At certain times and places, it can look pretty quiet outside of our school buildings over the summer.  The sudden shift of students, staff, and families streaming in and out of the schools each day during the school year is a stark contrast to the seemingly quiet summer days.  But, our schools are far from desolate.

Along with our normal maintenance, grounds, and custodial staff, we employ summer workers to help clean and organize our classrooms, hallways, offices, and spaces.  Due to differing student enrollments from year to year, some classrooms will be packing up their belongings and moving to other classrooms.  The summer also serves as a great opportunity to deep clean areas as well as repair things that may need special attention without students in the building as not to disrupt learning.  

The summer is also filled with employing staff members to fill vacancies for the upcoming school year.  I have been in three districts previously, and I can say that we have thorough, transparent practices that allow us to engage in teams to identify people who will be a great addition to our school family.  In addition to extensive paper screening, staff members invest time interviewing candidates and conducting reference checks.  

In our school and district offices, our administrators and administrative assistants continue to finalize reports and documents at the local, state, and federal levels to conclude the last school and fiscal year and prepare for the next ones. They also connect with other staff members to finalize class lists and schedules, making time to welcome new students and families to our schools and community. 

From a technology standpoint, much work must be done to prepare for a new year across many of the district’s essential systems. Improvements to cyber security, configuration changes to match changes to district practices, and the launch of new systems and equipment are big parts. Three technology orientations are held to help get new staff up to speed. Our technology team also works across the district to inventory, update, and organize all of the technology devices. In addition to laptops and desktops, updating projection and video equipment allows the staff to be ready in the Fall to maximize student learning.  We are also working on redesigning our district website to launch in late Fall!

The summer affords not only an opportunity for our staff to relax, reconnect with family and friends, and reflect on the previous school year, but it also allows them to plan for the upcoming year.  Our curriculum office provides professional learning opportunities to staff to receive training and support in English language arts, math, literacy, and intervention.  In addition to professional learning, we do have amazing staff members who are working with students to provide intervention and support through summer school.

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that student groups are in our schools and athletic facilities throughout the summer for summer school, athletic training, and intervention.  It definitely provides a shot in the arm for me when I see students in the summer!  While a lot of work happens during the school year, I am just as appreciative and thankful for our staff for their hard work over the summer!  But, I have to admit that I am already excited for the first day of school in the Fall!

#OneOakwood