in handy to support future classes.

TAKING CARE OF YOUR STAFF

It's crucial to make sure you are showing the people that help you run your classroom some appreciation. I try to make a habit of this several times a year and not just at the end but sometimes things get busy. Instead of looking then for what you need have it in the back of your mind all year. Every time you go to a store check out the clearance, gift, or school supply sections. You can find some great deals on items that come in handy as gifts for paraprofessionals, co-teachers, or even student teachers!

Once I have those items I have a bin of gifts I keep in my teacher closet. It's a milk crate with sticky notes, fun pens, thank you cards, word search books, small candles, and other stuff! I'm sure you can think of more things than I could, especially if you know what those people like. I often will have my staff complete a survey at the beginning of the year. It gives me an idea of what they like so I know what to look for as gifts!